How to Plan a Day's Horse Racing at Newmarket Racecourse

Set in the Suffolk countryside, only 60 miles from London, Newmarket Racecourse is the perfect place to enjoy a day of horse racing. Newmarket has been hosting races since the 17th century, and is now the world's largest training ground. This is the ideal place to experience the excitement and exhilaration of the races.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Prepare

1. Pick your date. The racing season at Newmarket lasts from April to September with 37 race meetings per year on two different courses. In Spring and Autumn, the grand NatWest Rowley Mile Course is used for the Course of Champions stages racing, whilst in summer (June to August) races are held on the July Course, with its green lawns, flowers, beech trees and garden party atmosphere. The highlight of the summer is the three day Ritz Club July Festival and the Friday evening Newmarket Nights where racing and music combine for a great night out.

2. Choose your enclosure. On most days of the July Course, there are three enclosures from which to choose, each with its own price level and dress code. The Premier enclosure is the most expensive, as it has the best views of the winning post as well as entry to the other two enclosures. Smart dress is required.
   
   The second level is the Grandstand and Paddock enclosure which offers good grandstand viewing as well as views of the Parade Ring, Pre-Parade Ring and Winners' Circle, and entry to the Garden Enclosure. A more relaxed dress code operates in the Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure, allowing smart jeans and tailored shorts.
   
   The final option is the Garden Enclosure which is furthest from the winning post, with no view of the Parade Ring or Winners' Circle. But there is an excellent children's play area in this enclosure and picnics are allowed.
   
   Bookmakers are located in the Garden Enclosure as well as The Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure. It is possible to transfer to a higher priced enclosure on the day, availability permitting.

3. Book your tickets. Buying tickets in advance can lead to generous discounts, especially if you book online where you will get up to 20% off normal prices. Advance booking will also save you the disappointment of a sell out on the day you plan to attend.

4. Check the going, track and weather on the Newmarket Racecourse website. This tells you the condition of the track and the outlook for the race.

5. Arrive early to avoid traffic problems and to give you time to get your bearings. The gates open two and a half hours before the first race.

How to Enjoy the Day

6. Follow the Race Day Circuit. Start at the Parade Ring where the horses are walked around by their handlers before being saddled in the nearby Saddling Boxes.

7. Move on to the Parade Ring where you can examine the horses until a bell rings, giving the sign for the jockeys to mount their horses.

8. While the horses head for the starting line, make your way to the bookmakers to check the odds on your favourite horses and perhaps place a bet.

9. Find a place in the stands or on the rail to watch the race.

10. Head for the Winners' Enclosure to see the trophy presentations. Hopefully you'll be celebrating a win of your own.

11. Then you can do it all over again for the next race.

Tips & Warnings

• Look out for the Racecourse Guides, who wear blue "Official Guide" sashes, as they will happily answer any questions you might have.
• Free parking is available. Premier places can also be booked for a small fee.
• Bring the kids. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult. But do note that the dress code applies to children over 12.
• Betting is a risky business, so don't bet more than you can afford to lose.
• Flash photography is not allowed as it can distract or frighten the horses.

Resources

• Everything you need to know about Newmarket Racecourse including a Betting Guide and a Jargon Buster for those new to racing.