ABSTRACT
The laws and values governing social behaviour at the races combine what anthropologists call 'cultural remission' with strict regulation of certain aspects of conduct. There are rules of behaviour at even the wildest carnival, although they may involve a complete reversal of normal, everyday social etiquette. Racecourses are governed by the same sort of 'Carnival Law' as many parties, celebrations and festivals, in that disinhibited behaviours that are normally frowned upon in stuffy British culture – such as exhibitionist dressing, boozing, gambling and talking to strangers – are permitted or even encouraged. One of the important unspoken laws of etiquette regulating racegoers' behaviour is the Modesty Rule. The Modesty Rule applies not just to punters, but to all members of the Racing Tribe, including warriors, shamans, scribes and elders. The Code of Chivalry does not prevent racegoers from engaging in courtship and mating rituals, but it does ensure that females are protected and respected.
