The atmosphere was noticeably different from a regular race day. Groups of young spectators could be seen clicking photographs, discussing the runners and waiting eagerly for the horses to enter the track. For some, it was the thrill of watching thoroughbreds at close quarters; for others, it was simply the experience of being part of an afternoon at the races

Pune: The Pune Race Course wore a different look on Saturday as a sizeable number of youngsters made a beeline for the venue to experience a day at the races, with the special meeting featuring the prestigious Free Press Journal Trophy.

For many of them, it was their first tryst with horse racing. Curious and excited, they moved around the sprawling racecourse, asking seasoned racegoers about the horses, understanding the basics of betting and trying to make sense of the race card before heading towards the paddock and the stands.

Anand Chaini

Anand Chaini

Anand Chaini

The atmosphere was noticeably different from a regular race day. Groups of young spectators could be seen clicking photographs, discussing the runners and waiting eagerly for the horses to enter the track. For some, it was the thrill of watching thoroughbreds at close quarters; for others, it was simply the experience of being part of an afternoon at the races.

“This is my first visit to this place and I am really enjoying it. The ambience is wonderful. I have watched horse races on television and seen them elsewhere, but watching the horses run in front of you is something completely different,” said Savita Karat, a resident of Hadapsar, who had come to the racecourse with her children.