Raceday Top Tips

Book ahead and save

Early bird booking discounts are available up to two weeks before each meeting for those booking in advance. 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 Raceday Routine’ 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, £4 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?

For more information on our dress code please click here.

Enjoy the whole experience

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

Music Showcase Weekend, our racing and music events offer a little extra entertainment; top quality action on both the track and the live music stage.

The Ebor Festival
, our oldest, richest, fastest, and most famous races provide sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun over four fabulous days, popular with students celebrating exam results.

Family Sunday, fun for all including seven thoroughbred races and a host of activities for all the family.

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

2024 Season at a glance

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