What I'm looking forward to after lockdown: a cracking Monday night at Windsor

Perhaps if Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats had a membership at Windsor racecourse, they would rewrite the lyrics to their hit single 'I Don't Like Mondays' – because Monday nights beside the Thames are absolutely perfect.

The insistent flow of big Flat summer meetings makes the British summer so fantastic but there's a subtle beauty in something much quieter. Monday evening racing at Windsor comes every week from May to August and draws a consistently large crowd lured by the quality of racing and, of course, an array of evening dinner options.

The racing menu will usually include a couple of good sprint races building towards the big final in July, decent maidens with a selection of the finest pedigrees and the standard bread-and-butter handicaps. It's a good standard and a regular attendees will spot a fair few future racing stars beginning their careers at Windsor year after year.

Standout performers from recent years include Mabs Cross, Tip Two Win, Permian, Agrotera, Desert Encounter and Stratum. Telecaster was the standout from last year but keep an eye out for Dance Fever who made a winning debut and looks a highly smart prospect for Clive Cox.

Watch Dance Fever win at Windsor

I live an hour away, in Newbury, so it is ideal to whizz down the M4, picking up a friend on the way. Conversations vary but almost always include reminding each other of the three key Windsor punting pearls – keep an eye on Silvestre de Sousa, watch the betting in maidens and, the big one, the stands' rail is the place to be.

Jockeys walk to the paddock on a sunny evening at WindsorCredit: Edward Whitaker

Of course, if you are seeking the true Windsor experience then the way to travel to the course is by boat. When the sun is shining the short and relaxing journey is like no other. Located next to Windsor and Eton Riverside Station, the boat is a popular choice of travel for Londoners out for an evening's entertainment, but there are plenty of car parks nearby, so if you are driving, why not park up and hop on board for a different way of getting to the races?

Where I will hang out during racing is based on the pollen count. The many trees and plants look pretty but they spell trouble for hayfever sufferers. On a good day, the paddock lawn bar is the best place for a drink while monitoring the runners for the next by the bar in the grandstand is another favourite.

The grandstand itself offers an excellent vantage point with a fine view of the closing furlongs. Down by the rail is another top viewing spot with horses charging for the finish just a couple of metres away. It's quite incredible seeing the action unfold right in front of you.

I go to Windsor for the racing more than anything but there is something rather intriguing about the various themed evenings. Realistically, these meetings are basically carbon copies of one another apart from the post-race music.

The staff may wear the odd flower necklace for Caribbean night and put out a few roulette wheels for the casino-themed evening – but it doesn't quite feel like the Bellagio when the tables overlook a burger bar.

It may be easy to criticise the minor details but Windsor have managed to create a unique experience for customers, a busy but relaxing raceday. I think that's quite a rare balance, and one to experience.

Windsor: impressive cloud formation from a meeting last yearCredit: James Stevens

The adrenaline you get attending a Royal Ascot or Glorious Goodwood is quite special while midweek meetings can be sparsely attended, so there's something enchanting and almost addictive about a casual but exciting evening on a warm, sunny night down by the Thames. Especially with a nice beverage.

When we come out of this dark period we'll all want to make the most of our time. If you can, make sure to pencil in a Monday evening at Windsor. You will not regret it and you will probably end up going back.

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