Safety & Security on Racedays

The safety and security of our racegoers, participants and colleagues are our top priority at York Racecourse. We work closely with North Yorkshire Police, our security partners and the relevant authorities to ensure that you can enjoy your racing in a safe environment. We continually invest in our team, infrastructure and regular training exercises to ensure we are operationally resilient at all times.

If you are coming to York Racecourse, please ensure youarrive in plenty of time to pass through the security checks in place for all who attend. Our security and raceday staff in the teal jackets are there to help you through this whole process, so please do not be surprised if they say a friendly hello along the journey to and at the racecourse. We ask politely for your co-operation during these essential checks, so please speak to concerns on the raceday.

There are some items that are not permitted to enter the racecourse. These include items that could be misused to cause harm or to cause a nuisance to fellow racegoers. A list of prohibited items is provided here, however this is not exhaustive and other items may be prohibited at the discretion of the racecourse management – as always common sense remains key.

You will see search dogs working at the racecourse entrances. They are there to help ensure everyone’s safety so please follow the instructions of their handlers as you approach the entrances. There are drugs amnesty bins ahead of these checks and we have a zero tolerance approach to drugs inside the racecourse.

We have an extensive CCTV system across internal and external areas of the racecourse which is monitored throughout racedays to help keep everyone safe and secure.  

Bag policy and left luggage facility

Please ask yourself before you attend 'is my bag essential?' It's better for everyone if you do not bring a bag at all. In the Grandstand & Paddock and County Enclosures we ask that if you do need to bring a bag with you please make sure that it is no larger than you need for a day out. All bags entering the course will be searched and this slows the process down for everyone. Of course, handbags as part of your raceday outfit are welcome!

Larger bags and luggage will need to be checked into our complimentary Left Luggage facility on the pedestrianised Racecourse Road under the white footbridge. An exception will be made for medically necessary items after thorough inspection at the entrance gates.

In the Clocktower Enclosure in the centre of the course, picnics are very much part of the raceday experience. In line with our Food & Drink policy we do allow racegoers with larger bags to enter the  Clocktower Enclosure. These are however subject to search so please allow plenty of time to enter the racecourse.  We ask that you do not bring glass as part of your picnic to ensure there are no mishaps with bare feet – we will ask for any drink in a glass vessel to be decanted at the entrances.

Thank you for your co-operation.

What else do we do to keep you safe?

So much more than you can see. 

Our trained security teams look after the racecourse 24/7 and work  hard to ensure the racecourse is safe and secure for all to enjoy.

Our work with North Yorkshire Police and security industry professionals mean that we are always working at a high standard and ensure the security levels at the racecourse are appropriate and the right resources are in place for your visit.

Project Servator is the National Policing policy which aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. Experienced Police Officers are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime. You may see these officers at the racecourse, but sometimes not as they may be covert. 

How you can help - See something, say something.

You have an important role to play in helping to keep York Racecourse safe by reporting anything that doesn't feel right, for example, an unattended item or someone acting suspiciously. If you have queries about safety or security at the racecourse, please do not hesitate to speak with our team members or a Police Officer. They will make sure your concern is listened to, dealt with and escalated as necessary.  You can also contact us via an online form.

Alternatively, you can call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. If it is an emergency always dial 999.