People arrive at the venue, collect their drinks and find a table, we should be set up and race cards distributed around the room.

Comparing the evening -  Trevor will compare the evening and welcome everyone, then talk about the fund you are raising money for. He will explain how the races and tote works and inform you when the tote is open to take bets.  Adults and children are allowed to place bets - the children love to collect bets for adults around the room.

Tote - When the tote is open you will be able to buy the tickets for the horses of your choice in the first race.  You can buy as many tickets, for as many horses as you wish. Half the money taken for each race is put into the winners pot to be divided between the winning ticket holders, the other half goes into your fund.  Each ticket has the horse name and race number on so that you know which horse you are betting on, in each race.  During this time the sponsors details are displayed on the screen and their details read out.  Then the horse names for that race are displayed for everyone to easily see.

When the tote is closed the horse race will be started.  The PA system is so good it captures the whole atmosphere of the race including the pounding of the horses hooves.  On the commentary the horses are referred to by number and the numbers of the first few horses are displayed at the bottom of the screen.  At the end of the race the first 3 horses are announced by the commentator and their numbers displayed on screen. Only the winning horse pays out.  There are no odds given, the winners pot is divided equally between the winners when it is announced that the tote is paying out.  You will need to bring your winners tickets with you.  Then the tote is opened for the next race.

Pig Race - There are usually 8 races in an evening, although we bring a few more which we can use if there is time.  One of the races is a fun Pig Race This is a quick races but full of laughter.  In this race the pigs are called by their names, as in the race card. 

Auction Race - Race 7 is the Auction race where we auction off ownership of 2 horses to the highest bidders.  The money raised on the auction goes straight into the funds, it is not split for the winners pot.  This way dedicated fund raisers can bid in the auction knowing that their money is going where they want it to - into the fund.

Each of the Auction winners are given a winners trophy by Sandra at the tote when they pay their money.  If their horse wins the race they get all of the winners pot to themselves as no one else is allowed to bet on the 2 auction horses.  Bets can be taken on the other 6 horses as normal by everyone.

Game - During the evening we run a game, if it is wanted.  There are a couple of games which everyone can play from their seats.  The money collected from the players of this game at £1 per person goes straight into the fund.  Heads and tails or Stand Up Bingo are the games.

This makes a change in the evening and along with a raffle, ensures that we comply with the licensing laws for this kind of entertainment.  Provided the evening is to raise money for your fund or charity and is not just horse racing then there is no need for a licence.

Food - We are happy to make a break for food should you be supplying it.  Just let us know and we will include it in the Race Card.

Raffle - Our compares are happy to call your raffle for you.  You are also welcome to use the mike to introduce the evening and say thank you at the end of the evening.

Funds - At the end of the evening the compare should be able to announce the rough amount of funds raised, if you wish and have that details.  You will have a written break down of the tote takings and winners pay out for your committee to see.  You will also receive a written receipt for our payment top up. 

A deposit of £100 is taken when the booking is made and the remaining £100 plus any fuel charge, which you will know about before you book the evening, is then due for payment.  Cash is fine, cheques to be made out to Ms S Stapleton.

There will be no other charges made 
We will NOT take a percentage of the fund or add charges for other items
It is illegal - Do not get caught out by others