FAQ's

When do gates open?

Normally two hours before the first race. The only time this will differ is during the winter months when the first race is earlier and gates open at 11.00am.  At our two major meetings Coral Scottish Grand National Saturday and William Hill (Ayr) Gold Cup we also open at 11.00am.

How do I book tickets?

Either online, by calling 01292 264179 or by visiting the Ticket Office at 2 Whitletts Road, Ayr.

What are the advantages of booking in advance?

If tickets are booked seven or more days in advance you are entitled to £2 off Club and £1 off Grandstand entry. Groups of 20 or more receive £4 and £2 off respectively. Another advantage is that if you buy a Club Badge in advance for either the Coral Scottish Grand National Saturday or William Hill (Ayr) Gold Cup Saturdays it guarantees you entry as its possible Club will sell out on these days.

What is the difference between Club and Grandstand?

Club Badges entitle you to use all the on course facilities with the exception of the Hospitality Suites, Marquees and the Owners Club.

This ticket allows you access to the first floor of the Princess Royal Suite with panoramic views across the racecourse and also to the Mumm Champagne Lawns adjacent to the Parade Ring.

Grandstand tickets allow access to the Grandstand and the Sports Bar on the Ground Floor of the Princess Royal Stand and also to the Parade Ring.

Can I transfer between enclosures?

Yes there is an Upgrade Box on course allowing you to pay to move from Grandstand to Club.

Is Ayr Racecourse suitable for children?

Under 16s gain entry to Racecourse free of charge (exclusions apply). We are a child friendly racecourse with designated Children's Areas highlighted in the Racecard. We also hold Family Days in the summer with special entertainment for children.

Is there a dress code?

We operate a smart casual policy in the Club and Hospitality areas with no torn jeans, trainers or football colours permitted.

Can I buy a meal on course?

There are public food areas throughout the course. Colours Cafe is located in the Ayrshire Suite and Silks Cafe Bistro is on the first floor of the Princess Royal Suite and both serve main meals and hot and cold snacks. In addition there are Burger Bars throughout the course and a Coffee Shop on the first floor of the Princess Royal Suite.

At certain meetings the Seasons Restaurant adjacent to the Mumm Champagne Lawns will be open serving three course meals and ensuring you a seat for the day.

How do I book hospitality?

Hospitality packages can be booked by calling 01292 264179 and asking for our Hospitality Team. We offer Silver, Gold and Platinum packages in our main restaurants. At bigger meetings Hospitality packages can be booked in our on course Marquees.

Is there entertainment after racing?

At most meetings we have either a local band or a disco playing for three hours in the Horseshoe Bar on the first floor of the Princess Royal Suite. At bigger meetings there are live bands, often charts acts appearing in the Ayrshire Suite or outside on a mobile stage and also local bands in the Horseshoe Bar. Big names who have played after racing over the years include Alexandra Burke, Bjorn Again, the Saw Doctors, Jamie 'Afro' Archer and leading tribute bands.

Can I bring my dog to the Racecourse?

There are no dogs permitted on track with the exception of guide dogs.

How do I get to the Racecourse?

By road the M77 links Ayr with Glasgow which is 35 miles away and Edinburgh is 90 miles away.

There is a reliable half hourly rail service to Glasgow from Ayr with the railway station, which has links to all parts of the country, less than five minutes by road from the track and only a 12 minute walk away.

Ferries run from Troon, only 15 minutes away by road, to Belfast and there are also ferry links to Stranraer and Cairnryan to Ireland.

Prestwick International Airport is only 10 minutes away from Ayr and has connections to London, Cardiff, Dublin and other UK cities.

Is there a Cash Point At the Racecourse?

There are two Cash Points - at the Princess Royal entrance and the Ayrshire Suite entrance.

How do I place a bet?

On course you can either bet with the tote or on course bookmakers. The tote has selling points throughout the racecourse - look for tote or totepool signs. The bookmakers are usually located beside the paddock or in front of the Grandstand. Bookmakers dispaly their prices on electronic boards while the tote have theirs on television screens.