The buzz, the excitement, the fashion and the betting. There are few sporting events better than a day at the races. However, the wrong pair of heels or standing in queues while your horse comes in first can be the difference between an amazing or a mediocre experience.

So get your race cards at the ready as we prepare you for a Punchestown to remember.

Get booked

Have you got your ticket yet? Beat the queues and forget the hassle by booking everything online at www.punchestown.com. Sort yourself well in advance and you’ll have that old-school excitement of receiving your tickets in the post. If you’re a bit pushed on time, you can just print out your e-ticket like a boarding pass and get it scanned at the fast-track entrance.

Who’s driving?

There are so many public transport options, you don’t even need to have a designated driver for the day. If you can easily get yourself to Dublin, there are city centre bus services that will get you to the door of the race track for €20. Alternatively, grab the train to Sallins and catch the shuttle to the track. If you are taking the car, you’re safe in the knowledge that there is plenty of free parking, but get there early to avoid a long walk.

Where are you?

So you’ve arrived and you’re in the door. First things first, have a good look around so you know what entrance you’ve come in. You’ll thank your common sense later when you’re looking at those walking around in circles looking for their car.

These shoes were made for walking

This one is for the girls and the occasional boy. Ladies, don’t do it – the sky-scraper heels, no matter how fabulous they are, are not your friend for race day. A night out or dinner and cocktails? Yes. But a full raceday of walking and standing? No thanks. If you must wear them, bring an alternative, as many a day has been ruined by festival feet.

Festival uniform

Another fashion faux pas is sacrificing a coat to show off that divine outfit. Don’t forget it’s a long day and it can be a couple of degrees colder at the track, so make sure you bring a coat. The key to an enjoyable day is to be comfortable, and there is a cloak room on site if you want to check it in.

Ladies’ day

Speaking of outfits, make sure to show it off on ladies’ day (2 May) for the Land Rover Style Award. The top tip from the judges this year is to stand out from the crowd. Rethink your race day style and what you know about ladies’ day. The judges want to stop, stare and say: “I like your style.” The best place to be spotted is the general enclosure (around the parade ring), the shopping village and reserved enclosure. With the brilliant prize of a Range Rover Evoque for a year, it’s definitely worth putting in the extra effort.

Topping off your look

A hat or head piece might offer that wow factor that will catch the judges’ eyes, but you need to be careful when making your choice. Ann Flynn who runs Hat Trick in Fermoy says: “Ensure your fantastic hat is also comfortable to wear. Hairbands work best on short hair, while combs and hat elastic are perfect for longer hair. When choosing your shape or size, know what suits your face and head size. Hats worn at a tilt draw you upwards, making you look taller, and also work to make your face look thinner.

“Smaller women should opt for smaller brims while tall women can carry off the bigger shapes. Have your outfit with you when selecting your hat to make sure it suits the theme and colour of the outfit. And for maximum benefit of your show-stopping head piece, get your hair done on the morning of the races,” adds Ann Flynn

A special toast

Looking to start off the day with a special toast? Then head straight in the direction of the Bollinger champagne bar where a seafood platter and a bottle of bubbly are sure to set you up for a great day. It’s a first come, first served basis, so if you’re determined to find a relaxing area, head there first to secure a seat.

Shouting in the stands

If you would prefer something a little more casual, set yourself up in the stands where you can immerse yourself in the live action. Roar, shout, jump up and down, do whatever it takes to encourage your horse – it does help. Also, remember that all the bars will have a live band after the races, so find yourself a base. Sometimes it helps to settle your gang there if you plan on going for a wander.

Making a bet

If you’d prefer to be right at the heart the action, the parade ring is a good place to pick up pre-race tips and chat with those in the know. The reserved enclosure has a viewing lawn which is literally next to the track itself, so the action is just feet from you. Don’t get bogged down in the lingo. If you are a novice racegoer, give betting a go. You can bet with the Tote on the ground floor of the grandstand, or go for the real deal in the bookies ring and get the elbows out.

Having a bite

If you’re having a few drinks, don’t forget to have a bite to eat. If you’re looking for variety, then check out the Dobbins Foodhall. It has lots of hot and cold options for under €10. That is unless you opt for the festival special which is €12. If you don’t want to deviate too far from the stands, then the La Touche snack bar on the ground floor has amazing pulled pork rolls which are always a top seller. If you fancy something a little different, then check out the 25 mobile units which have everything from gourmet sausages to Asian delights.

But, most importantly, enjoy the races.