Off to the Races

It wasn't a great weekend to be a fan of the sports teams from Philly.

Or the Volunteers from Tennessee.

Sigh.

It was, however, a great weekend for a day at the races.

Who else loves the weekends?

Especially gorgeous golden fall weekends?

Especially gorgeous golden fall weekends where your Saturday is spent at a horse race courtesy of some business blah blah blah connection where you find yourself sitting on a very pretty hillside having a lovely lunch while watching the 90th running of a steeplechase?

Oh and did I mention the weather?

Perfection!

There was a lot of tailgating.

Not sure if all the tailgaters actually watch the races but they do have a lot of fun.

Which is why there are also more than a few of these around.

Here we are at the entry to our space for the day...

Our hosts made it feel more festive with fall tablecloths and beautiful centerpieces....

Food and drinks were available all day beginning with a nice breakfast which was followed up by a nice lunch later in the afternoon.

We had a great view of the track and best of all?

Our own restrooms.

Just keepin' it real people.

I'm not a big fan of the porta potty scenario which entails approximately 50,000 people visiting throughout the day.

If you wanted to place bets on any of the races you could do so right in the tent.

It was all done in support of a local hospital so it was fun for a good cause.

I appear to be seriously studying the race guide.

Actually I had my own system which consisted of something along the lines of-

"This horse has a fun name"

or

"Oooh, pretty silk colors"

Highly scientific.

I'm pretty sure this is how its done at racetracks the world over.

From the hillside you couldn't help gawking but notice a beautiful mansion sitting across the way.

This is Natirar and was at one time the 500 acre estate of the King of Morocco.

It was sold to the local park commission and now a part of the land has been leased to Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Group fame.

He has been developing the property into a hotel/restaurant/spa and they also have a cooking school on the premises.

We heard from others at the race that it was a pretty amazing place and we wanted to check it out on the way home.

Except it took us 90 minutes to exit the parking area.

Yeah.

Seriously ridiculous.

Hello Race Organizers?

We had a fabulous day at your event but next year I think we'll come by helicopter.