Racing FAQ's

This section is here to help you understand racing at York and as a set of Frequently Asked Questions hopefully will. If there are any questions which you would like to see on here then please do contact us.

What should guests wear?

Racegoers at York like to make it a special occasion and choose to dress accordingly. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie in County Stand. Most gentlemen would chose to wear smart trousers and formal shoes to complete the look. So whilst there is no formal restriction on wearing jeans and trainers, these are rarely seen in the County Stand. Ladies are required to dress in a suitable manner, many ladies opt for a hat, although it is not compulsory. Imagine you are going to a smart wedding is our tip.

Please note, for our Press Family Sunday on September 9th, as a special family meeting, County Stand dress code is relaxed; gentlemen are not required to wear jacket, collar and tie.

In Grandstand & Paddock and Course Enclosure the dress code is more relaxed; shorts and t-shirts are worn by racegoers enjoying the sun. The only common sense restrictions would be those of taste and decency for example regarding style and slogan t-shirts. Bare chests are not acceptable.

How can guests travel to York?

York train station is 2 miles from the track, both shuttle buses and taxis offer a good raceday service. For drivers there are signposts from all the major routes to the plentiful supply of free car parking on all of our racedays. For John Smith's Day and The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, a special traffic plan will apply.

Car parking - There is a plentiful supply of free car parking on all of our racedays.

How do I pick a winner?

A question as old as the sport itself so there’s no easy answer! Knowledge is power so consult the information in your racecard, book a tipster for your party, or listen to the ‘punters panel’ held around 1.15pm every day to pick up some clues. Favourite colours, children’s names and a popular jockey have also produced their share of success. If you are in the County Stand then your complimentary racecard with your badge may well provide you with some pointers.

What time should I arrive?

The gates are open from 11.15am on racedays and 11am for the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival so you can start arriving from then on. The first race is usually between 1.30pm and 2pm so if you want to have a look at the horses and get your bets on then arrive in plenty of time, remembering the traffic in York can be busy and to allow time to buy your ticket.

What about the evening meeting?
Gates will open at 4pm and the first race is set for 6pm. Musical entertainment will start after racing until approximately 10pm.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

Yes, but if you want discounts for party bookings in the Grandstand & Paddock and County Stand please book in advance. May, August and Saturday racing will be extremely busy so please arrive in good time if you are buying tickets on the day.

If I book tickets in advance when will I receive them?

All tickets and badges will be sent approximately two weeks before the meeting. Please book well in advance in order to receive your tickets in time. Orders made approximately 5 days prior to the meeting will have to be collected from the course at the ticket collection window. Please contact the Bookings Team on 01904 620 911 for more information.

Are there any cash points on the course?

Yes, there are cash points available located at the far end of the Grandstand & Paddock area and in the foyer of the Old County Stand entrance.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Food and drink (no glass) can only be taken into the Course Enclosure, where picnics are welcome. To view the wide range of food and drink options available in all enclosures on a raceday please click here.

The racecourse reserves the right to ask that racegoers who choose to bring food into the County Stand or the Grandstand & Paddock to leave the course. Picnics are permitted in the car parks and the Course Enclosure.

Does the racecourse operate a non-smoking policy?

Yes, since July 2007 the racecourse has enforced the legislation and became no smoking inside all buildings. There are plenty of open spaces, and all box and private facilities have adjacent open areas, where smoking is permitted.

What are the provisions for disabled racegoers?

York Racecourse is committed to providing an accessible environment for all, including persons with disabilities. Our aim is to provide our valued racegoers with a memorable day’s experience and the desire to return soon. To assist disabled racegoers gaining access to and from the car parks and taxi rank, we have a buggy available.
Find out about our Disability Access here

Do you offer any special deals for students?

We are a popular destination for people of student age and we think that reflects the overall experience of top class horses, award winning facilities and the efforts of the team, as well as the admission price.

We offer a reduced admission rate to our County Stand area based on the age of the racegoers, so those starting out in work benefit from a discount as well.
Full details on a day by day basis can be seen by clicking here.

As a summary of 2012's prices:

- accompanied under 16s are free.
- 16-17 year olds are just £10 on 13 days – saving nearly 70% on daily adult admission. At the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival the concession rate is £15.
- 18, 19 & 20 year olds pay just £20 - £22 on the majority of days so saving a third.
- At the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival the age range increases to include 22 year olds and the rate is £30 so saving £23 or over 40%.
- Admission to many days in Grandstand & Paddock starts at £10 and Course Enclosure prices begin at just £5.

If you enquiring on behalf of a Student Union, please contact us on 01904 620911 to explore further discounts for organised groups that are available on Saturday 26th May and Friday 15th June.

For those who are keen to follow the full racing season at York, we operate a Junior Annual Badgeholder scheme open to those aged up to 25. It is £99 for the year, saving 85% on daily admission. For more details and to download an application form please click here.

If you are interested in using the racecourse for a non raceday event, then we have experience in hosting Fresher and Graduation Balls as well as exhibitions. Please click here to find out more.

We work with the Racing to School and BHEST team to host guided tours for colleges on non-racedays, for further details please click here and for further details for such tours please contact Tony Lee on tony.lee@yorkracecourse.co.uk.

Where can I place a bet?

There are various points and different ways to bet here at York.

1. Place a bet with the Tote.
2. You can go to the betting ring.
3. Use a totesport Betting Shop.

With over 300 Tote betting points located around the course, there is always one nearby.

The main betting ring is situated in front of the Knavesmire Stand with an additional ring in Course Enclosure and sometimes a third set of bookies on Bustardthorpe Lawn.

There are three totesport SP betting shops at York; one at the southern end of the stands, the second on the ground floor of the Knavesmire Stand and the third being the refurbished shop on the ground floor of the Melrose Stand. In addition, racegoers in Course Enclosure will find a totesport SP facility underneath the clock tower.

Members of Tote Credit can use their account at York in a number of different places. All of the totesport SP shops will accept bets using a Tote Credit account. Totesport also operate a bookmakers pitch on the Rails and will be pleased to accept a Tote Credit bet from racegoers in County Stand or Grandstand and Paddock. Furthermore there is a Tote Credit window on the Weighing Room side of the Melrose Stand betting shop.

Where can I use my Tote Credit account at York?

Members of Tote Credit can use their account at York in a number of different places. All of the totesport SP shops will accept bets using a Tote Credit account. Totesport also operate a bookmakers pitch on the Rails and will be pleased to accept a Tote Credit bet from racegoers in County Stand or Grandstand & Paddock. Furthermore there is a Tote Credit window on the Weighing Room side of the Melrose Stand betting shop.

There was one more question?

The team at York Racecourse would be pleased to help answer any other questions you might have about your raceday. You can do this by telephoning 01904 620911 or alternatively by e-mailing enquiries@yorkracecourse.co.uk