Raceday Top Tips

Top Tips for enjoying your day at the Races

Book ahead and save

Early bird booking discounts are available up to two weeks before each meeting for those booking in advance. Book in advance to take advantage of group discounts and get your badges delivered to your door too. There is also a range of special offers available to those who advance book.

Arrive early

Arriving early gives you every opportunity to experience the building raceday atmosphere, get your bearings, find your favoured bar, plan where to eat and avoid any queues which may form closer to the first race.
Experience the racing action – If you are in the County Stand or Grandstand & Paddock take a trip down to the Parade Ring before the start of the race to help you pick your winners. Make sure to listen to the Punters' Panel in the Parade Ring before racing begins too. Then watch the horses canter down to the start before placing your bets. Return after the race, take part in the celebrations as the winner returns and witness the trainer, jockey and owner being presented with their prizes. (Refer to the ‘Racing Action’ on our interactive map for location details and ‘Guide to the Racing Action’ for more information.)

Read the racecard

The racecard holds much more information than the runners and riders for the races. You can learn more about the featured race; its history, successful trainers and runners. There is often a quiz or two to entertain and profiles of top trainers and jockeys. You will normally find the answer to any question you have on a raceday, but if not any member of the racecourse team will be happy to help. (Complimentary on entry to the County Stand, £3.00 in other enclosures.)

Find your favourite place

Whether it be a good bar to act as a meeting point for friends, your favourite place to get the best view of the action or a place to rest your feet. Explore what the racecourse has to offer with many of the bars in the Knavesmire and Ebor stand offering views of the racing, many betting points around the course and various food stands there is much to discover.

Eat lunch

At York there are many places to eat. Whether you have booked ahead with our hospitality team and enjoy an all day dining experience, sit down in the Gimcrack restaurant or grab a quick bite. Lunch time offers the perfect time to reflect on your selections and plan ahead for the rest of the day. Refer to ‘Where to Eat’ on our interactive map for more details.

What should I 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 choose 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.
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.

Enjoy the whole experience

Different racedays offer different experiences, different atmospheres and different activities.

Our Music Showcase Weekend in July offers the chance to experience live racing and live music. Last season Blondie and Scouting for Girls took to the stage. Keep watching this website for details of 2012 acts.

The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival offers ladies the chance to shine on Ladies Day and win a trip to Dubai courtesy of Marriott Hotels. For the first time in 2011 the festival hosted Fashion on the Field in association with Debenhams and Jeff Banks, where style and elegance were rewarded with fantastic prizes everyday.

The Press Family Sunday in September offers a perfect opportunity for an enjoyable day out for all the family with a funfair and extra family entertainment. Appearances from Captain Barnacles and Timmy the Lamb in 2011 brought smiles to children’s faces.

Every day you come to the races is guaranteed to be different!