One of my best memories was going to Great Yarmouth races with my Dad. I was a wet-behind-the-ears teenager and naive about horse racing, especially betting. I remember seeing a smartly dressed gentleman, with a weather-beaten pair of binoculars hanging around his neck, racing badges adorning the strap. He must have been a regular to every racecourse because it looked to me that he had hundreds of badges. I couldn’t help but think he had lots of stories to tell.
These days, fewer horse racing fans take binoculars to the course. I guess they can be a burden carrying them all day, even cumbersome hanging around your neck.
The old bloke had a giant pair of ‘spy glasses’ more akin to viewing tanks on a battle field than horses running around a bend.
However, he had a knowing smile.
I often visit Great Yarmouth horse racing fixtures and I see one or two racegoers with their trusty binoculars.
When I see them, I think they know something others don’t and an understanding why those binoculars are important. I can guarantee they take their gambling seriously and it pays dividends. It pays to be informed.
A decent pair of ‘field glasses’ don’t have to cost a lot of money although they can’t range from £50 – £2500. I know which end of the price range I buy. However, I would love to see the quality of a very expensive pair.
Crystal clear vision originating from blue-sky thinking.
The decline of on course binoculars has much to do with the introduction of the big screens which are commonplace across the country at sporting events. In fairness, they are brilliant for watching live racing and a luxury we all enjoy. If you have placed a bet it’s handy to watch your horse on the big screen. But here’s the thing, when your bet has been placed and the race is off (unless you bet on the exchanges where you can bet in running) your fate is seals (good or bad).
You may be saying: ‘So what’s the point of having your own binoculars?’
And this is the answer those select few can tell you and reason why they have their binoculars at the ready.
Binoculars are worth their weight in gold for watching horses going down to the start. That period from leaving the paddock to the start line. The big screen may briefly peruse a horse for a few seconds here and there but with binoculars you can scan like a man with a plan. Like a man who is looking for problems. It’s imperative you watch horses going down to the start.
I’ve always found it important to watch horses as they walk around the parade ring but watching horse and jockey galloping to the start is much more insightful. It’s just easier to see what a horse looks like, how it moves and its attitude. This is particularly important with two-year-old race horses and specifically with debutantes. It is crucial you have your selection in your sights to make your final assessment. Perhaps it is misbehaving. It may look exemplary. Also, it is worth keeping an eye on the favourite as it may well be the main danger if you are betting on another ‘beast’.
I have seen many a horse behaving negatively when making their way tot he start and very few people realise or see this happening.
Being a successful gambler is about being ahead of the game and when 99% of the population has no idea the favourite bolted to the start then you are halfway to winning. Whether backing your horse in opposition or laying the favourite to lose you need to know the facts. The point being you either know something or you don’t.
As they say: ‘You don’t know what you don’t know!’
And for the horse racing elite the humble pair of binoculars is an advantage you cannot afford to miss out. In fact, it’s the difference between being professional and not.
Observe and learn.
The next time you are at the race course and you see some old bloke with a pair of binoculars which look like they came from a U-boat from WWII don’t say: ‘Look at that old fool stuck in the past! Hasn’t he seen the BIG SCREEN?’
The chances are he is ahead of the game and actually understands the importance of knowing something you don’t.
That gambler has insight and wisdom.
He has a pair of binoculars.