At York we always remember that the horse is the star and that what owners & trainers want most is for their horse to have the best chance of performing to the best of its ability.
Of course, everyone wants to have an enjoyable day at the races and we will do our best to deliver that wish.
Return to the home page to view going report.
The latest going report is also available on a 24hr telephone information system by calling 01904620911 and following the instructions.
Owners and trainers wishing to speak to the Clerk of the Course please use the direct contact numbers given in their five day entry letter.
Chief Executive/Clerk of the Course: William Derby.
York Racecourse get Gold Standard

During August 2007 York Racecourse joined the prestigious ranks of Racehorse Owner’s Association Gold Standard Award racecourses. The award recognises overall excellence in the raceday experience for owners, their horses and stable staff.
ROA Council member, Dena Arstall, said: “We are delighted to award the Gold Standard to York, a track that consistently displays an exemplary and proactive approach towards owners’ facilities, and the accolade is very well deserved.”
Owners & Trainers’ Entrance
The Owners & Trainers’ Entrance has been relocated to the northern end of the racecourse; this is adjacent to the Owners and Trainers’ car park and the main taxi rank as well as offering quick access to the Pre Parade ring. York will be operating the PASS computerised system for all owners and trainers and we will be allocating six complimentary owners badges per runner, regardless of whether syndicate or fully owned. Lift access for disabled connections has been improved for 2007.
Owners & Trainers’ Club
The Owners & Trainers Club will continue to operate on the first floor of the Melrose Stand. This facility caters for owner’s needs being situated close at hand for both the Parade Ring and Weighing Room whilst offering easy access to the main Grandstand for viewing. The facility offers beverages, light refreshments, Totepool betting and television viewing with video viewing for re-runs. An exclusive terrace overlooking the weighing room has been added to this area.
Pre-Parade and Parade Rings
Both Pre-Parade Ring & Unsaddling Enclosures are located close to the parade ring. We have re-surfaced the Pre-Parade Ring with the latest approved rubber block bricking and have re-fenced the area with plastic safety railing. The Parade Ring itself has also been re-laid with the rubber block bricking and the exit on to the course has been re-aligned to aid horses turning left down the track. As a result of feedback last season, we have added hardstanding rubber block brick areas outside the washdown and sampling unit areas in order to reduce muddy patches, as well as installing two horse showers.
Ebor Stand
Your Owners & Trainers badge will give you access to a variety of viewing areas, and a range of bars within the Ebor Stand. In particular, I would draw your attention to the Ebor Restaurant, a 350 seat dine and view facility that is already proving popular and does require booking in advance. Please do let us know if you need any further information.
Stables
The vehicle entrance to the racecourse stables is on Tadcaster Road, opposite the Fox & Roman public house.
To book stables and accommodation for stable staff please call 01904 620911.
Vehicles crossing the Course to/from the Stables
As a safeguard for horses and pedestrians crossing the Knavemire, the system introduced in 2003 whereby only trainers and jockeys with a runner on the day are authorised to take their cars through the stablesand across the course will be in operation. Weatherbys will issue a pass to this effect.
Course Location
York Racecourse lies within a mile of the city centre and is served by convenient road, rail and air access routes, including:
• Fast and frequent trains run from London Kings Cross, taking as little as 1 hour 52 minutes (taxi, bus or a brisk walk to the racecourse).
• Direct trains running from Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham.
• The new M1/A1 link road, from which the eastbound A64 runs within a mile of the racecourse.
• Leeds/Bradford International Airport (approximately 40 minutes away) and Manchester International Airport.
• Light aircraft can be accommodated at Rufforth, only 6 miles from the course.
• Helicopter access is available at the course (by prior arrangement) with Helicopter and Aviation Service Ltd (01427 718 800)
Please note that the dress code in the County Stand is jacket and tie for gentlemen.
Click here to download direction in pdf
Car Parking
The Owners & Trainers car park is signposted and access is strictly controlled so please display your ROA/RCA car park pass or PASS system car. Car park space is limited (hence the strict control) and once full you can use the public car park. Please note the traffic plan that will operate on John Smith's Day and The Ebor Festival. If you require more information please contact the Racecourse Office on 01904 620911.
Badge Collection
You will be able to collect your badges from the Owners & Trainers Entrance at the top paddock entrance. Here the passcard system will be in operation by Rachel Blizzard. Rachel will also be able to assist you with any other enquiries. All owners are allocated 6 badges per horse at York regardless of type of ownership. Extra Owners & Trainers badges can be purchased at the Owners & Trainers Entrance.
Restaurant and Bar Facilities
The Owners & Trainers Bar is situated on the first floor of the Melrose Stand. This facility has been specially designed for owner’s needs, being situated opposite the main Parade Ring and offering easy access to the main Grandstand for viewing. The facility offers beverages, light refreshments, from 11.15 am, television viewing and Totepool betting, with video viewing for re-runs.
Owner Liaison
Pre-Racedays:
- William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, 01904 683932. Jane Richardson, PA to Chief Executive, 01904 683932.
Racedays:
Rachel Blizzard (Owners Badge Desk) and William Derby (Clerk of the Course) will be on hand in the Parade Ring throughout the race meeting and will be pleased to help you with any requests that you may have.
Fax: 01904 611071.
E-mail: jane.richardson@yorkracecourse.co.uk
Videos of Races
Winners and placed connections receive a complimentary video. Owners can watch a video re-run of each race in the Owners & Trainers Bar.
Suggested Local Hotels
Middlethorpe Hall Hotel (01904 641241)
Elmbank Hotel (01904 610653)
York Marriott Hotel (01904 701000)
Holiday Inn (01904 4009085)
All these hotels are situated within walking distance of the racecourse. For more information go to the York Tourism Bureau
Corporate Hospitality
For information on private boxes please contact our hosplitality manager Nick Johnson on 01904 683933 or email nick.johnson@yorkracecourse.co.uk. If you require information on dining packages and tailor made raceday packages please contact York Racecourse Hospitality on 01904 638971, or email york@cgcevents.co.uk.
Any Special Requests
We are always happy to try and help with any special requests. Please contact us in advance if possible. Tel 01904 683932 or e-mail jane.richardson@yorkracecourse.co.uk.
Kay Barron (abvh85@assureweb.com) and Sheila Storer (Sheila.Storer@btopenworld.com) are the ROA representatives at York. Please feel welcome to pass on any comments/suggestions to them with regards the facilities for Owners at York. They will be pleased to help and will liaise with the Chief Executive, William Derby.