Sandown Park - Racing - Race Day Information

Membership

So you have never been horseracing but always wanted to give it a try. You think it seems far too complicated with rules, etiquette and that magical 'lingo'?

Well at Sandown Park, non of that has really existed and we make all our visitors, whether new to horseracing or a seasoned pro, feel right at home. We hope the following information should help you get the most out of your day.

WHERE WILL I SEE THE HORSES?
The horses will be based in their stables. You will see them warming up in the Pre-Parade ring opposite the Winners Enclosure, in the Parade Ring where the Jockey's mount the horses, making their way to the racecourse via the Horsewalk and on the racecourse for the race. After the race, the horses will make their way to the WInners Enclosure again via the Horsewalk where the presentations will take place for the winners.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
The gates will open two hours before the first race on all racedays, with the exception of The bet365 Gold Cup Meeting (April), The Coral-Eclipse (July), Music Nights (July & August) and The Tingle Creek Meeting (December) when the gates will open three hours before the first race.

WHAT IS FLAT AND JUMP RACING?
Flat Racing is run on a natural grass surface (turf) or on a synthetic surface (all-weather) over a level track at a predetermined distance from five furlongs (1006 m) to over two miles (3219 m). They are generally called sprints, middle distance or stayers races. Jump Racing (also known as steeplechasing or hurdling) derives its name from early races in which orientation of the course was by reference to a church steeple, jumping fences and ditches and generally traversing the many intervening obstacles in the countryside.

WHERE CAN I PARK?
There is car parking available at Sandown Park, for free in the centre of the racecourse (via the More Lane entrance) or at the front of the Grandstand (via Portsmouth Road) at a cost of £5 per car.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
The dress code at Sandown Park is officially smart casual, but many people like to dress up for certain days, for example The Coral-Eclipse Meeting. We do not insist that a jacket and tie are worn to all meetings nor ladies required to wear a hat. Smart Jeans are permitted but must not be ripped or torn. Fancy dress and sportswear including non tailored shorts, football and rugby shirts and trainers are not permitted in the Premier Enclosure. Bare tops are also not permitted at the racecourse.

WHERE CAN I BET?
The places to bet are the tote and Coral counters located across the racecourse within the Grandstand or with the bookmakers who are situated in the betting ring at the front of the Grandstand Enclosure.

CAN I BUY FOOD AT SANDOWN PARK?
Sandown Park offers a wide variety of food and drink options from fine dining in our restaurants to fish and chips, sandwiches and hot meals in the family-friendly Food Court.

CAN I BRING A PICNIC?
Picnics are welcome, except through the winter months, with a dedicated picnic area situated at the front of the grandstand, adjacent to the Grandstand crossing point. Picnic's cannot be consumed in Sandown Park's bars and restaurants.

CAN I BRING A BARBEQUE?
Unfortunately barbecue's are not permitted at Sandown Park.

CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Dogs are not allowed within the grounds of Sandown Park, with the exception of registered assistance dogs. Dogs should not be left in cars either.

IS THERE A DROP OFF AND PICK UP POINT?
Yes, via the main entrance on the Portsmouth Road. Please speak to a member of the car parking team for assistance.

WHERE IS A GOOD MEETING POINT?
We recommend that the large tree between the Parade Ring and the Winner Enclosure is a great meeting point. Alternatively, Grandstand ticket holders could arrange to meet on the Sports Bar patio, overlooking the Parade Ring and Premier Badge holders could meet underneath the clock tower, overlooking the Horsewalk and Parade Ring.

ARE THERE ANY CASH MACHINES AT SANDOWN PARK?
We do recommend you take cash out before you arrive at Sandown Park Racecourse, although there are cash points in the main entrance foyer and in the Premier Enclosure. Esher High Street have a variety of banks and cash points facilities.

CAN I HIRE BINOCULARS?
Yes, they are available from the information point in the main entrance foyer in the Grandstand.

WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE FOR DISABLED CUSTOMERS?
Sandown Park is accessable for disabled customers with ramp access, disabled parking close to the entrance, disabled toilet facilities, low level service areas in the Bars and Food Court and First Aid facilities.

DO I NEED A RACECARD?
A racecard is an essential investment for your day, listing all the runners & riders, their form guides and helpful tips. Racecards are sold from kiosks across the racecourse. If you have booked a hospitality package, racecards are usually provided.

CAN I TAKE MY CAMERA?
You may use a camera in the normal public enclosures, as long as the photographs are not for commercial use. Please refrain from using flash photography in close proximety to any racehourse. Commercial photographers need to apply for press accreditation (see the Press section of this site).