Accessibility

Chester Race Company has a proactive attitude to catering for racegoers with accessibility needs. Chester Racecourse is DDI compliant, however, owing to the age of the racecourse (we’ve been racing since 1539!), suitability does vary across the racecourse. To assist racegoers with accessibility or mobility restrictions we have a number of policies and services in place to help make the racing experience at Chester an enjoyable event. The services we provide on race days include a complimentary companion pass, a dedicated team based at the Accessibility Reception, viewing platforms and blue badge parking zones. A full breakdown of accessibility information can be viewed online in our Accessibility Guide below.

Should you need specific assistance on the race day, please call the Box office in advance (at least 7 days prior) on 01244 304610.

 

Accessibility Guide

For all racegoers with accessibility concerns, we issue a Companion Pass in conjunction with their ticket or badge. The Companion Pass is the equivalent to that of the ticket purchaser and provides them with all the same access and services. In effect the Companion Pass is an additional complimentary ticket to the one purchased.

To be eligible for a Companion Pass you must receive one of the following benefits:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Attendance Allowance (AA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• Access Card with a +1 symbol

Additionally, people who are Registered Blind are also eligible.

Please note the complimentary ticket is only for the Roodee, Tattersalls & County Concourse enclosures. In the Long Room, Winning Post & EGG there will be a price reduction. There is no reduction on hospitality tickets.

To obtain a Companion Pass, please call the Box Office on 01244 304610 at least 7 days prior to the event.

We are proud to provide digital racecards to racegoers who may have visual impairments. These PDF digital racecards can be used with software to read out the contents of the racecourse to the listener through earphones or speakers. Please note, you must have the software yourself pre-installed on your device in order to do this. We cannot assist with the install of software. To request a digital racecard, please email marketing@chester-races.com.

In our on-site hotel, the Holiday Inn Express, we have a dedicated space on race days for racegoers to go which is a quiet space with minimal sensory stimulation. This area is looked after by trained stewards and is open every race day for guests to either visit as soon as they arrive, or if they decide they need a break during the day.

In every enclosure, except for the Open Course (as chairs can be brought in by racegoers), we provide an accessible viewing platform. The viewing platforms provide a racing vantage point, a space away from the crowds. Please note, there is no seating on the viewing platforms. However, they are wheelchair friendly. The Paddock viewing platform gives particularly good views of the track and winning post.

Access will also be given to the bearer of the Companion Pass only. The viewing platforms can be used as a base for the day or as an area of respite depending upon the racegoers wishes.

Level access to the Dee Stand for wheelchair users or anyone who has difficulty with stairs can be arranged by by accessing our site through the Fast Track lane for Tattersalls at Gate 4, past our Box Office or by parking on the Open Course and entering the Dee Stand through this entry point.

Transit wheelchairs are available to guests on a first-come first-served basis due to limited availability. To ensure the safety and accountability of the wheelchair we are charging a £5.00 fee to collect identification and contact details from users.

Guests can contact the Box Office on 01244 304 600 to pre-order.

Accessible parking is offered in two places on the racecourse – the Holiday Inn Car Park at the main entrance (hardstanding), and the Open Course near Gate 11 (on grass). We ask that you think about what style of parking is best for you, wheelchair users might find our Holiday Inn Express car park easier but for other accessible needs, our grass car park might be better. For guests who are in the County Concourse, County Long Room, Leverhulme Stand, Restaurant 1539 or Private Boxes, the Holiday Inn accessible parking is the closest location, whilst the Open course is closest for those with a Roodee or Tattersalls ticket.

Hardstanding spaces are limited and so must be pre-booked, to make a request for this parking in the Holiday Inn Express car park, please complete the form at chester-races.com/accessibility

SHOULD YOU NEED SPECIFIC ASSISTANCE ON THE RACE DAY, PLEASE CALL THE BOX OFFICE IN ADVANCE (AT LEAST 7 DAYS PRIOR) ON 01244 304610.

There are accessible toilets located across the racecourse in both general admission enclosures (e.g. The Roodee, Tattersalls etc) and hospitality enclosures (e.g. The White Horse, Restaurant 1539 etc). There are maps at various points on the racecourse highlighting toilet points, as well as dedicated signage. You can also ask any staff member for directions.

SHOULD YOU NEED SPECIFIC ASSISTANCE ON THE RACE DAY, PLEASE CALL THE BOX OFFICE IN ADVANCE (AT LEAST 7 DAYS PRIOR) ON 01244 304610.

We have a dress code at Chester Racecourse for the benefit of all guests attending a raceday. Not only does this mean the glitz and glamour of a race day at Chester’s finest venue is maintained, it also ensures that everyone is treated equally. However, we do recognise that some racegoers have valid obstacles preventing them from complying with dress code rules. We want everyone to be able to enjoy a raceday comfortably. If you find yourself unable to apply with the dress code for a specific enclosure, please complete the form below. One of our Box Office team will get in touch with you via email following an assessment of your request.

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