How to Plan a Day’s Horse Racing at Doncaster Racecourse

Home to the classic "The Ladbrokes St Leger," a race named after its founder Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St Leger, Doncaster Racecourse in Yorkshire has been hosting race meetings since the sixteenth century. To experience the sheer excitement and spectacle of horse racing, join the enthusiasts for a day’s meeting at Doncaster Racecourse.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Visit the Doncaster Racecourse website and get information about the races taking place on the day you plan to visit. Doncaster Racecourse’s full program includes flat racing in the summer and jump racing during the winter. Premium racing days are on 12th, 13th and 14th September, 27th October and 10th November.
2. Select your enclosure. This can be the exclusive Premier Suite, the County Enclosure or the Grandstand. Keep in the mind that the first two require you to come dressed presentably. There is no dress code for the Grandstand.
3. Book your tickets in advance. For all except the Premier Suite, you can save up to 20% if you book your tickets online. You can buy a four-day pass for the St Leger Festival held in September for £100.
4. Make your travel arrangements. Doncaster Train Station is only 2 1/2 miles from the Racecourse and on the main London-Edinburgh line; London is just over an hour away and Edinburgh is three hours away. By air, Robin Hood International Airport serves over 40 destinations world wide and is only 7 miles from the Racecourse. The International Airports in Manchester, Leeds and East Midlands are also easily accessible. By road, the M1 (Junction 32), M18 (Junction 3 and 4), A1M (Junction 36) and the M62 motorways will lead you straight to the Doncaster Racecourse.
5. On St Leger Festival Days, you can travel to Doncaster on the St Leger Pullman train. The package includes reserved seat on the train, shuttle service between Doncaster Racecourse and Doncaster Station and admission to County Enclosure.
6. Tog out in your best clothes. Suit, tie and hat for men, and formal dress or trouser suit and hat for women.
7. Arrive at the race course an hour before the first race. On racing days, traffic jams are a strong possibility. So it’s best to make an early start.
8. Buy a racing card and stroll around the racecourse. Visit the parade ring to look at the runners and pick your favorite. Look for a horse with an intelligent, alert expression, glossy coat and springy step.
9. Place a bet. You can wager with a totepool, a bookmaker or the Racecourse Booking Shop. Totepool betting outlets are present in all enclosures and provide the easiest way of betting for beginners. If you place a bet with a totepool, state the racecard number, not the horse’s name.
10. Watch the race from the stands and cheer on your favorite. Collect your winnings if it turns out to be your lucky day, and then enjoy a glass of champagne at one of Doncaster Racecourse’s excellent bars.

Tips & Warnings

• You can collect your winning at any totepool or kiosk.
• If somehow you forget to cash in your winning ticket, post it to the address written on the back, and they will send you a check.
• With totepool booking, you won’t know until the race is over how much you’ll win.
• Children under 16 can come only when accompanied by an adult.