As if most of us really ever needed one; a great excuse to really go for it is a day – or an evening – at the races. Now for any ladies out there who’ve never tried it and think of a race meeting as either Royal Ascot at one extreme, or dodgy old blokes in raincoats and trilbies puffing on cigars at the other, the good news is that the real truth is a nice happy medium.

But first a quick lesson for the uninitiated; if you see yourself as part of the green wellies brigade in tweeds and headscarf, and well wrapped up, then National Hunt (jumps and hurdles) racing is really where it’s at.

If, on the other hand, you’re more of a glitz and glamour – sipping champagne in a cool summer dress with wide-brimmed hat – type of girl, then wait until April-September and go to a flat race meeting.

Some UK racecourses include both types of racing, whilst some are exclusive to wither National Hunt or flat racing.

There are lots of great courses to choose from depending on your preference – as well as lots of ladies’ evenings through the summer months where the women really glam it up.

The truth is that going horse racing can be a huge amount of fun wherever you go – and at any time of year. It really just depends what your scene is.

If you go, pick out a few names out like then put your bets on with Betfair before you go as you generally get better prices here and you’re not spending half the afternoon or evening worrying about getting your wagers on before the start of each new race.

Try it once or twice and you’ll be hooked – and if you ever needed an excuse to really go for it – then a meeting at the height of the summer on one of Britain’s great flat courses is really where it’s at.