FAQs

A small amount of alcohol can also be brought in to the Racecourse as part of a picnic. This equates to a maximum of 4 cans per person or half a bottle of wine per person. However, please note that no glass bottles can be brought in to the enclosures. If you would rather bring spirits, please bring the pre-mixed cans.

You are NOT permitted to bring your own alcohol into the Premier Enclosure. There will be plenty of concession stands and bars serving food and drink in each enclosure.

You can purchase admission tickets on the day at the gate.

Booking in advance is cheaper and also permits faster entry on the day compared to walk-ups.

All bars will accept both cash and card.

There will be tote facilities open in the areas where you have booked tickets.

Alternatively, there will be a number of bookmakers on site on each raceday.

Car Parking

All car parking is free of charge and is in the Park itself.

Parking is available in the Picnic Enclosure. The price includes a racecard and your entry into the Picnic Enclosure for up to 4 adult occupants.

Coach Parking

Parking for coaches is, again, free of charge.

Complimentary Grandstand & Paddock passes are available for coach drivers who present their Driver’s Manifest/Worksheet at the turnstile. If you’re coming by coach, please ask for a ‘Coach Pass’ when you book.

If there is a racegoer who is unable to walk far, they can get a golf buggy back to the car park after racing.

Please note: the golf buggy is only available AFTER the last race.

Struggling to find the perfect present for your loved ones?

If they enjoy racing at Pontefract why not consider purchasing a gift voucher for them.

Gift Vouchers are available to purchase here.

Accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge into EVERY enclosure at EVERY race meeting.

Online booking is available in advance for all race meetings, and you are more than welcome to use a credit or debit card for this purpose. Please note that we do not accept American Express.

Dogs are allowed in the Picnic Enclosure at every race meeting. However, owners are requested to keep their dogs on a lead and under control at all times.

Assistance Dogs are permitted throughout the Racecourse.

There is only a Dress Code in operation in the Premier Enclosure.

We want you to be comfortable and therefore do not insist on a jacket and tie. However, we do request that you have smart/casual attire and do not wear scruffy jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sportswear or trainers into the Premier Enclosure.

Picnics are welcomed in every enclosure EXCEPT the Premier Enclosure.

A small amount of alcohol can also be brought in to the Racecourse as part of a picnic. This equates to a maximum of 4 cans per person or half a bottle of wine per person. However, please note that no glass bottles can be brought in to the enclosures. If you would rather bring spirits, please bring the pre-mixed cans.

Small portable BBQs can be brought on racedays. However, depending on weather conditions, they may need to be put out on the instruction of the Safety Officer.

There are several food outlets around the Racecourse, and we have additional items available at every race meeting that can be added to your raceday tickets. There are also a number of vending vans available throughout the Racecourse enclosures.

Opening

The Racecourse opens at

• 12 noon on a midweek afternoon race meeting
• 11.30am on a Sunday
• 4.30pm for an evening

Closing

The bars close 30 minutes after the scheduled off time of the last race.

First Race

The first race times are likely to be

• Around 2pm for an afternoon meeting
• Around 6.30pm for an evening meeting.

The Racecourse operates a No Smoking policy in all indoor areas. This includes the use of e-cigarettes.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and X!

You can purchase betting vouchers for all race meetings when you book your tickets online!

If you’re thinking of staying over while visiting Pontefract, we would recommend the following nearby hotels:

4 or 5*

Rogerthorpe Manor – approximately 5 miles from the Racecourse

Oulton Hall – about 20 minutes from the Racecourse

Waterton Park Hotel – about 15 minutes from the Racecourse

Wentbridge House Hotel – within 10 miles of the course

3* or budget

The Premier Inn at Leeds/Castleford – Xscape, approximately 1 1/2 miles from the Racecourse

The Cedar Court Hotel – about 10 miles from the Racecourse

Travelodge Pontefract Ferrybridge A1/M62

Or, rent a whole house to yourself! Why not stay at Farmer Copley’s Farmhouse, accommodates up to 8 people!

Find out more – The Farmhouse | Farmer Copleys