I had been told about the Saigon Horse Racing Club before I came to Vietnam, and knew that it would be an entertaining afternoon. So with that in mind, Jen, Serene and I headed there last weekend.

It’s your standard racetrack I suppose, except having never been to one I wouldn’t really know (but it’s how I imagine). We were not just the only foreigners there, but the only women. They give you a book with all the information like the weight of the horse and jockey, past finishes, etc.  Then you make your bet! Minimum bet is 10,000 dong (or 50 cents), and you get to cheer for your favourite horse. I should add that many of the “jockeys” looked like little kids, and I’m pretty sure they actually were.

My horse took the first race and Serene’s took the second. All told, it’s a fun, cheap way to spend an afternoon in Saigon.

They parade the horses in front of the crowd before the race. The jockey on horse #4 is definitely a child.

Approaching the finish...is that #4 in the lead?