“A horse is the projection of peoples’ dreams about themselves – strong, powerful, beautiful – and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.” – Pam Brown
If you’re in the Berkeley, CA area looking for a way to escape from your mundane existence on the weekends, you definitely need to check out Dollar Days at the Golden Gate Fields racetrack.
It’s quite affordable and great family fun!
$1.00 Parking
$1.00 Admission
$1.00 Programs
$1.00 Tip Sheet
$1.00 Racing Form
But wait, there’s more!
$1.00 Hot Dogs
$1.00 Soda
$1.00 Beer
Yes, you read that right – beer is only ONE DOLLAR on Dollar Days. Can’t beat that!!
If you’re not into the whole beer and hot dog thing, watching the horses race is actually pretty fun. There’s something majestically striking about watching such powerful beasts run like the wind.
Horses are animals of great strength and power, yet they’re graceful and quick – and have awesome leg muscles!
Golden Gate Fields
1100 Eastshore Highway
Berkeley, California 94710
(510) 559-7300
Betting on the horses at Golden Gate Fields is a fun time too – once you figure out how to do it.
Golden Gate Fields Beginners Guide to Pari-Mutuel Wagering (PDF)
ODDS – Payout on $2 Bet
1-9 $2.20
1-5 $2.40
2-5 $2.80
1-2 $3.00
3-5 $3.20
4-5 $3.60
1-1 $4.00
6-5 $4.40
7-5 $4.80
3-2 $5.00
8-5 $5.20
9-5 $5.60
2-1 $6.00
5-2 $7.00
3-1 $8.00
7-2 $9.00
4-1 $10.00
9-2 $11.00
5-1 $12.00
6-1 $14.00
7-1 $16.00
8-1 $18.00
9-1 $20.00
10-1 $22.00
The odds are usually in the form of x/y (e.g. 5/1, 9/5). Dividing x by y gives a ratio to 1. The smallest ratio or the largest amount of money on a number represents the favorite.
Winning odds of 2/1 will pay $6.00 for a $2 bet, while 5/1 will pay $12.00 for a $2 bet. Payout is calculated by (odds ratio to 1) x bet amount + bet amount.
Example: For odds of 5/1, the approximate payout for a $2 bet is 5 x $2 = $10 + $2 = $12.
WIN – To collect, your selection must finish 1st.
PLACE – To collect, your selection must finish 1st or 2nd.
SHOW – To collect, your selection must finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.