Date Day June

I was anticipating this date since March. I planned and booked this the morning after Date Day March. And it was the only date that was shared previously so the husband knew what was going to happen. But let’s start at the beginning of Date Day June.

After we came back from our first date I started to look up what is happening and going on Berlin in the months it was my turn to plan our date. And pretty quickly I ended up at the horse racing track. And when I saw they had a special event “Fashion Raceday” I figured that is what it’s going to be. The husband was onboard immediately. He loves dressing fancy and fashion. And also it was the latest start date… we are not early birds.

Preparing for a Date at the Horse Racing Track

The husband went into research mode immediately. I took a bit more time but randomly consulted Pinterest. That research suggested that going to a race day people usually wore tighter cloth that were showing off curves – for the females at least. So lots of pencil skirts, mini skirts and long tight dresses. Also a lot of jumpsuits. My initial idea was to go with a jumpsuit since I always wanted to have one and this would be a good reason to break my self induced shopping ban. But my heart wasn’t really in it. I didn’t feel like spending money and I wondered how clean the bathrooms were… a jumpsuit maybe not the best option. So back to Pinterest I went. Summer dresses and lots of flowers and polka dots were the other option. I had two dresses in my wardrobe that would be fitting. So I opted to find a sunhat and call it an outfit.

The husband put more time and money into his outfit. But he also decided that the checkered suit he bought on a whim and never worn would be fine. He added a flat cap and a tie and breast pocket handkerchief. He looked like a British gentleman with a boyish touch. Loved it.

We didn’t get a full body picture so you have to imagine the rest:

Race Day

On June 9th it was race day. Luckily a day prior when checking how to get there I saw that two more races were added to the schedule making the whole event start 30 minutes earlier. I had planned for us to be on the tracks at least 30 minutes before and if traffic would allow even more.

The drive took us about an hour. Yes, still in Berlin. Not even on the other end. I had packed a bit of a car picknick – iced coffee, apple slices, nuts and some granola bars. We arrived around 1:15pm. Races started 1:30pm. Parking was on a meadow right next to the track. While it was a bit busy and we had to wait in line it was well organized and run smoothly. Unfortunately the check in was anything but smooth. The people with VIP lounges and paid seats needed to stand in line even though having online tickets because of some bracelet we received while everyone else just walked through. This was rather annoying and specially when they were unable to scan our online tickets and asked for a print out. Sigh. I didn’t have those. With this we ended up missing the first race. And I was a bit grumpy as everything felt hectic.

We entered the venue and it was a whole festival going on with tons of food trucks, attractions, vendors and things. We were just orienting ourself when the husband was approached by a fashion label asking him to get his next British outfit at their place. Well, he was happy with that compliment. His day was perfect.

No Horse Race without Betting

Once we found our seat it was time to get into the betting mode. Our plan was to bet a bit and I had hoped to get familiar with the system and the app and the set up the day prior but we didn’t and in the car it was a bit chaotic with traffic. Anyways we downloaded an app and were gifted each 20€ for doing so. And some additional 20€ once you put some money in the account. For now I decided 20€ is enough to play since bets already started at 2€ and there were only 9 races left. My secret hope was to make back the money I spend on tickets.

Well, everyone saying you can make a fortune on horse racing… I need to learn from you. I sure believe it is possible if you know anything about horses, racings, tracks, jockey and such. I don’t. So I bet and lost and bet and lost some more. I think on two accounts I made 2.46€ and 2.83€. I closed the day with 1.40€. The last race my horse dropped out so the 2€ came back to my account.

The husband was more successful as he left with 20+€ in his account. Sigh… I was sad and a little mad I didn’t do better. I blamed it on being rushed and grumpy in the beginning. I don’t like being unprepared.

Our Seats at the Hoppegarten Race Tracks

When I booked the tickets I knew we wanted to have a bit of a seated option and since I am not doing well in the heat – and you never know in June – I wanted it to be shaded. I decided to get tickets for the panorama lounge. I had anticipated the price would be more but I did get the early bird price. Seatings were in pairs of four.

We had a great view of the tracks. It was shady and not too crowded. However once the other two people came to our area it was a bit uncomfortable. We had a bar right up the stairs so I was able to get drinks. I even splurged on a strawberry punch and didn’t get a migraine. Yeah.

The Overall happenings of a Race Day

We went into our horse racing date day June as race virgins. So we did not know what to expect. I was not aware that in-between races are 30-40 minute time slots. I quite liked that. You could squeeze in your betting, bathroom breaks, drink and food hauls and just wandering around.

We went for a photo shoot that put us into the draw for best outfit as a couple, the husband also added a slip to best single dressed. I knew we were not gonna win but I had hoped to see the image somewhere for a download. No such luck.

For the last race we left our seats and stood right down at the tracks. It was a whole different feel when the horses gallop right next to you.

There were many concession stands with different food options. We ended up getting another corndog and fries but mainly because the race was about to start and we didn’t want to miss. I wanted to have some desert (crepes, ice cream, waffles something like that) after the race but unfortunately everything was already closing down. That was one part I didn’t understand. But I guess people went home right after but were there the 2 hours prior to the racing. Lesson learned.

Anyways we strolled around a little after the race and also looked at a fashion exhibition which was displaying amazing starched lace sculpture/outfits.

Bottom Line of Date Day June at the Race Track

We would most definitely do it again.

I would want to be there ahead of time to enjoy the festival atmosphere and without being rushed too much. I also would load up on food. I had read that home brought food and drinks were not allowed in the seated area which was not true. I would also book a category higher if going again where you have a more roomy seating space and are a bit closer to the tracks.

Overall this was such a fun date day and definitely something new we never done before.

Have you ever been to a horserace? What is the last thing you did you never done before? Do you bet? What is the highest win you ever had? Or loss? Would you enjoy a date at the race track? What would have been your outfit of the day?