A beginners' guide to a day at the races

With racing taking place at venues across Britain and Ireland every day of the year except Christmas Day, trying to figure out which track to visit for your first time on a racecourse and how to set about it takes a bit of planning. 

The first step is figuring out what kind of event you want to attend. A day's racing, traditionally called a meeting, can range from big crowds and blockbuster names to small evening cards popular with locals.

If you prefer a social event with a sense of occasion look for a meeting on a Saturday, racing’s most popular day. Those events have the biggest crowds and the best horses as the races offer more prize-money and prestige.  

With 59 racecourses across Britain and 26 in Ireland there's probably a track within range and it may have a midweek meeting that can offer just as much charm as a major event at one of the larger courses. 

In the winter, jumps racing rules, culminating in a blockbuster four-day festival at Cheltenham in March, while in the summer it is the turn of Flat racing, where the five-day stylish Royal Ascot meeting and Derby day are the highlights.

Flat racing is primarily over a shorter distance with horses coming out of stalls and where there are no obstacles to overcome, while jump racing tends to be over longer distances and involves clearing hurdles or fences. 

Bang for your buck

Prices will vary depending on the importance of the event and tickets can usually be bought at the gate, although better deals will be found by booking in advance through the racecourse’s website and there are normally discounts for group bookings so do bring along your friends and family.  The family aspect of racing should not be overlooked as it is often free entry for those who are under 18.

At major meetings, tickets will be priced by enclosure, which determines which parts of the racecourse you are able to access, while on quieter racedays a general admission ticket will get you to most areas.

Most courses will have a Premier Enclosure which will get you more access and closer proximity to the winning line, but for a first-timer the Grandstand is perfectly acceptable, allowing you to spend the saved money elsewhere on course!

What to wear

Meeting selected, tickets bought, now it's time to decide on your clothing. Barring some exceptions, there is no strict dress code at most courses, so the best advice is to be comfortable and dress for the weather. 

In winter, that means waterproofs, warm coats and boots are the way to go, while in the summer you can stick to your shirts, dresses and heels.

Racegoers in the Queen Anne enclosure at Royal AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

At Royal Ascot, the dress code is much more rigid depending on which enclosure you have access to and may require a hat or fascinator. If in doubt, racecourses usually give advice on their websites regarding dress code, but be assured you can leave your top hats at home for a Tuesday afternoon at Exeter. 

Planes, trains or automobiles

All racecourses are accessible by car but for those unable to drive, or hoping to have a drink at the track, there are plenty of viable options. 

A train station isn’t usually too far away and many tracks, including Ascot, Kempton, Plumpton and Sandown, are only a short walk away from the local station. For those more removed, many courses run bus services to and from the nearest station on big days, while regular bus routes and taxis are also worth considering. 

If you are heading to Windsor it is worth checking out the ferry service which takes you up the River Thames from the town centre and train station to the track’s front door. It's the perfect way to arrive for the racecourse’s customary Monday evening fixtures in the summer. 

Raceday rundown

Once you’ve made it to the track, got your ticket scanned at the entrance and walked through the doors - what's next?

Ideally, plan to get there at least an hour before the opening race - your tickets are likely to include information on what time the gates open. You'll then have plenty of time to scope out the area. 

Every racecourse is different but all have the same elements of grandstand, paddock and betting ring, and knowing where they are plus, of course, the toilets, will make your day a lot easier once the crowds roll in. 

Chester: a unique track loved by many Flat racing fansCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Racecourse staff will be on hand to help you find your way around so feel free to wander and get a sense of each track's idiosyncrasies. 

For example, York racecourse has wide views of the track while Musselburgh is more intimate in comparison. Sandown’s paddock is the centre point for all the action while the one at Chester is accessible through a tunnel under the track. Take a look around and find the best spots to spend your day, but a good view of the final straight is a must.

And they're off!

A typical meeting is made up of six to eight races, spread over roughly a three-hour period. About ten minutes before the race, you can get up close to the horses by making your way to the paddock, an area which the runners walk around before the race. 

Not only is every horse required to appear there, but in the centre of the paddock you will see the owners, trainers and jockeys who will emerge from a building called the weighing room where they put on their distinctive colours. 

It is a time for the horse's owners and trainer to share last-minute plans with the jockey and assess the opposition. It also affords you the opportunity to see some famous names even at the quietest of meetings.

Jockeys: great ambassadors for the sportCredit: Edward Whitaker

A bell ringing is the signal for jockeys to mount their horses. They will head out on to the track and canter to the start, giving you time to find your spot on the grandstand or get that final bet on as the seconds tick down.

After the race there’s a debriefing period between jockey and trainer while the first four horses come into the winner's enclosure to cool off and get a well-deserved drink. Don't be afraid to ask a jockey or a trainer for a photo or autograph as they go about their day. It's something they are well used to and probably makes their day as much as yours. 

Snack time 

Of course, an afternoon spent at the racecourse is not complete without food and drink and there are usually options aplenty at the track. 

Burgers, hot dogs and pizzas are typical food truck options and in the summer you might even catch an ice cream van on those rare sunny days. 

The Cumbrian track of Cartmel has become famous for its food offerings, with the course’s sticky toffee pudding well worth the trip even without the bonus of racing. 

Bars can be found at every racecourse and can have more varied options at big meetings. The Royal Ascot Blush, made with gin and lemonade, is a personal favourite while sitting in the sun watching some of the best Flat racing in the world.

All's well that ends well

And there you have it, a day's racing in the bag. At some meetings, particularly in the warmer months, the party may only be starting as the last race plays out, with live music nights extremely popular at tracks after hours.

The sport is varied but is always exciting and you are never going to know if it's for you until you try it. Pick a meeting and set forth . . .  and you may just find your first trip to the races is far from being your last.

Read more . . .

The educational guide on how to bet on horseracing 

The golden rules for betting at the Cheltenham Festival 

A race-by-race guide to the Cheltenham Festival 

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