Event details
Event Summary: Join us for our season opener on Sunday 3rd May, which is a family themed race meeting, in the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. All races are kindly sponsored by on-line bookmaker Fitzdares. For more information go to https://fitzdares.com/en/home
Gates will open at 11.30am with the first race at 1.30pm and the last at 4.55pm.
Going / Runners / Weather Forecast:
The Going is currently Good to Firm, Good in places (watered) (GoingStick reading of 8.4).
There are 52 horses declared to run in the 7 races which can be viewed by clicking on the link and then on Salisbury Racecard
Following rain overnight on Saturday, the weather forecast for Sunday itself is for bright spells, 16’c and possible light showers.
Bring the whole family along, where there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained throughout the afternoon. Little racegoers can meet our roaming dinosaurs, dance along with Disco Dion, enjoy the mini funfair and get creative with arts and crafts – and the best part is that all of the children’s activities are completely free. Families are very welcome to bring a picnic into The Sarum Enclosure and enjoy the lively atmosphere while taking in a brilliant afternoon of racing and entertainment.
Children: Accompanied children aged under 17 and under get in FREE at all Salisbury race days.
1584 Restaurant & Conservatory: Our two restaurants offer guests a relaxed, sociable way to enjoy the day with a reserved table for the entire race meeting. Our 1584 Restaurant & Conservatory provide the choice of a traditional carvery (vegetarian option available as main course) or a cold chef’s buffet table, making it ideal for groups or those looking for a more leisurely raceday experience. Packages start from £108 per person (£115 for Saturday evenings) and include admission and a racecard. While there is no direct view of the course from the restaurants, you are only steps away from the Bibury Lawn, where you can stand and watch the racing by the winning post. Restaurant bookings are sold as part of a combined admission and dining ticket and are therefore subject to our Terms & Conditions and are non-refundable. Click here to see our sample menu 2026 carvery Menu
Bars & Food Outlets: Each enclosure has access to bars and catering, including mobile food units. Own food i.e. picnics (but not to include any alcohol) can be brought into the Sarum Enclosure ONLY, on any race day. You can picnic in The Sarum Enclosure with any ticket.
Car Parking: All car parking at Salisbury Racecourse is FREE, and each car park is located just a short distance from the enclosures.
Complimentary Bus Service: A Wheelers bus service will depart from Salisbury Railway Station at 11:30am and 12:30pm, transporting guests to the racecourse. A return journey is scheduled for 5:15pm.Please note that ongoing roadworks in and around Salisbury may affect journey times, and services are therefore subject to traffic conditions. We recommend not relying on the bus service if you wish to arrive in time for the first race. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Once the bus reaches capacity, guests will need to make alternative arrangements—taxis are readily available both at the station and at the racecourse.
Big screens: there are two big screens. The 25 metre square screen will be located opposite the parade ring and the 100 metre square screen will be facing the enclosures, about half a furlong from the winning post. The big screens are provided by a contractor. Salisbury Racecourse is not liable in the event of a picture failure to a screen during a race meeting, or if for any reason a screen fails to make it to the racecourse.
Equine safety & welfare: British horse racing’s hub dedicated to the Thoroughbred racehorse is https://horsepwr.co.uk/
The HORSE PWR site is designed to open the doors to the sport, and talk about the Thoroughbred horse – their purpose, the lives they lead, and the high welfare and safety standards that underpin British racing. We want to provide facts, educate, and confront the tough questions head on. The facts matter. Why? Because we understand our responsibility for our horses.
Weather
