10 Reasons to Go Racing

1. World Class Horses

Thoroughbred horses are a magnificent sight to see, with racing offering one of the best opportunities to see them close up.

Head to the Parade Ring before the race to see the equine stars in all their beauty. Place your bet and head to the rails to hear the sound of hooves thundering past.

2. Under 18’s go FREE to all enclosures

Here at York children under the age of 18 are admitted free to all enclosures.*

Family Sunday provides an extra special focus on families and host a range of activities for children, alongside seven thoroughbred races and pony racing.

*Children aged 5 – 17 are required to special £10 at our Music Showcase Weekend 

3. Locally Sourced Food

There is a wide variety of food and drink offerings on a race day, which is sourced from local producers and suppliers.

Only British meat features on our hospitality dishes, with our beef sourced from here in Yorkshire. Our menus are focussed on being seasonal, therefore they are both delicious and reduced in food miles!

4. FREE car parking

For all meeting here at York there is free car parking.

We have ample parking facilities with the majority of car parking being only a short (flat) walk away from the entrances.

There are also quick and convenient public transport links to and from the course.

5. A day to suit everyone

There is a day to suit everyone across the 18 racedays here at York.

From racing and live music events on our Music Showcase weekend, to Family Sunday, to the Dante Festival for racing fans or the Sky Bet Ebor Festival offers the chance to combine racing and fashion.

Whatever you are looking for we have a day to suit you!

6. Early bird and group discounts on all days

Advance book here County Stand and Grandstand & Paddock up to two weeks before the raceday to take advantage of early bird discounts.

Groups of six or more also receive a discount in both County Stand and Grandstand & Paddock for all racedays. Groups booking 20 will receive 1 free admission. 

7. Trips to the start

Take a trip to the start to get up close to the equine stars before they go under starters orders.

Hear the jockeys as they speak to the stalls team before loading up. Trips to the start are available for all races* on all 18 racedays.

Meet at the Thatched hut 20 minutes before the race start time.

*subject to availability

8. Facilities to suit all weathers

The weather in Yorkshire can be unpredictable, even in summer, so we have ensured we have facilities to suit all weathers from stands to lawns.

The County Stand includes access to the Ebor Stand. The five storey stand includes restaurants, bards and facilities with views across the Knavesmire. Alongside the modern Ebor Stand is the Listed Old County Stand. The ever popular champagne terraces overlooking the Parade Ring complete the County Stand facilities.

The Grandstand & Paddock enclosure is dominated by the impressive Knavesmire Stand, offering unrivalled track viewing, bars and the 1731 Pie Shop.
Behind the Knavesmire Stand is an extensive array of terraces, food outlets and Pavilions for racegoers to enjoy the atmosphere of a raceday at York. The Bustardthorpe Lawn allows racegoers to enjoy track views, take a seat and make use of the extensive catering options on our carefully manicured lawns.

The Clocktower Enclosure offers one of the best value views in British racing.  The sloping lawns from in the final furlong to the Winning Post with the dramatic backdrop of the York stands is a stunning spot to view racing on a pleasant summer afternoon. This area comes alive on a sunny afternoon when friends and family enjoy a picnic and the challenge of finding a winner.

9. A chance to dress to impress

A day at the races is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress.

During the Sky Bet Ebor Festival there is the chance to strut your stuff down the Ebor Fashion Lawn, where you can win some fantastic prizes.

In the County Stand gentlemen are required to wear a collared shirt, tie and jacket.

10. A traditional sport

Horse Racing is one of the most popular sports in England with a longstanding history.

A day at the races is a chance to experience England’s history and tradition, with monarchy support throughout the years.

Racing on the Knavesmire dates back to 1731, and there are many reminders of the heritage around the course. 

2024 Season at a glance

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