have you been to a horse race? Is it appropriate for kids?

Re: have you been to a horse race? Is it appropriate for kids?

• xmaryrickx

  September 2011

  Unless they have the paddocks open for the party, no I don't think you can get in there. I think it has the potential to be very dangerous and a huge liability to them. Race horses are often very high strung and I personally wouldn't take a child around them. As for the races themselves, idk if it's child appropriate. It can get kind of crazy. Lots of swearing and quite a few unsavory people. Although, it's been awhile since I have been to a race and I haven't been to laurel only pimlico.

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• gracie2762 member

  

  September 2011

  Ditto Mary. Unless they have special events for kids (i.e. pony rides) there is no way they will let the public near the actual race paddocks or stables. I've been to Laurel and there are definitely some unsavory characters there. If you are outside near the track, you will definitely hear lots of cursing.
  

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• vjcjenn1 member

  September 2011

  There are restaurant parts to Laurel and kids are there all the time...see if you can get a table there and bring things for her to do. There is a little area where the horses are resting/getting brushed before the races and it's totally safe, she won't be able to touch them but I think it's up close enough

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• tspring82 member

  

  September 2011

  I used to go to Pimlico all the time with my grandfather when I was little (that's probably where my love of gambling started!).  When I think "horse race" I think sitting in the stands and watching them bring the horses out.  So I'm not sure what kind of event this would be but if you guys are comfortable with it, I don't see a problem taking her.

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• Lisa1107

  September 2011

  I actually own Throughbred race horses with my father and know tons about this. We no longer race in MD, so I don't know the details of the party, but it should be ok to take children.There will be lots of people there, not just hard core gamblers. You will not be allowed in the stable at all. You will be able to watch the post parade and to watch them saddle up the horses in the paddock. You should go for a bit...it should be fun!

  

  

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• PunkRockGrrl

  September 2011

  Are you talking about this:

  http://www.laurelpark.com/NewsEvents/UpcomingEvents/Details/PartyatthePark.htm

   Other than the pony rides, the events don't sound that kid friendly to me, IMO.  Unless you can just go to the race, without having to go inside the party part - it's also $25 which is expensive.
  

   

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• Lisa1107

  September 2011

  Ahh...didn't realize it was the Maryland Million that you were talking about. It will be fine. There are things for kids to do. Should be clowns, face painters, etc.

  

  

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• Lisa1107

  September 2011

  PunkRockGrrl:

  Are you talking about this:

  http://www.laurelpark.com/NewsEvents/UpcomingEvents/Details/PartyatthePark.htm

   Other than the pony rides, the events don't sound that kid friendly to me, IMO.  Unless you can just go to the race, without having to go inside the party part - it's also $25 which is expensive.
  

   

  It is only $4 for general admission...which is for the non-partyers

  

  

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• tspring82 member

  

  September 2011

  tspring82:

  I used to go to Pimlico all the time with my grandfather when I was little (that's probably where my love of gambling started!).  When I think "horse race" I think sitting in the stands and watching them bring the horses out.  So I'm not sure what kind of event this would be but if you guys are comfortable with it, I don't see a problem taking her.

  I also realize this makes me sound like a degenerate, which I'm not at all.  I just enjoy the thrill of horse races!

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