Guide to the Racecourse

ABANDONMENT REFUND

In the event of racing being abandoned before the first race has been run, NO refunds will be made on the day, but racegoers should retain all badges/tickets & return these by post to the racecourse for a refund (or replacement badges for another meeting if preferred). Once the first race has been run, there will be no refunds.

ADMISSION RIGHTS

The Racecourse Executive reserves the right to refuse admission or to expel, without prior notice, any racegoer who, in the opinion if the Racecourse Executive, behaves or is likely to behave in an unruly or unacceptable manner. Examples of unruly or unacceptable behaviour include violent or abusive conduct, drunkenness, singing or shouting and intimidation of other racegoers. This list is not exhaustive. The Management does not accept liabilty for loss or damage to visitors’ effects, vehicles or other property whilst on these premises.

UNAUTHORISED BOOKMAKING

It is a condition of entry to this racecourse that only individuals in possession of a valid betting badge and occupying an authorised pitch are entitled to lay bets on the course of their business. Any individual found contravening these conditions will be evicted.

RADIOS AND MOBILE TELEPHONES

The use of all types of communication equipment is strictly controlled at all racecourses. Members of the public may not use two-way radios, scanning receivers etc., for any purpose at the racecourse. Mobile telephones may not be used in or near any designated betting area, or for off-course betting purposes. Further details are available from the racecourse office.

HORSE WELFARE

“Racing’s top priority is the safety and welfare of horse and rider”. Like most sports racing carries risks, however, we work to make sure that no death or injury occurs, which could have been prevented. Here at Stratford Racecourse we are committed to minimising risks, dealing quickly and humanely with injuries, and maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the animals in our care. At every meeting we have two specially qualified Equine Vets appointed to look after the welfare of all horses in action. There is also a British Horseracing Authority Vet in attendance. During the race two vets follow the action from the centre of the course and can attend to a horse in the same response time as the Paramedic Teams responsible for treating the injured jockeys. It is standard policy that in the event of a horse requiring veterinary treatment whilst on site, screens will be erected round the horse. It is designed to afford the vet and the patient some privacy. Please do not assume the worst.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

In the event of an emergency all persons on the racecourse will be alerted by the following message over the public address system. This is an emergency announcement. Due to circumstances beyond our control, racing has been temporarily suspended. Would all patrons please evacuate ALL buildings and make your way across the racetrack to the Red post marker in the Centre of the Course. Police and Racecourse Officials will assist and direct you. Please do not go to any Car Park until you are cleared to do so, because you may hamper the movement of emergency vehicles. The message will then be repeated.

BROKEN GLASSES AND BOTTLES

Broken glasses and bottles are dangerous. In the interests of safety and the comfort of others please do not carry drinks on to the steppings of the stand, or the areas adjacent to the parade ring or unsaddling enclosure.

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

We would ask all racegoers to refrain from using flash photography whilst on course.

NOTICES

Weights, Pedigrees, Trainers’ Names, Descriptions, Performances and Values of races have been added for the convenience of the Public, but are subject to alteration. All horses must parade in the Parade Ring except by permission of the Stewards, but in all cases must pass through the Ring on the way to the Post. The Management reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone and to remove any person from the Course without assigning a reason for so doing and do not accept responsibility for loss or damage to persons or their property.

LITTER BINS

Please help us to keep Stratford clean and tidy by using the litter bins in all enclosures.

BETTING WITH THE BOOKMAKERS

Racegoers are advised that bookmakers are not obliged to pay until the ‘Weighed in’ is announced, nor to remain on the course more than 10 minutes after that announcement.

CHECK YOUR TICKETS

Customers of the Boards and Rails bookmakers should check their itemised tickets immediately on receipt, as mistakes cannot be rectified after the “off”. Customers are reminded to retain all betting tickets until after the weigh-in, as immediate payment will be made only on production of the original ticket. All tickets will remain valid for three months.