HORSE racing has never been my sport, in fact it has rarely piqued my interest at all.

It follows that my knowledge of horse racing is slim and extends to the understanding that success as a punter often comes down to which horse has the most comedic name.

However, following my first ever visit to Chelmsford City Racecourse, I now understand the hype around the sport – and around the only horse racing venue in Essex.

Arriving when gates opened two hours before racing began, I was given a whistle-stop tour of the facilities – with the Club Restaurant, Fairwood Restaurant and Sports Bar all hives of activity in the main grandstand.

Fraser Garrity, racecourse manager, and Andy Waitt, Clerk of the Course, were full of enthusiasm for the future of the course and were more than hospitable despite the build-up to a busy evening’s racing.

I did not have time for a behind-the-scenes tour of the stewards’ room, jockeys changing room, medical rooms or the state-of-the-art stable yard although learned a great deal.

For example, I never knew a horse could be disqualified from a race if someone who had handled Paracetamol had touched it in the build-up to a race.

After some complimentary food, I tried my hand at betting but with little success. I am often deemed frugal when it comes to placing a wager, erring on the side of caution, but was caught up in the fervour of the environment and placed more than £10 on a number of horses (trust me, this is a big deal).

I won nothing, although maybe I should have expected that placing my final bet on the 66/1 outsider, but more significantly found out I didn’t mind losing my money.

The day was hugely enlightening, and what struck me was how much more potential the racecourse had.

With millions more set to be pumped into it and owners and jockeys already recognising it as an excellent venue to race at, investment in the right areas could make this a staple destination.

Although not a fully-formed convert just yet, I am closer than I was this time a week ago.

And I recommend anyone else, whether they have an invested interest in horse racing or not, pays a visit as well.