Bear in mind that if you are entertaining a mixed group including locals, they will always be reluctant to be seen in public having too much of a good time anywhere where alcohol is obviously served, whatever their private feelings about it. A good solution to this problem is horse racing at Nad Al Sheba which happens on most Thursdays in the winter.

Patronised by the ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, horse racing is widely regarded as a good thing. It is enjoyed by all and there are a variety of corporate options provided by Dubai Racing Club which are cheaper than you would expect. Food and alcoholic drink is available to whoever wants it and the privacy of a box will be appreciated by locals.

Nad Al Sheba
www.dubairacingclub.com/

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Want to enjoy the sport of kings but not pay a king's ransom? Then head to Paris on the first Sunday in October where you'll experience a sporting extravaganza, with a difference.

Racing reaches its pinnacle at Longchamp where the focus is the richest prize in Europe, the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. But Arc day is much more than a day at the races. The Paris fashionistas compete as fiercely as the horses. So what would you expect to pay to rub shoulders with racing's elite in the world's style capital? How about £5 and that includes your racecard!

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Throughout Ireland people of all ages and occupations prepare for the Galway races with a fervour that is almost religious in its intensity.

Budgets are planned, holidays are arranged, and business is scheduled to conform with the sacrosanct dates of the annual week-long festival.

Ballybrit, about 5km from Galway. Shuttle bus services are provided during race week.
www.galwayraces.com/
www.carrentalzone.com/galway-race.html

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Despite the fact that gambling is very much illegal across the UAE, there are still opportunities for a little flutter now and again.

At the camel races, one of the country's most traditional events, it is possible to have a cheeky bet without the authorities finding out simply by wearing the right coloured clothing. If you head down to the front of the racetrack sporting a vivid red t-shirt (football tops won't do) then within a minute or two you should feel a tug on your arm by one of the local 'shirka' boys. They don't speak fantastic English but should be able to give you a brief run down of the odds. Choose your winning camel and give the boy your stake (not too obviously) and he'll scarper off.

If you lose you'll never see him again and it'll be like some bizarre dream, but win and he'll eventually come scampering back with your money (make sure you are still wearing the red t-shirt).

It is widely believed that the police know about this activity but keep quiet for their own gambling desires, but whatever the truth, it's one of the only ways to have a little bet while remaining out of trouble.

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