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OUR GUIDE TO RACING
Experience the thrill
WHAT TO EXPECT
Gates open approximately two hours before the first race. The times races start vary depending on the time of year you are attending and what time sunset is.
When you arrive at the track you can buy a racecard – essentially the programme for the day – which includes all the information you need about the racecourse and the days racing.
It’s worth exploring and familiarising yourself with the racecourse. Find out what time the first race starts. This will be in the racecard or listen out for the presenter making announcements.
A DAY AT THE RACES
Around 20 minutes before a race, head to the Parade Ring. This is where you can view the horses and see the jockeys talking last minute tactics with the trainer. Horses should seem alert but not unsettled. A sleek and shiny coat is an indication that the horse is in good health. When the bell rings it’s time for the jockeys to mount their horses and head to the starting line
The winning horse, and those placed up to will go into the Winners’ Enclosure and the winning owner will be presented with their memento. For owners and trainers their horse winning is a pretty special occasion; there are often jubilant scenes in the Winners’ Enclosure.
Meanwhile, jockeys head back to the Weighing Room to ‘weigh in’. An official will weigh each jockey, including their kit, to ensure their weight is the same as before a race – one of the measures to ensure races are run fairly. The presenter will announce ‘weighed in’, confirming the result, and bookmakers will pay out on winning bets.
In between races, there are plenty of bars, food outlets and options to place a bet but make sure you watch at least one race amongst the crowd in the grandstand – there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere
Horseracing has a long and illustrious history and has been practised the world over for millennia.
BETTING INFORMATION
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TO WIN
You fancy a particular horse to win the race and if they do, you win your bet!
For example, a successful €2 win bet at odds of 4/1 will see you receive a payout of €8, plus you get your €2 stake back.
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BETTING INFORMATION
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EACH-WAY
Think your horse might win, but is more likely to come second or third? To improve your chances of winning you can bet each-way.
This is actually two separate bets on the same horse – one for them to come first and the other for them to be placed. Because this is two bets, if you ask to put on “€2 each-way” you will be asked to pay €4 in total.
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If your horse wins
If your horse wins you will get a return from the win bet and also the place bet, because your horse placed in first position!
For example, a €2 each-way bet at odds of 4/1 will see you receive a payout of €8 for your €2 win bet, and then for your €2 place bet you will also receive a quarter or a fifth of that amount on top (dependent on the number of runners and type of race, see Understanding Odds). In addition you will also get your €4 total stake back.
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If your horse doesn’t win
If your horse doesn’t win the race, but finishes in the placings, you will get nothing for your win bet and lose this part of your stake. However, you have won your place bet and you will also get this part of your stake back.
For races with 4 runners or less, bookmakers will normally only take win bets. However, sometimes a bookmaker may choose to offer place terms on the second horse and this will be a fifth of that horse’s odds
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Reading the form
In the race card, it normally is arranged as a line of numbers denoting finishing position or abbreviations. Form runs from left to right, with the oldest races on the left and the most recent on the right.
- The numbers 1-9 indicate the position the horse finished in the race
- The number 0 indicates that the horse finished outside the first 9
- The symbol – separates racing seasons. Numbers before the – are for last season
- The symbol / indicates a longer gap, for example if the horse missed an entire racing season
- P or PU indicates that the horse was pulled up by the jockey and did not complete the race
GET TO KNOW OUR LANGUAGE
MAIDEN:
These races are for horses that haven’t won a race before.
HANDICAP:
A handicap race sees all horses carry weights based on their ability, which is assessed by the official handicapper. The highest rated horse carries the most weight and the lowest carries the least. Theoretically they then all have an equal chance of winning. A Nursery is a handicap for 2-year-olds only.
NOVICE:
These races are hurdles and steeplechases for horses that haven’t won such a race prior to that season. However, a horse that has won over hurdles the season before can still run in a novice chase and vice versa.
BUMPER:
A Bumper is a special flat race for young jump horses (also called National Hunt Flat Races). Run over 2 – 2 1/2 miles, these are usually confined to amateur jockeys.
GROUP 1,2,3:
(Flat) – These names indicate valuable races (Group 1 being the most valuable) in which the weights carried are the same for all horses.
LISTED:
These races are just below Group standard but still quite prestigious, and are ‘weight for age’ races.
CONDITIONS RACE:
A notch below listed standard, Conditions Races require certain conditions for qualification, e.g. winner of one race or more, winner of races of a certain value etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a question? Call us on +353 61 320 000 or email [email protected]
What time should I arrive?
It is advisable to arrive at least one hour before the advertised time of the first race. Turnstiles open approximately two hours before the first race on each race day. If you are dining in the Panoramic Restaurant or Private Suites it is advisable to arrive one hour before the start of the first race.
What facilities are available for people with disabilities?
Limerick Racecourse is fully equipped for people with disabilities. There is a ramp access to the main stand and 2 lifts for access to each floor. WC Facilities are available on each floor. There is also a reserved car parking for the disabled. Should you have any queries in advance of visiting Limerick Racecourse, please call us on 061-320000 or email [email protected] and we would be delighted to assist you.
Is there a discount for students & OAP’s?
All O.A.P.’s and students are admitted at the discounted rate with proof of a current ID at the turnstiles.
Can I hire binoculars?
Binoculars can be hired from the Information Office at a cost of €10 per race day.
Children at Limerick Racecourse
Children under 12 years are admitted FREE of charge to Limerick Racecourse when accompanied by an adult (I.D. will be required at the turnstiles for proof of age). Children are only allowed in licensed premises until 9pm (10pm during the summer)and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Is there an ATM on-site?
There are no ATM facilities at Limerick Racecourse, but cash back facilities are available in the Munster Suite (level 1) of the Hugh McMahon stand.
What children’s entertainment is available?
Onsite playground all year round and we provide free entertainment on selected race dates.
Is there medical staff on-site?
Order of Malta personnel will be in attendance during racing and are happy to help assist with any medical needs. They may be found in the First Aid Room beside the Stables. The racecourse doctor is in attendance on all race days. There is also a Defibrillator on site which racecourse staff are trained to use.
Where can I place a bet?
Tote facilities are available in the Hugh McMahon stand on all levels. Touch-tote facilities are also available at these locations. Ladbrokes Betting Facility is in the Tote Hall on the ground floor and Munster Suite. You will find details of how to place a bet in your race card. You can also place a bet at any one of the bookies stalls which are located in the Bookies Ring. (Right of the Hugh McMahon Stand)