York Racecourse has a proud tradition of staging the very best of thoroughbred racing dating back to 1731 and is committed to investing in prize money and facilities to attract the top racehorses from Britain, Europe and around the world.
We very much look forward to welcoming you to the Knavesmire.
The guide is produced for Owners and Trainers which contains important information to assist in planning a visit to York Racecourse during the season.
The 2024 Guide for Owners can be found here.
The latest going is updated on the homepage of this website.
Or can be found by:
- Following our York Clerking Team, @YorkClerk on Twitter.
- Calling 01904 683932 or on the 24 hour telephone information system by calling 01904 620911 and following the instructions.
Owners and trainers wishing to speak to Anthea Leigh, Racing Manager and Raceday Clerk of the Course, please call 07837 559861.
The Owners & Trainers entrance is adjacent to the dedicated Owners & Trainers car park, near the Weighing Room.
Owners
A single owner, partnership or syndicate with a runner declared will be entitled to a total of six complimentary Owners Badges for the raceday, for use by you, your family or close personal friends.
Extra badges may be purchased at a discounted rate, subject to availability.
Please bring your PASS swipe card to obtain your Owners' badges.
Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Lunch comprises of a starter, chef's carvery and dessert in the Restaurant, followed by tea or coffee in the lounge area.
A single owner, partnership or syndicate with a runner(s) on the raceday will be entitled to a total of up to six complimentary lunches, irrespective of how many runners on the day.
Tables are only for the meal service rather than for the day. Space is limited in the restaurant and is allocated on a first come first served basis. Service is from 12noon to 4pm (4:30pm to 8pm Friday evening).
The registered trainer with runner(s) will be entitled to their own lunch, accompanied by a guest (maximum of two complimentary lunches per trainer, irrespective of how many runners).
For raceday lunch enquiries please contact Alice Brooke on email or 07957 232570.
Should you wish to have a reserved table for the whole day, various Restaurants, at a special rate, and Private Box facilities can be reserved, subject to availability, by contacting Angie Salter on email or 01904 638971.
There may be late availability on a viewing box, if this is of interest, please contact Nick Johnson by email or 01904 683933.
Syndicate owners are most welcome at York, indeed horses such as Scampi, Shouldvebeenaring and Dragon Leader have enjoyed big race success here, for varying groups of Owners.
A syndicate with a runner declared will be entitled to six complimentary Owners Badges and lunch vouchers for the raceday.
Syndicates choosing not to have lunch may elect to have up to an additional six complimentary Owners’ Badges (i.e a total of 12) for members of the syndicate of the runner. Any additional badge requests, (25% discount of the one the day price) subject to availability) – please contact Alice Brooke before 10am on the day of racing, on 07957 232570 or email [email protected].
York Racecourse lies within a mile south of the city centre and is served by convenient road, rail and air access routes.
Car
Within a mile of the A1036 York (West) exit of the A64 (Postcode YO23 1EX).
Dedicated Owners & Trainers car park is at the front of Car Park A and is signposted. Your ROA car park label, the Guide for Horsemen or 5 day entry email/letter from Weatherbys acts as a car park pass.
Rail
Direct trains from London Kings Cross (1 hr 50 min), Edinburgh (2 hr 27 min), Manchester (1 hr 15 min) and Leeds (23 min).
The train station is a taxi, regular shuttle bus or a 20-minute walk to the racecourse.
Air
Leeds/Bradford International Airport (40 min) and Manchester International Airport (90 mins).
Light aircraft can be accommodated at Rufforth, only 6 miles from the course and can be arranged by calling Helicopter & Aviation Services Ltd on 01427 718800.
- No.1 Guesthouse (01904 644744)
- Dean Court (01904 625082)
- Elmbank (01904 610653)
- Gray’s Court (01904 612613)
- Hilton (01904 648111)
- Holiday Inn (0870 4009085)
- Hotel Du Vin (0330 016 0381)
- Middlethorpe Hall (01904 641241)
- York Marriott (01904 701000)
- The Grand (01904 380038)
- The Principal (01904 653681)
All these hotels are situated within a short taxi ride or walking distance of the racecourse.
Escape the City -
- Parsonage Hotel and Spa (01904 728111)
Enjoy a short break in the White Rose county, discover more with Visit York.
The vehicle entrance to the York Racecourse stables is on Tadcaster Road (A1036), opposite the Fox & Roman public house (satnav code YO24 1RQ).
To book stables and accommodation for stable staff please email [email protected] or fax 01904 778647 or telephone 01904 709174. The overnight stabling and accommodation booking form can be found here.
The racehorse is at the heart of everything we do. Take a look at the Equine Welfare measures we have in place at York through our videos here or read more.
We have three specialised equine vets on site during every raceday to attend to any horses that may require treatment, with Minster Equine Veterinary clinic only a short distance away if needed.
There is also a specialist Horse Ambulance in attendance on every raceday, and two for the Dante and Ebor Festivals, provided by Howard Pickersgill.
Minster Equine Veterinary Practice can be contacted on 01904 788840, or email [email protected].
To view our raceday photographs, click here to view.
Pre-Racedays:
- William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course
Tel 01904 683932
- Rachel Wigby, PA to Chief Executive
Tel 01904 683932
Email [email protected]
- Anthea Leigh, Racing Manager and Raceday Clerk of the Course
Tel 07837 559861
Email [email protected]
- Alice Brooke, Owners & Trainers Entrance
Tel 07957 232570
Email [email protected]
- Wendy Rollason, Owners' Restaurant Manager
Tel 07889 383173
Email [email protected]
William Derby (Clerk of the Course) and Anthea Leigh (Racing Manager and Raceday Clerk of the Course) will be on hand in the Parade Ring throughout the race meeting and will be pleased to help you with any requests that you may have.
We are always happy to try and help with any special requests.
Please contact us in advance if possible. Tel 01904 683932 or e-mail [email protected].
Sarah Holton is the point of contact at the ROA, email: [email protected]. Please feel welcome to pass on any comments/suggestions to her with regard to the facilities for Owners at York. She will be pleased to help and will liaise with the Chief Executive, William Derby.