Yarmouth Racing

Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk is one of those great seaside resorts which have become synonymous with family holidays. Yarmouth, as it is better known locally, has all the appeal of the best resorts, from the Gold Mile promenade with all the seaside entertainment facilities and the beach activities, to the nightlife and end of the pier summer spectaculars. The town of Yarmouth itself has many additional attractions for visitors including a wealth of bars, shops and restaurants, some notable historic sites and the superb Great Yarmouth racecourse, in which Yarmouth racing means first class horseracing, fun, and excitement.

There are many features of Great Yarmouth Racecourse which make it stand out as a premier horseracing venue. Being just 70 miles from Newmarket; the headquarters of the Jockey Club and centre of UK horseracing, Yarmouth attracts a higher calibre of trainer and horse than would normally be expected from a course of its standing.

Earning a nickname of ‘Newmarket-on-Sea’ Yarmouth racing has incorporated some of the finest 2 year olds who have found the course to be a great trial circuit for the bigger events. In 2003 both Ouija Board and Punctilious won at Yarmouth at the first time of asking.

The other main feature which has helped make Yarmouth so popular is its location at one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations.

As well as drawing a knowledgeable race crowd keen to see the potential superstars in action, Yarmouth proves a great attraction for the casual racegoer who wants to combine a holiday or short break in Great Yarmouth or the Norfolk Broads with a fun day at the races. 2004 saw the opening of the new Grandstand and with a full range of entertainment and hospitality options to complement the terrific Yarmouth racing, a great raceday is in store for any visitor.

Great Yarmouth racing fixtures form a part of the flat racing season and the track is perfectly suited with a mile and five furlong circumference of an oval, narrow, flat surface. Perfect for a fast gallop with long strides the races are thrilling, offering all the spectacle for which flat racing is so popular. The main event at Yarmouth is a three day fixture in September known as the Eastern Meeting.

The highlight of the event is John Musker Stakes, run over 1¼ mile. While this fixture certainly attracts the keen racegoers there are 24 fixtures held at Yarmouth each season to choose from, some of which incorporate family fun activities and evening races which feature live entertainment which takes over as the final race of the evening ends.

There are two main ticketing options for enjoying a raceday at Yarmouth. A Premier Enclosure ticket affords access to all public areas of the course and a Grandstand and Paddock ticket to all the features and facilities within the Grandstand, Paddock, and Winners Enclosures. Both options offer ample opportunities for dining, drinks and betting and for excellent views over all the racecourse action. As well as enjoying the pre and post race activities within the Parade ring and Winners Enclosure, Grandstand ticket holders can also access the Children’s Adventure Playground and Family Lawns, the perfect environment for a family day out.

Premier badge holders have further options within the premier enclosure itself. The Lord Nelson Stand offers superb views over the course while similarly impressive race viewing is available from the stylish and sophisticated environment of the Trafalgar Restaurant, a place which blends fine dining and superb racing seamlessly. Premier enclosure refreshment options are provided by the Victory Bar, which itself leads through to the Premier Lawns and Patio, ideal for taking afternoon tea, and Hoops Champagne Bar, which offers the ideal environment for celebrations.

Tickets for the Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure cost £13 per person, rising to £16 for certain special fixtures. Admission to the Premier Enclosure is £20, and £23 for the special raceday events. Special discounted rates are available for group bookings. These must be made in advance and apply for groups of 15 or more, who can enjoy a 20% discount on the normal entrance price. Admission is free to children under the age of 16 and with free parking too, Yarmouth races present a great value for money day out for all the family.

Yarmouth racing attracts many who may be new to horseracing and the great friendly atmosphere they will find will certainly put them at ease in what may be an unfamiliar environment. A great idea is to purchase one of the raceday packages which include everything required to make the most of the time spent on the course.

One such popular option is the ‘Fancy a Flutter’ package, which incorporates admission to the Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure, a welcome drink, raceday programme, a burger, and a Tote betting voucher for £2. All of this is included for £22 per person.

For those who wish to enjoy the finer side to raceday hospitality there is the ‘Classic Raceday’ package. Costing £33, this includes a ticket for the Premier Enclosure and all premier facilities, racecard, welcome drink, afternoon tea, a £5 tote betting voucher and a behind the scenes tour of the racecourse which takes place before the races on the day.

A great selection of other hospitality packages are available, from stag and hen party bookings where the stag or hen goes free to extensive corporate facilities which can host any number of clients, friends or family. These include nine hospitality suites within the new Grandstand and two further Centre Course suites within elegant marquees.

This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses.