Preparing for the Day
Now that you’ve booked tickets for your fantastic day racing, here is our guide for how to prepare for your day out, including:
What to Wear
Whether it’s denim jackets or top hat and tails, Britain’s racecourses are open to many styles. The general rule is the more you spend on your ticket the more the dress requirements increase to reflect the importance of the occasion.
However, many racecourses have Ladies Days which, regardless of Enclosure, people generally dress up for.
Sometimes dress requirements can be dependant on a particular meeting but, as a general rule, you can follow the following guidelines:
Members/Club/Premier
Smart dress, men are expected to wear a jacket and tie.
Tattersalls/Grandstand/Paddock
Smart Casual is preferred although sometimes jeans and trainers are allowed.
Silver Ring/Course/Picnic
Go casual, and if the weather is fine take a rug and enjoy yourself.
The British Horseracing Authority website contains in depth information about each racecourse where you can clarify the exact dress code requirements for your meeting.
A useful tip….
Whilst there is plenty of seating around a racecourse, you generally do spend quite a lot of time on your feet - watching the horses in the parade ring, then going to place your bet, watching the race in the stand or chatting in the bar – so make sure you wear shoes which are comfortable!
Getting There
So you’ve booked for your racecourse but how do you get there? Most racecourses have good public transport links and sometimes for certain meetings a special race train will be laid on.
The British Horseracing Authority’s website has general information on 'Getting There', which you'll find detailed course by course in our racecourse pages.
Arrival Time
Try to arrive at the course between 30 minutes and an hour before the first race is due to start, so you can get a feel for the layout of the course and enjoy the build up.
Also, it's worth checking out special events and entertainment which some racecourses put on before or after the racing. There are often special activities for children and live music events. Visit your chosen racecourse’s website for more information about the entertainment on offer.
Car Parking
The good news is that all racecourses offer free parking for the majority of meetings. However, if you are going to a major event, for example the Grand National, it may be necessary to book parking in advance. If in any doubt, you can contact the course direct.
What to Take
Most of the things you will need to enjoy your day’s racing will be available at the racecourse, including a great array of food and drink.
However, here are some items we recommend you take in order to get the most out of your day.
Cash
Some racecourses have cash machines but not all, and there may be queues, so it’s worth making sure you take enough cash so you can buy a racecard, have a bet and buy some food and drink.
Pen or pencil
It's worth taking a pencil or pen to jot down any notes on your racecard about the horses you see in the parade ring and to note your selection before you go to the bookmakers to place your bet.
Binoculars
It's also worth considering taking a set of binoculars, which will help you to get a better view of the race when horses are at the far side of the course
Umbrella
Whilst there are obviously sheltered areas at every racecourse, a lot of your time will be spent in the open air so make sure you check the weather before leaving so that, if necessary, you can take an umbrella.
Picnic
This obviously depends on the weather but many courses have special picnic areas, generally located within the centre of the course area where you can park your car and enjoy a picnic.
Plase note, generally you are not allowed to take your own alcoholic beverages into the racecourse. However some courses have different rules on this. Visit the British Horseracing Authority’s racecourse pages to find out more information or contact details for your chosen course.
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