Several men on my tour of the National Stud cast envious glances at the stallions. Glossy as prize conkers, these alpha males are champions which have repeatedly proved their worth. While they remain virile and fertile, they are in constant demand to pass on their winning genes.

Richard, our guide, explained that artificial insemination is out of the question. It’s to do with the lineage of the thoroughbred - they all trace back to one of three famous Arabian stallions imported into England in the 17th and 18th centuries. Fortunately for the stallions, the money stakes are so high that establishing parentage visually is crucial.

The spick-and-span stud is so huge - 500 acres - that our group of eight are in a minibus. "Take as many photos as you like,” said Richard. “This is a wonderful opportunity to see what is usually a secret world where the public aren’t welcome. I should add, I work on racecourses for the bookies too, but I still can’t pick a winner!”

He explained that the mares we see in the fields are boarding or brought in to foal here. As all race horses share a 1 January birthday, mares are tricked into ovulation by artificial light and warmth - to ensure foals are born earlier than nature would dictate.

We were allowed to pat the winner of the 2004 Grand National Amberleigh House over his fence, feed him peppermints and pose in turn next to his still-feisty and handsome head.

Too valuable to be allowed to roam, five stallions are housed in their own immaculate unit, each with their pedigree displayed like royalty. “Don’t touch - they will bite” warned Richard as a nose snuffled behind a metal grid.

We crowded reverently to watch Paddy grooming Myboycharlie. “If anyone but Paddy was in there with him that horse would make mincemeat of them. But it’s not a love thing with stallions and Paddy - it’s mutual respect. And incidentally, while stallions may love mares - they prefer men to women.”

Richard showed us the unit for visiting mares - each stallion has up to eight daily appointments - and points out a dip in the bedding where a stallion of shorter stature can gain a height advantage. He showed us a heavy mantle worn by the mares to prevent shoulder bites from amorous lovers, and explained that shoes are removed from hind feet. The covering fee can be up to £65,000, but is only paid once pregnancy is confirmed.

www.nationalstud.co.uk
Tours daily at 11.15 and 2pm.
Adults £7, each tour lasts 75 minutes

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

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/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

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!

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

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

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends