Graham the Boat goes to Towcester

Normally I go to the races by train. Sometimes it's the bus (Brighton) and if I cannot avoid it, the car has to be used (Fakenham). This week though I trumped all of those methods of transport by going to Towcester by canal. My punting hero is Eddie the Shoe,* but perhaps I can now be Graham the Boat. There's even a pic of me looking gormless in a 'pea on a drum' cap to prove it.

Towcester racecourse has intrigued me for years, so I was delighted to finally visit the track for its pre-Christmas meeting. Pronouncing it properly was the first challenge (leaving aside the locks) and I gather my use of 'toaster' (as in Kenwood from Robert Dyas) was broadly considered correct by the locals.
The course is set in a country estate on the edge of the attractive, albeit traffic blighted, market town from which it takes its name. I gather it is owned by Lord Hesketh, who I have always associated with motorbikes, James Hunt and support for Margaret Thatcher. Brief research suggests he may still be involved, although there are also stories of sales to a Russian oligarch - is Towcester therefore a kind of 'Chelski' of English horse racing?
For racing aficionados Towcester is known as a really tough course. It is incredibly hilly, inclined to get very muddy and also big. Whereas at my local tracks of Plumpton and Fontwell the horses go round twice, at Towcester they only do one circuit. The going and the stiff uphill finish mean that specialist horses blessed with stamina ('stays longer than the mother-in-law' ha ha) thrive. Basically to win at Towcester you want a big traditional older horse who keeps plugging on when the fancy-dans from the flat cry off.
The stands at the course suggest country house tradition, but actually there is no shortage of innovation. Towcester lets you in for free, presumably on the basis that they will attract bigger crowds who will spend more eating, drinking and betting.
On the basis of Thursday's meeting they maybe onto something. The crowd was impressive, the bars busy and betting ring vibrant.
Towcester has even gone so far as building a brand new greyhound track in the centre of the course. With dog stadiums closing across the country it is strange to say the least to find a new one opening here. It is in front of the stands, blocking the view of the lower half of the racecourse. It is also rather exposed to the elements.
The Sky cameras were in town to cover that evening's dogs fixture, which for a dark blustery night in midwinter seemed a remarkable commitment to me. The word from my dog contacts is that Towcester are giving it a good go but they cannot see it lasting. The recent loss of a BAGS contract suggests this pessimism may prove correct, but hats off to the Towcester management for giving it a go. Maybe even

Expect Nothing will run there one day.
For the record I enjoyed my visit. The nearby pub, appropriately called Monks Tipster, and the country estate feel all remind of a point to point. The art deco stands are grand but small, so there are various marquees and temporary tents added to accommodate the crowds. Food is cooked on a barbecue, with the wind blowing the smoke through the main bar adding to the village fete feel.
There are numerous bookies by the paddock (prices worse there as usual) and in a ring at the side of the main stand. Barry Johnson had at least 4 pitches, so presumably thinks money can be made. He was interviewed wearing a pork pie hat by the irrepressible Matt Chapman. It all reminded me a bit of the comic strip 'Cockey Wanker' in Viz, but was no less enjoyable for that.
As for the races themselves, then it is certainly true that course specialists are favoured. The Caroline Beesley Memorial Handicap Hurdle was won by the 12 year old veteran Earcomesthedream. He had already run at Towcester no less than 30 times and plodded his way up the hill to an emotional triumph. Rumour had it that the winning jockey, Archie Bellamy (son of the clerk of the course) was younger than the horse he rode to victory.
Towcester certainly has its challenges. The Chief Exec was recently banned for dodgy betting practice, and the long term sustainability of the dog track is a worry. But I enjoyed my day so much that I intend to return on St. Patrick's Day 2016 with a non-racing friend who 'wants to know why an intelligent bloke like you enjoys racing so much.' It's free to get in then as well and it's very friendly so if you are stuck for entertainment in March why not join us!

Towcester marks (out of 10)
Welcome/friendliness 9
Atmosphere 9
Betting ring (size, competitiveness) 8
Racecard (cost, quality) 6
Queues for the bar 5
Standard of racing 5
Viewing 5

Total (out of 70) 47

Punting success - lost (but could have been oh so different if Lakeshore Lady had not flattered to deceive in the first)

*For the record I stopped buying the Observer solely because they dispensed with the services of Eddie Freemantle, and not because of the left-wing nonsense they spouted. I would have happily put up with the Islington revolutionaries just to read the Shoe's analysis.