FAMOUS FIVE

FIVE of the world’s most picturesque racecourses, boasting spectacular architecture, lush scenery and luxury facilities

Meydan, Dubai — opened in 2010 the complex has a luxury hotel, marina and golf course

Churchill Downs, US — home of the Kentucky Derby. In 1986 designated a National Historic Landmark

Flemington, Australia — home of the Melbourne Cup with a 150,000 capacity

Happy Valley, Hong Kong — one of Asia’s greatest racecourses, built in 1845.

Piazza Del Campo, Italy — racing since 1656. The course is lined by spectators on all four sides I MANAGED to tick off another activity from my bucket list this week when attending Laytown races on Thursday.

For the uninitiated Laytown is the only official race meeting staged on a beach anywhere in Europe.

The racecourse is a straight near-level strip of sand over six and seven-furlong distances, situated about 30 miles north of Dublin.

I couldn’t help but notice I was one of the only people to turn up in my swimming trunks.

Everywhere I went I could feel women dressing me with their eyes.

The first meeting was held way back in 1868 when it was the only all-weather surface around, the going depending largely on the tide.

In 1950 the Aga Khan attended and in 2016 future Cheltenham Festival winner Labaik lined up, although he refused to race.

This event should be on everyone’s list of ‘must visit’ racetracks.

But you have to plan way in advance as it’s only open one day a year.