The Complete Guide to Attending Horse Races in the UK
Horse racing events are held around the UK all throughout the year. For many, attending the races is something they have done for most of their lives, while for others it is a brand new experience.
One thing most people enjoy about horse racing is that it isn’t merely a spectator sport. Unlike other sports, such as football or cricket, you don’t simply buy your ticket and take your seat. Horse racing offers so much more.
In this article, we will be sharing our complete guide to attending horse races in the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a complete novice, you can learn the ins and outs of this spectacular sport with help from this beginner-friendly guide.
A Brief History of Horse Racing
Horse racing is one of the most popular events in the UK. Historians have been able to trace the sport back to ancient times when participants would attend chariot races and mounted horse races in countries like Egypt, Syria, and Greece.
However, it was the Romans who brought horse racing to British shores. Since then, the sport has rapidly grown in popularity. Even Queen Elizabeth II has publicly shown her love of horse racing and attending the Royal Ascot and other classic horse races.
Everything You Need to Know About Going to the Races
If you are new to horse racing and you’ve been invited to an upcoming event by a friend, this article is for you. Below we will cover everything you need to know about going to the races; from what to expect to what to wear, so that you can make the most of your day.
Horse Racing Tickets
Like most public sporting events, you will need to purchase a ticket to be admitted. Most racecourses in the UK allow you to purchase yourself a ticket at the gate on the day. However, it is worth being aware that racing events can fill up quickly and tickets can sell out fast.
Therefore, the most sensible option is to purchase your ticket ahead of time. This can be done online and will allow you to take advantage of any available discounts. All you need to do is provide digital or printed evidence of your ticket purchase when you arrive at the racecourse.
There are usually different types of tickets to choose from, such as:
- General admission
- Upgraded experiences
- Grandstand tickets
- Paddock tickets
- Premium stands and facilities
- Access to the racecourse
When you book your ticket, you can also opt for an exclusive horse racing experience. These exclusive experiences allow you to enjoy VIP experiences where you can tour the stables, meet the jockeys, and shake hands with some of the biggest names in horse racing.
How to Travel to the Racecourse
A good thing to consider in advance of race day is how you’re travelling to the racecourse. Some UK racecourses are based in rural locations, making travel by car the only viable option. Other racecourses are accessible via public transport links. So, it is important to look up where the racecourse is and how you’re going to get there.
Some racecourses, particularly those based more rurally, offer a shuttle service that transports you from town to the racecourse and back again. This can require a small fee but it’s a convenient option, particularly for those who don’t drive.
If you do travel by car, you will usually benefit from free parking. However, it is worth being aware that most racecourses host car parks in big muddy fields, so an appropriate choice of footwear is always a good idea.
Gates Open: When to Arrive and Leave
If you have ordered your ticket in advance, you can arrive at the time your ticket says the gates open. This is basically the earliest time the racecourse will start welcoming spectators inside.
Most racecourses around the UK open their gates about two hours before the race starts. However, this would mean a lot of waiting around for you. So, it’s best to arrive an hour before racing commences to give yourself time to get in, buy a drink, place your bet, pop to the loo, and find your seat.
Don’t worry if you arrive late – many people do because race days often cause a build-up of traffic. The racecourse won’t lock you out if you’re late. They will let anyone in who has a ticket, so do not panic.
When you leave is up to you. Some people stay right until the very end, while others are keen to beat the traffic home and will leave the moment the last race finishes. It is common to stay at the races for the day, so if you do decide to leave a little earlier you will likely have an easy journey home.
Available Facilities
The great thing about UK racecourses is you have all the facilities you need to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing day at the races. Of course, the venues themselves will vary in size. However, there are many facilities that are always available. These include:
- Toilets
- Food and drink outlets
- Restaurants (depending on venue size)
- Bars (depending on venue size)
- Baby changing facilities
- Bookmaker for placing bets
- Free Wifi
- Large TV screens showing the races
- Live commentary
What’s more, many racecourses provide a map which highlights where to find many of the facilities above. This is especially useful for large venues and will help you find your way around without getting lost.
Preparing for the First Race
As the first race approaches, excitement fills the air and you can feel the rush of adrenaline kicking in. Around 30 minutes before the horses enter the parade ring, it’s a good idea to visit the paddock area.
Watching the horses and their jockeys enter the ring can help you feel more confident about which horse to place a bet on and it’s also just an exciting part of race day. Of course, if this isn’t something you’re interested in, you can make your way straight to the stands and find your seat.
Purchasing Racecards
If you are new to the world of horse racing, you might not know about racecards. These useful little cards are sold by vendors throughout the day and cost you a couple of pounds.
The Official Racecard is best for beginners as it gives you an overview of each horse, a few key statistics, and a star rating. Racecards provide a great introduction to horse racing and can help you feel more connected to the race experience and more confident about your betting choice (should you decide to place a bet).
How to Bet on a Horse
Speaking of betting, one of the most popular reasons people attend horse races is to place a bet on a horse. Don’t feel daunted by this because even if you’re new to the process, it couldn’t be simpler. You can easily place your bet with an on-course bookie. Bookies will be situated in booths around the racecourse.
Here’s how to bet on a horse:
- Choose your horse. These will be listed on screens around the racecourse venue or you can consult your racecard and pick a horse you like the look of.
- Decide on the amount you’re going to bet.
- Tell the betting operator the number of the horse and the amount you want to bet (for example: ‘Number 3, £5).
- The bookie will give you a ticket which you need to hold onto until after the race is over.
If you win, there is a short wait while the jockeys weigh in before you can collect your winnings. You’ll know it’s time to collect your winnings when you hear “weighed in, weighed in!” over the speakers. This confirms the result is official and you can take your betting slip to the operator where you first placed your bet and collect your winnings.
Note: it is easy to get carried away at the races and bet large amounts of money but this can cause devastating results. So, it’s important to only bet what you can afford to lose.
What to Wear
We’ve all seen horse racing on TV at one point or another and everyone looks so dressed up. So, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about what to wear. The great thing about a day out at the races is it’s a chance to get all dressed up.
Dress codes can differ between racecourses and can depend on your ticket. However, below are some typical dress codes for men and women when attending the races.
Gentlemen
Most racecourses opt for a smart dress code. For men, this means that trainers, tracksuits, and t-shirts aren’t allowed. Instead, it is best to dress in a smart jacket, shirt, tie, and trousers. Some men even choose to wear a top hat. But how smart you go is entirely up to you.
Ladies
The same rule applies for ladies – only smart clothing is acceptable. This means opting for dresses or tailored shirts and trousers. Many women choose to wear a fascinator or a hat and high heels – just be sure to pack a change of shoes if you’ve parked in the muddy field.
Final Words
So, there you have it. The complete guide to attending horse races in the UK. We hope this article has given you the confidence you need to prepare for and attend your first ever horse race. We know that armed with this knowledge you will enjoy a lively day at the races and you’ll soon discover why horse racing has been so popular for so many years.
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