Pontefract Racecourse

Racecourse Association Showcase Champions!

Experience a fantastic day out at one of Yorkshire’s most traditional racecourses and 2020 champions at the Racecourse Association Showcase Awards.

You’ll get a warm, friendly, Yorkshire welcome at each of the 16 race meetings that Pontefract stage this summer. Whether it’s the glamour of Ladies day, one of the fabulous Friday night music nights or one of the three family Sundays, there is something for everyone.

Upcoming Events
Pontefract’s Season runs from April to October and offers a variety of special events, including an OAP free day, charity days, music nights, featuring Abba tribute band Bjorn Again in May and in July its Definitely Mightbe, an Oasis tribute band, performing after the beer festival race night.

All of Pontefract’s racedays in 2024 will be autism friendly.

A full list of race meetings can be viewed at the bottom of this page, where you can also book tickets.

Ticket Options

There are three enclosures to choose between;

Premier enclosure

Provides access to all enclosures.
Includes a champagne bar, premier sports café bar, park suite restaurant.
Is the closest to the parade ring and winning post, getting you as close as possible to the action!
Prices vary depending on the type of raceday and time of year, but prices for the premier enclosure begin at £16.

Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure

The most popular area at Pontefract, which also gives you access to the Picnic Enclosure.
Includes access to the parade ring, but is slightly further from the winning post.
Provides access to five bars, including the Pizza in the Paddock Bar. There is also a self service dining room and tea bar.
Please note prices vary depending on the type of raceday and time of year, but prices for the grandstand and paddock enclosure begin at £10.

Picnic Enclosure

Allows racegoers to bring their car and park close to the railings.
Think large areas of grass, picnics, children’s rides and bouncy castles.
The Pavilion Café offers a range of food and drinks.
Please note prices vary depending on the type of raceday and time of year, but prices for the picnic enclosure begin at £5.
There is also a Cars to Course option which permits one car into the picnic enclosure with a maximum of 4 adult occupants, beginning at £15 per car.

U18s race FREE! This applies to every enclosure on every race day. There are discounts available for OAPs, Blue Light Card Holders and Students, as well as for advance bookings.

Hospitality options are plentiful and include bespoke business packages, private boxes and shared facilities.

The Park Suite offers a reserved table for the whole meeting with tables overlooking the Winning Post or the Parade Ring.  It includes a four course carvery lunch, light afternoon tea, bar, convenient Tote facilities and screens.

Shared facilities include the Dalby Stand Buffet, giving a table for the day in the Dalby Stand boxes, a grazing buffet and dessert.  Dine and View in the the Dalby stand boxes offering a three course lunch, light afternoon tea, cash bar facility and Tote betting service.

The Racecourse Experience

In the Premier Enclosure the Premier Sports Cafe Bar serves a selection of hot rolls, panini’s, sandwiches and cakes, along with some hot daily specials and salads.  Quick informal dining.

Grandstand & Paddock offers a self service restaurant which is located on the top floor of the main stand.  Alternatively, there’s the Pizza In the Paddock Bar, a combination of freshly cooked pizzas and craft ale.

The Pavilion Cafe is new to the Picnic Enclosure, where you’ll find hot and cold snacks and fully licensed bar.

There are additional food outlets situated around the course serving sandwiches and hot snacks, plus fast food outlets on select days.

Accessibility – There is step-free access to all of the enclosures and lifts giving access to all floors in the stands.  Personal assistants are admitted free of charge and there are accessible toilets in all enclosures and viewing ramps in every area.

A dedicated sensory room is available at every meeting.