REDCAR RACECOURSE
Course: Redcar Racecourse - Ladies Day
🎫 Ticket & value: £20 Grandstand Enclosure
👀 Track view: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍔 Food: ⭐️⭐️
🍺 Guinness: ⭐️⭐️
⭕️ Parade Ring: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🏇 Runners and riders: ⭐️⭐️
🎉 Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️ Overall Experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
👍🏻 Best for: Parade Ring ⭕️
Redcar Racecourse, nestled on the North Yorkshire coast, is one of the region’s more traditional flat tracks, known for its seaside charm and tight oval layout. Ladies Day at Redcar is a highlight of the summer calendar, drawing in a lively crowd from across the northeast, with racegoers dressed to impress and the stands buzzing with anticipation. It’s an occasion where racing meets fashion and celebration, creating a memorable raceday atmosphere for seasoned punters and newcomers alike.
The track viewing experience at Redcar is a real highlight. Whether you’re down on the rails or seated in the stands, you get a clear look at the action. Alongside the rail, the excitement builds as the horses sprint towards the winning post right in front of you. From the stands, despite a slightly blocked view around the final furlong on the far side, the tight oval nature of the course allows spectators to follow the race in its entirety—something that many flat tracks struggle to offer.
The food options at Redcar were fairly standard for a racecourse, which was disappointing considering the fixture. A chip butty at £5.20, hog roast for £9.45, and a pie and pint deal for £10.20 kept things simple and affordable, but the taste didn’t quite match the excitement of the day. The options were filling but uninspiring, leaving our group wishing for a bit more flair or flavour.
Unfortunately, the Guinness at Redcar was extremely disappointing. At £7.20, it sat in the mid-to-high price range, but the quality didn’t follow suit. Although poured correctly and with a good head initially, the drink was served too warm and had a bitter edge—suggesting it may not have had its own dedicated lines. Compared to offerings at other racecourses, this one left a sour taste.
The Parade Ring at Redcar was undoubtedly the star of the show. It is spacious with plenty of tiered viewing, allowing punters to get a proper look at the horses before and after the race. Access to the pre-parade ring was strong, and the winning enclosure offered a unique setup, with horses heading up a separate chute that allows the crowd to get up close and personal with the winning connections. While jockey access was decent, it didn’t quite match the up-close feel offered by tracks like Carlisle or Warwick.
As for Runner & Riders on the day, the card featured competitive handicap action, with a strong Yorkshire presence on display. Jockeys like Oisin McSweeney, Sam James, David Allan, and Duran Fentiman took the reins, while familiar northern trainers Tim and David Easterby were in attendance. Given that Royal Ascot was still ongoing, it was understandable that the very top-tier names weren’t present, but the racing remained lively and well-contested.
The atmosphere was electric. The racecourse was packed from start to finish, with crowds filling the bars and stands, and plenty of style on show, particularly among the ladies embracing the occasion. There was a real buzz during races, with enthusiastic cheering from the crowds. However, around the parade ring, the volume became a little overwhelming, unsettling some of the horses pre-race—a reminder that a balance between celebration and consideration is key.
Overall, Ladies Day at Redcar offers a vibrant and energetic day at the races. The track view is excellent, and the parade ring setup is one of the best around. While the food and drink left something to be desired, the crowd and competitive racing more than made up for it. With a bit more attention to the finer details, particularly in the catering and Guinness departments, Redcar could elevate an already enjoyable raceday experience to something really special.
