Racing can offer a wide range of facilities to suit every budget.
The 15 Jockey Club Racecourses stage all varieties of racing; jump, flat and all weather track (including floodlit evening racing). Attendances vary from the massive throngs in March at the Cheltenham Festival where the atmosphere is electric to a more intimate crowd on a crisp mid week winter fixture at Huntingdon.
Choosing the Right Tickets
(also known as badges)
Most courses are divided into three areas (enclosures), however some operate one enclosure throughout, and all of these areas are open to the public, they are priced differently and offer different bars and food outlets, this enables customers to choose the area and facilities most suited to their needs, whether this is an outing with a group of friends, a day with the family or time on your own enjoying the ambience.
The enclosures (also known as stands) are labeled as follows:
Premier, Club or Members' Enclosure
This is the best of the facilities on offer, often close to the finishing line, these badges enable access to all the other areas of the course as well. It is smart dress and at some courses men are expected to wear a jacket and tie.*
Grandstand or Tattersalls
From this enclosure you can access the paddock and the winners enclosure, there are great views of the course and plenty of options for food and drink, both formal and informal. This area has a great atmosphere and the buzz of the activity in the betting ring. This enclosure is smart casual dress, sometimes jeans and trainers are allowed.*
Silver Ring or Course Enclosure
The least expensive option, without access to the parade ring or winners enclosure, there are plenty of bars and food outlets and you can take the family or a group of friends together with a picnic and experience racing right on the rails. Dress is casual, take a rug and enjoy yourself.
Few outside racing are aware that children under 16 are admitted free of charge. It doesn't have to be an expensive day out; a family of two adults and two children can go racing from as little as £10!
* check individual racecourses websites for dress codes