Getting you started:
A guide for running a race night
A good Youtube video

To help you run a successful night, here is some basic information and some of the frequently asked questions about Race Night organisation

Q) Race Nights are they legal?

Q) How does a race night work?

Q) How much should I sell my horses for?

Q) How much will the minimum bets be on the night?

Q) Race Nights are they legal?

A) Yes, a race night properly run is actually a lottery, as defined in Gambling Act 2005. The films are simply an entertaining way of selecting a winning number at random, and the tote ‘betting’ tickets are just chances in a lottery where nobody knows which number will win.

It is worth explaining that our race nights are the type of event where films are picked at random, none of the actual runners on the film are named, and no ‘form’ (information about the runners) is given until all the bets have been placed. The films are then shown in their entirety after the betting has finished.

Legally a Race Night should not be the only form of entertainment, a mini quiz, food, presentation event or social meeting run in conjunction with any of these mean, the sole inducement of the night is not just the racing. If a race night is held on your premises, you do not have to register with the police, or obtain a license. You can also hold a race event on a Sunday

All our activities are governed by the Charities Act 1992, which includes a set of rules, which professional fundraisers must follow. The most important point is that we have an agreement — a legal contract with the organisations we support, and all our partner charities are registered charities.

Back to the top  

Q) How does the race night work?

A) A race night usually consists of between six and nine races each with eight horses. The first five to eight are normal races where you would be expected to sell each of the horses in each race to an owner prior to the race night. The owner names the horse and would get a prize if their horse wins the race. The last race is an auction race where each horse is sold to the highest bidder on the night, with a large cash prize given to the winning owner of this race.

The normal running order for a night would be:

Races 1 to 4

Short Interval with Stand Up bingo

Races 5,6,7 or 8

The Auction Race

Followed by the raffle & any other auction items.  NB. These should happen after the race night and would normally use an alternative PA system such as an in-house or DJ system.

Top Tip: A good way to finish your event is to do 'Nearest the bottle'. Get a large bottle of spirits and encourage your guests to throw £1 coins at it, nearest wins. It's a good way to mop up the final few pounds.

Every race has the same format:

• For the auction race, the horses are sold to owners who bid for each horse.
  • The betting is opened and bets are sold for each horse. When everyone has had a chance to bet on the horse(s) of their choice the betting is closed.
    • A member of the audience is invited to select a race from a selection of unmarked security sealed DVDs.
      • The value of each bet is announced to the audience
        • The race is played.
          • The winning ticket holders collect their money.
            • The winning owner is presented with their prize. 

            Back to the top

             

            Q) How much should I sell my horses for?               

             

            A) This depends on how much you think your customers can afford. The simple answer is: as much as you can! As a rough guide previous organisers average between £1 and £5 per horse although if you can arrange some great prizes you may be able to charge more.

             

            Back to the top

             

            Q) How much will the minimum bets be on the night?       

             

            A) Once again, this depends on how much you think the audience can afford. Most race nights will charge a £1 per bet.

             

            Back to the top

             

            Q) What will I have to organise for the race night?

             

            A) Apart form all of the usual things that need to be organised for any function. Specific things have to done prior to your race night.

            • You need to sell all of the horses in each race and ensure that the owners give a suitable name to their horses. You may wish to sell the races more than once if you have a large amount of people wishing to buy horses. This means that you have to organise a prize for each time you sell a race. Note that only one set of names can be displayed on the tote screen on the night.
            • You will need to organise a prize for each race for the winning owner. This may be achieved by getting sponsors for each race.
            • You will need a float of around £150 pound coins.
            • You may also wish to make multiple copies of the programme with the owners and horse names.
            • Make sure you download the check list from the customer area. This will ensure that you have everything you need for a successful night.

            Back to the top

             

            Q) What will I have to do on the night?            

             

            A) The main job for the organisers on the night of the race night will be to handle all of the financial arrangements.

            Make sure the ticket sellers have a float of about £30-£50 each.

            Organise people to sell the tote tickets, stand up bingo, raffle tickets etc.

             

            Do not try to sell forecast cards or horses on the night! These are designed to be sold before your event to maximise your profit. Selling these during your event is unlikely to make your more money and is guaranteed to give you more work!

             

            Please note the presenter will NOT be involved in any of the financial transactions regarding the betting of horses, or receiving money for auctioned horses.

             

            Back to the top

             

            Q) How many ticket sellers do I need to organise?

                           

            A) This depends on the size of the crowd. For a small crowd, two ticket sellers will be enough. For larger crowds (50+) it may be necessary to arrange for three (less than 150 guests) or four people (more than 150) to act as ticket sellers.

             

            Back to the top

             

            Q) How are the tote prices for the horses worked out?               

             

            A) At the start of the race night, a percentage payout is agreed. The total money collected for each race is totalled and the payout percentage of the total is split between each bet sold for each horse. On the night, the computer operated by the presenter will calculate the prices.

             

             

            e.g.       If horse 1 sells 20 bets at £1 each         =   £20.00

                        The total sold by the other horses          =   £100.00

                        Total money in for race                         =   £120.00

                        Money for fund raising at 50%               =   £60.00

                        Total Prize fund for race                        =   £60.00

             

            If horse 1 wins the race each ticket worth (£60.00 divided by 20 tickets sold)

             

                          Payout                                            =   £3.00 per bet on horse 1

             

            Back to the top

             

            Q) Do you supply programmes or a disco?

             

            A) Our presenters are great at presenting race nights but don't carry the music or lights for a great disco so we wouldn't want to disappoint you by following a professional race night with a 'not so professional' disco so you can add a professional DJ to your event for £100 or karaoke system for £50.

            We supply a programme template on the customer area for you to fill out and print off for your guests.

             

             

            Remember the success of your Race Night will ultimately depend on the size of your crowd

             

            Have a look at our Race Night Gallery

            Main Page - Race Nights - Casino Nights - Enquiries & Booking - Contact us - Links

            
            ©Entertainments Tonight 2010 tel: 07774 79 11 22 - racenightsuk@aol.com