I have never been racing before.
Do not worry - a day at the races really is a fun day for all as there are no complex rules to understand. The first horse pass the winning post has won the race and hopefully won you some money in the process!

Once at the Racecourse there are a variety of places to eat and drink including a tea room (weekday afternoon racedays only), snack outlets, bistro, restaurant and a selection of bars.

There are normally 6 races per raceday, sometimes this may increase to 7 or 8, and the gates and all facilities open 2 hours before the first race time. There are 30 - 35 minute gaps between each race which gives you plenty of time to have a drink or something to eat, judge the horses for the next race, place your bet and get to your vantage point to watch the race.

Approximately 15 - 20 minutes before each race the horses will be in the Parade Ring where you can pick out your horse and then place your bet with the TOTE or On-course bookmakers.

There are ample vantage points to view the race and cheer your horse home, before you proceed to the Winners Enclosure to applaud the winning horse.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
We do advise everyone to buy their tickets in advance to guarantee availability. On occasion, particularly for the Saturday fixtures, the Premier Enclosure is often Sold Out before the raceday.

How do I get to the Racecourse?
Nottingham Racecourse is situated just 2 miles east of the city centre and is easily accessible from M1, A1, A52 and A46. Please refer to the maps on How to Find Us page. The Racecourse is well signed with Nottingham Racecourse brown tourism signs and the yellow Racecourse Park and Ride signs.

Nottingham Midland Mainline train station is just 2 miles away. There is a taxi rank at the station and it will take you approximately 10-15 minutes.

The nearest bus route, from the city centre, is Number 44  which depart from King Street in the city centre or the Link 2 (yellow Park and Ride) which stops on Parliament Street and Collins Street.

Is there car parking and how much is it?
There is ample on-site parking which is free. We also have coach / minibus car parking, however a coach security pass which is available from the Racecourse Office, must be completed and handed to a Car Park attendant.

Is there a cash point at the Racecourse?
There is not a cash point but cash back is available for all debit cards, subject to an upper limit and a transaction charge. Cash back is not available with credit cards.

How much is it for children?
Children under the age of 16, when accompanied by an adult come in for free. Junior discounts are available for 16 - 21 year olds, proof of age will be required, into all enclosures on the weekday afternoon racedays and into the Grandstand only on weekend and evening racedays.

Is there childrens entertainment?
There is a small, unsupervised, adventure playground (children must be supervised by an adult at all times) which is open all year round. A small selection of entertainment is provided for all weekend and evening fixtures - bouncy castle, wandering entertainer, Punch & Judy, face painting. Please check with the Racecourse.

Is there a dress code?
We always expect a reasonable level of dress however there are no rules for the Grandstand Enclosure. There is a smart casual dress code for the Premier Enclosure which stipulates no untidy attire, shorts, t-shirts, trainers or Fancy Dress. This dress code also applies for our Rooftop Restaurant and Hospitality Boxes.

How do I find out what horses and jockeys will be at the Racecourse?
We do not know what horses and jockeys will be at the Racecourse until 11.00am the day before racing. The racecard, which details all the day's horses and jockeys, is printed overnight and is available at the Racecourse on the raceday. This can be paid for in advance to save you queuing on the day.

What is the going?
The Going describes the state of the turf on the race track on raceday i.e. how soft or firm it is. Many horses have an individual preference for running on softer or firmer ground and therefore, the going can play a vital part in how well a horse runs on a particular day. There are various going descriptions which cover the range of ground conditions that horses are allowed to race on:

Heavy, Soft, Good-to-Soft, Good, Good-to-Firm and Firm.
Racing is not allowed to take place on ground conditions that are too soft or too firm and the optimum going for Flat racing is Good-to-Firm.

Is there a picnic area?
There is not a dedicated picnic car park or picnic area, but picnics are allowed on the trackside lawn adjacent to the betting ring. Please note that alcohol and glass bottles/receptacles must not be bought into the Racecourse.

Can I have a personal PA announcement?
PA announcements are reserved for health and safety, raceday and sponsors announcements only.

Which enclosure should I go in?
There are 2 enclosures - Grandstand and Premier.

The Premier Enclosure gives you access to all public areas and exclusive access to the Centenary Stand, which offers 2 bars and a trackside lawn, and the air-conditioned restaurant on the second floor of the Grandstand. The Premier Enclosure bars have racetrack views.

The Grandstand Enclosure is situated in front of the main betting ring and gives you access to all public areas and 3 bars. The Grandstand bars do not offer racetrack views but has easy access onto the Grandstand steppings.

Can I upgrade once I am at the Racecourse?
Yes, you can upgrade from the Grandstand to Premier subject to availability. On occasion, particularly the Saturday fixtures, the Premier Enclosure is sold out prior to the Raceday.

Where can I eat?
There are a number of places to eat:

Rooftop Restaurant is exclusive to Premier ticket holders and offers a 3 course waitress service lunch / evening meal (weekends and evenings). Advance booking is advisable.

Centenary Bar is exclusive to Premier ticket holders and offers tea & coffee, hot roast pork rolls, selection of sandwiches and danish pastries.

Bistro and Champagne Bar is open to all ticket holders and offers a selection of seafood & cold meat platters, freshly made sandwiches and hot dish of the day.

Frankie's Tearoom is open for all weekday afternoon racedays and offers tea & coffee, a selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and pastries.

Where do I go if I have any questions on the raceday?
You can ask any one of our staff or come to the Racecourse Office where our staff will be happy to help.

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