Keiba Keiba Keiba…

As a child I feared horses. These big majestic creatures with long shiny hair were the only animal I would refuse to get close to. This is probably why I never found an interest in horse riding or horse racing as I got older. So on May 28th, when I went to Oi Keiba (Racetrack), was the very first time I experienced being in the horse racing atmosphere.

I had always thought horse racing was something only the posh high-class people went to. A place where they talked about business, drank cocktails and casually used money as they wanted to bet on the horses. Well, that is how the movies have always portrayed it.

However, now my perspective is very different. Horse racing is for everyone no matter social group, age, interest, occupations etc. I have lucky enough to be given a seat in the VIP boxes, and I got to admit, it was not a disappointment. But, as I strolled along the rest of the seating area, it was clear to me that, despite the rain, no matter where you were located you would be having a good time. The best part about the experience was without doubt the atmosphere; people was having fun, people was happy and they enjoying with their loved ones. I see older couples having a laugh, young couples on their first date, children having fun with their grandparents etc. and the one thing they all had in common was the big fat smile that was plastered on their faces.

I realised that horse racing is not about winning or losing, but instead about being together and having a good time. Would I go again? I am not sure. I still not crazy about horses, but the atmosphere, well that I cannot complain about.  

This post is supported by Tokyo City Keiba, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.