A day at the Races

While a British day at the races is known for its champagne and women in outrageous headgear, a typical afternoon at the Beirut Hippodrome is a largely hatless, all-male affair. Each Saturday in summer and Sunday in winter these race aficionados gather at the walled track in between the National Museum and the residence of the French ambassador to Lebanon. Every weekend six races take place, each with five to 10 competing horses bestowed with heroic names such as “Tiger of Lebanon,” “Son of the Sheikh,” “King of Horses” or “Symbol of Justice.” Before the race starts, they are paraded at the green behind the Hippodrome’s grandstand for the connoisseurs to check out the fitness of the competitors and pick their steed. And they’re off… While the horses are led to the track, the spectators head to the betting offices. Most will bet on the winner or the winner and