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Racing Explained

Make the most of your time at the racecourse. If you have never been to the races before then here is everything you need to know about going to the races from what to wear, where to watch, how to bet and a guide to racing terms you may hear around the racecourse.

We want your racing experience to be one that you’ll remember for a long time and come back to experience again and again.

Generally there is no particular dress code at any racecourse. Dress for the weather and wear what you feel comfortable in for a day of outdoor entertainment. All public walk areas are paved so suitable for any form of footwear.

On Ladies Days, racegoers make an extra effort to dress up for these special highlights in the racing calendar. Dress to impress if you want to be with an opportunity to win some of the fantastic prizes for best outfit or best hat!

All racing can be watched live from the Grandstand at the front of the racecourse. You can also see all the action from the giant screen positioned near the winning post as well as on Racing TV screens in our bars and restaurants.

To feel the thrill of the race, the best place to stand is right by the rails as the horses thunder past – an absolutely breathtaking spectacle.

During jump season you can stand next to one of the hurdles or fences and really get a sense of the energy and power of the horses as they fly past.

All racegoers have access to view the horses as they are led round the Parade Ring before each race. This is also where jockeys mount up before heading to the start point.

After each race, enjoy watching the return of the winning and placed horses where they meet their owners and trainers and where the winner trophies are presented.

From the Grandstand, watch the racing live from the trackside or witness up close to the rails and cheer your horse to the finish line. Large outdoor TV screens are also displayed on all racedays making easy viewing of the whole race from various positions and facilities throughout the course.

One of the best things about horse racing is that no one knows who is going to win any given race at any given time. You may prefer to study ‘form’, the information and facts about a horse’s past performances in the Race Programme, online or in the national newspapers, or make a selection from observing the horses in the Parade Ring.

There is a wide variety of bets and combinations you can place on every race with the Tote or on course bookmakers.