My husband and I are spending our first honeymoon in England this May. I have always wanted to go to a horserace and saw there is one in York during the time we are there. I am wondering if anyone knows if there are people that will help show you were to go or what to do while there are give you information, Or any locals that are willing to be escorts to help? Thanks!!!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17564 posts
Have you ever been to the races in the US or Canada?
I am a big fan and have wanted to go to one in the U.K., but it has never worked out.
My mom went when she was in England in the 1970's and loved it---especially betting with the bookies, and watching the horses run "the wrong way."
But I see York is a left-handed track, meaning the horses run the same direction they do here, anti-clockwise.
Posted by
Yorkshire, England
62 posts
I don't know if you can get a guide to help you but we are a friendly lot here in Yorkshire and if you ask. I'm sure you would be given tips and any help you need.
Plus it's quite easy to understand the process once you get started.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5467 posts
The Dante Festival in May is the 2nd biggest held at York (the biggest being the Ebor in August). Do be aware that for the top level stand (County) men must wear a jacket, collared shirt & tie.
The racecourse's own site gives plenty of info, including a section for new racegoers: https://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/plan-your-day.html
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
For photos of York race course and other York features, Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/York+Racecourse/@53.940686,-1.0915611,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1s-XHOugNs-0fk%2FWChhuY3KYYI%2FAAAAAAAAB7w%2F2BMcS9qErYw4DeikCWrPa8Qb7-bhHlnqACLIB!2e4!3e12!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2F-XHOugNs-0fk%2FWChhuY3KYYI%2FAAAAAAAAB7w%2F2BMcS9qErYw4DeikCWrPa8Qb7-bhHlnqACLIB%2Fs156-k-no%2F!7i4032!8i3024!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x824ff59ce557b481!8m2!3d53.9411252!4d-1.091878!6m1!1e1?hl=en-US
It looks as though the races, or at least some of them, are on the flat rather than steeple chase where the steeds must leap obstacles.
The UK countryside, especially the south and midlands, can still be pretty horsey. Racing is one habit, not often acknowledged, the British Empire spread to its colonies where the sport is not forgotten today. Canada's biggest thoroughbred race is the Queen's Plate, named for the source of the silverware at stake. I've seen races in more remote outposts (Nairobi, Mauritius) where the sun still hasn't set on the Britishness of the sport, even though the Emirates have the big money. Gambling has a lot to do with it and the bookies at the course will be happy to take your flutter, unaided by computers.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5467 posts
York has only flat racing - no National Hunt.
On course bookies have been computerised for years. The prices - and terms - vary from one to another. The Tote may be better for the novice.