Is there a Dress Code?

There is a ‘Smart Casual’ code for racegoers in the Bibury Enclosure. Smart jeans only – no ripped, torn or frayed denim. No shorts, sportswear or trainers. Collared shirts and trousers for gentlemen, but ties are not essential. Grandstand & Paddock and the Course Enclosures are a little more relaxed and we would advise that you dress according to the weather.

Will the Big TV Screen be at Salisbury?

Yes, the big screen, opposite the Stands, will be at all 15 race meetings in 2010. There will be no big screen at the Arabian Raceday on Sunday 6th September.

Can we bring our own food into the enclosures?

Picnics are allowed in the Course Enclosure, however, visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol into any enclosure.

What time do the gates open?

12 noon for afternoon race meetings and 4pm at evening meetings (apart from Friday 20 August which is 3.30pm). It is advised that for weekend race meetings, when the attendances are busier, a bit more time is allowed for journeys.

What time is the first and last race?

The race times vary at every race meeting, and late changes often occur, particularly when an additional race is created. Please check the Racedays page and go to ‘view details’ of the race meeting in question. Confirmed race times will be known by 10.30am two days before a race meeting.

How many races will there be and how many runners?

Race meetings are made of either 6, 7 or 8 races, with 30 or 35 minute gaps between the races. The race details will be available on the website at 10.30am two days before racing. The runners will also be available on a link from the Home Page. For guidance only, there is usually between 50 and 100 runners depending on the race meeting type and time of year.

What sort of racing is it?

Salisbury is a Flat Racecourse which means there are no fences to be jumped over.

At Salisbury there will be a mix of race types, but the majority of which are Handicaps and Maidens. A Handicap is basically a race which pitches horses of similar ability against each other, with the highest rated of the runners carrying the highest weight and so on. A Maiden Stakes is a race for horses yet to win a race. This does not necessarily mean they are of poor ability. In fact, far from it, as often the very best horses start their racing careers in Maidens, before going on to greater things.

Salisbury is renowned for being a good course to see very quality horses. Racehorse trainers often run very good 2 year olds here. In recent years, the 2006 Derby winner, Sir Percy, and the 2008 Oaks winner, Look here, both won at Salisbury as two year olds. Going back a bit further, Mill Reef and Brigadier Gerard won here in the 1970s before becoming equine superstars!

Top jockeys often race at Salisbury. Not many people know this but the legendary Lester Piggott made his public debut here at Salisbury in 1948 in an apprentice jockeys race aged 12 and weighing just 5 stone.

How do I pick a winner?

Now that’s a great question! Going to the races and selecting your horse(s) is all part of the fun, and the feeling of victory is a real thrill as your selection passes the winning post first – even if you have only won a few pounds – it doesn’t matter! However, a good rule is only bet what you can afford to lose and if you get a win or two to cover your day out, or if you make a bit of profit, then that is a big bonus!

Racecards are available at each of the enclosure entrances and at the main Racecourse Office window.

Buying a racecard (£2.50) is a good idea, as the racecard includes helpful information about the names and recent form of all the runners, with details of who is riding them and who trains them. The racecards are in full colour so the jockey’s silks will also be detailed. The racecard includes other information to help you enjoy your day.

If you are in the Bibury or Grandstand & Paddock Enclosures then go the pre-parade ring and parade ring before the race to view the horses being led around. The horses generally start to appear in the main parade ring about 15 minutes before the race time.

Please do remember that racehorses are not machines and can be a little bit unpredictable at times. Please be alert and keep close attention on any children with you.

What are the betting options and what is the minimum bet?

Betting can be with bookmakers or ‘bookies’ as they are often known, at totepool windows or in the totesport betting shop. The totepool windows are located in numerous locations around the course. The minimum win bet is £2, and minimum each way bet (win and place) is £2 each way, which costs £4. The tote have many other types of bets, most of which are perfectly straightforward to beginner’s. The racecard will include details of these bets or don’t hesitate to ask a member of the tote staff, at a tote window, for assistance.

The bookmakers are located just in front of the tall Grandstand. Some bookmakers will accept £2 minimum bets and others £5. A bookmaker wants you to bet with him, so don’t be scared to ask for advice about betting if you are unsure.

The racecourse betting shop, operated by totesport, is located near to the bookmakers and it is here where smaller bets can be placed if necessary. The racecourse betting shop offers services similar to those available in any normal high street betting shop. Again, staff in the shop will assist any inexperienced racegoers.

What are the options for getting some food, or having a drink?

There are Bars in each of the three enclosures and these are detailed on the Enclosures / Facilities page. There is a good range of draft and bottled beers, wines, champagnes, spirits and soft drinks available around the course.

For food....In the Bibury Enclosure the best facility is the Moonraker Restaurant or adjacent Conservatory, and details of these are found by clicking here. Advanced booking is very much recommended. The Bibury Bar serves a selection of hot meals, as well as hot snacks like beef and pork baps, tea, coffee, sandwiches and homemade cakes. The Wessex Bar is similar to the range of snacks available in the Bibury Bar, except there are no hot meals. The Paddock Bar sells sandwiches, sweets, tea, coffee and cigarettes.

In the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure, the Tattersalls Bar sells hot meals, baked potatoes, tea, coffee, sandwiches and homemade cakes. The Paddock Bar can also be accessed (see above). Mobile catering units will also be here on racedays, near the bookmakers area ,and these include burgers, fish & chips, ice cream vans etc.

For the Course Enclosure mobile catering units selling burgers, fish and chips, ice creams, etc, can be found adjacent to the main Sarum Stand.

What time are the free buses from the railway station and bus station?

Please see the Travel, Parking & Where to Stay section of the website.

What are the payment methods for getting advanced tickets?

Please go to Tickets & Badges.

What about Refunds & Cancellations, Lost or Stolen badges?

Please go to Tickets & Badges.

What payment methods do you accept for entry on the day?

Cash only.

Are there any discounts for group bookings or senior citizens?

No, but tickets booked in advance do result in a worthwhile saving. Go to Tickets & Badges.

Are there any discounts for students?

Yes, NUS cardholders can get into any enclosure for half price, but this offer can only be taken advantage of, on the raceday itself, i.e not by advanced booking. And, remember to bring the NUS card!

Are there cash point facilities at the racecourse?

Yes, there is a cash point here (on racedays only), in the tunnel outside the office, available to Bibury and Grandstand & Paddock racegoers. Also, betting vouchers can be purchased from the tote who accept most major credit and debit cards.

Are dogs allowed?

No, only Guide Dogs are allowed in the enclosures.

Can I buy a gift voucher as a present for someone?

Yes, you can buy Bibury Enclosure admission vouchers at £18 each. Bibury Enclosure admission & Restaurant voucher package are available at £58 each.

For example, you could buy as a gift for someone, admission for 2 people into the Bibury Enclosure with a 3 course meal in the Restaurant (the table is theirs for the duration of the race meeting) for a total of £116. Contact the racecourse office for more details.

Can I take photographs?

Yes, as long as it is not for commercial use. Photos can be taken, but please ensure that flash is not used, as this can scare horses. If you are a professional photographer, you need to obtain a photographers armband at the discretion of the racecourse management.

Are there First Aid facilities?

St John Ambulance first aiders and a Racecourse Doctor are on duty at all race meetings. In the event of feeling unwell please see a member of staff for assistance.

What should I do if I need some advice or if I have problem on the day?

The stewards on duty at the racecourse will help as best they can. Alternatively, please visit the racecourse office located near the weighing room, where the staff will be happy to assist you.