BUY TICKETS

A day spent at the races is a day you will truly never forget – especially if you are lucky enough to attend one of the many major horseracing festivals, hosted by racecourses all over the country during different times of the year. The atmosphere on big race day is nothing like you have ever experienced before – full of jubilant racing enthusiasts, all taking in the fantastic sport on show, as well as hopefully pocketing a bit of extra cash.

Tickets aren’t that hard to come by, especially if you book them in advance and it’s easy to find a venue near you which is staging a top quality meeting. However, with so many different options available for prospective race-goers to choose from, it can be a little confusing. Well, here is a little guide to what you will get from the majority of ticket options and a few pointers as to which meetings should be near the top of your horseracing bucket list.

By far the most popular ticket with the average punter is the Grandstand option. Although different course might call it by different names, this is the standard option with most courses and prices – although always remaining easily affordable – range depending on the stature of the meeting you have chosen to attend. If you chose the standard Steeplechase ticket option on Grand National day at the Aintree Festival in April, you will not only enjoy a fantastic view of the opening fences in the biggest race of them all, but you will also have great access to bars and catering, unreserved seating, big screen access and will be free to enjoy some live music when the racing action comes to an end.

Family Enclosure tickets are a very handy option, if you plan on bringing your little ones with you to a day at the races and want to keep them out of harm’s way - just in case they happen to run into a few rather large punters who have exceeded the recommended alcohol limit. Children under the age of 18 can get into most meetings for free, except during the major festivals, where they will be charged adult prices for concession.

All the major racecourses will have their own specialised enclosures, which are always immaculately kept and offer significant advantages to general Grandstand ticket holders. The Cheltenham Festival is one of the must-see events on the horse racing calendar and within Prestbury Park, there are three enclosure for putters to choose from. The Best Mate enclosure offers fantastic views and choices of refreshments for a minimal cost. The Club and Tattersall Enclosures are a little more expensive, but you will have a much wider choice of viewing areas and amenities, as well as exclusive access to the Parade Ring, Winners Enclosure and the Hall Of Fame.

Fine Dining experiences are available to be booked during every major festival. This is usually which is also the most costly ticket option and naturally, you will be required to wear you finest garments, but every single penny is money well spent. During the famous Royal Ascot meeting, there are no less than 12 different Fine Dining options to pick from – ranging from the ultimate alfresco dining experience with The Lawn Club in the Queen Anne Enclosure, right up to the Panoramic Restaurant in the Royal Enclosure, where you can sample the finest lunch menu imaginable and enjoy the most breath-taking view in all of horseracing.

Gold Package Tickets are often available on big race days where, for a little extra cash, race-goers will receive certain discounts on food and drink, as well as betting vouchers and free race cards thrown into the bargain. If you are a subscriber to the RacingUK television channel, then you could find yourself a handy deal or two on their website. 

Discounts on tickets can be found if you buy them in bulk or purchase specialised party packages - so if you are going in a large group, that could be the best course of action. Parking Tickets are always available, but with most punters wanting to enjoy plenty of alcoholic refreshment, getting a coach or a minibus to the meeting is one of the most popular options when organising your trip to the races.