2026 sees the heavily anticipated return of our previously most popular winter fixture, New Year's Day Racing, for the first time since 1998. All available tickets are on sale online and there may still be tickets available on the door. However, if you're lucky enough to be joining us and even if you’ve visited us before, below is some useful information ahead of the event. We can't wait for you to join us in jumping into 2026 and racing away the New Year's Eve blues!
EVENT TIMINGS:
- Gates open at 10:00.
- The first race is at 11:49, and the last at 15:19.
- Food and drink outlets remain open 10:00-15:20.
- The gates will close at 16:20.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Ceremonial Light Cavalry will be around all day providing a regal presence escorting jockeys and horses around the course, and are always up for a chat!
There will be an equicizer on course for ALL ages to try their hand at riding like a jockey, and have any of your burning racing questions answered. There will also be an opportunity to meet some of the star jockeys of the day, lets hope your heroes are declared to ride on the day!
The Bluebird Belles will be livening up the morning with their upbeat tunes, serenading everyone into the New Year and getting you all in the dancing mood!
Children's Animal Themed Entertainment
We will be making all your Christmas wishes come true with a whole host of animals at the racecourse:
- Pony Rides and pony petting will be on course making the little ones dreams come true!
- Small Animal Petting Safari will give children the opportunity to get up close and personal with a range of different species!
- Face Painting will also be in action, maybe you will be inspired by the day's animal encounters!
Remember all U18s go free, and all of the above is included!
TRAVEL
This will be an extremely busy event so please allow extra time to travel to and from the racecourse. Arrive as early as you can and remember the bars and food outlets will remain open until racing finishes - so stay a bit longer and enjoy your last sips whilst the traffic eases. We advise people to car share where possible, make use of public transport or walk if you can.
The racecourse is easily accessed by road, river and rail. There is more detailed travel information here but please check local timetables and taxi services before departing.
For updated train information and any planned disruption, please click here.
PARKING
Parking is free on site but limited so will be provided on a first come first served basis, so please arrive early to avoid disappointment and any queues. Please inform the stewards on arrival if you require accessible car parking. Please allow extra time to arrive and stay on after the racing finishes. As mentioned above, we advise people to car share where possible.
Alternatively, depending on availability, you can arrive in style with the French Brothers River Boat taxi service from Windsor Town Centre directly to the racecourse, please visit their site directly to make any enquiries: www.frenchbrothers.co.uk
WEATHER
Please check the local forecast before departing and dress accordingly. Wrap up warm and bring waterproofs as this is an outdoor event with limited indoor space.
NIGHT FOOD & DRINK
A range of bars and food outlets are available serving tasty snacks and drinks. A range of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food options will be available across the racecourse. Please be aware that no food, drink or picnics can be brought into the racecourse.
SECURITY
We take security and safety very seriously. There will be a strong security presence and you will be subject to a bag search on arrival.
Please be patient and limit the bags you bring. Remember, no food or drink can be brought into the racecourse (unless needed for allergies and dietaries and then please call us ahead).
We ask all visitors not to leave bags unattended and to report anything suspicious to a member of staff.
OTHER INFORMATION
Payment
Please remember, the food outlets and bars are card only.
Dogs
With the exception of Assistance Dogs, dogs are not permitted to enter the racecourse. In the interests of animal welfare, no dogs are permitted to be left in cars and Windsor Racecourse politely request that all dogs are left at home.
Concessions
All kids go free! However no student, OAP or other concessions will be available.
Thank you for booking tickets and above all, enjoy your time at Windsor Racecourse. For any other questions, please contact us.
