How to Enjoy a Day at the Races on a Budget

There are few more popular sporting events to attend than the major attractions on the horse racing calendar.

However, events such as the Triple Crown races and the Breeders’ Cup can typically be expensive, especially if you’re looking to take the whole family to the track. But, there are a number of tips to follow in order to enjoy a more affordable day out at the racing.

As well as useful tips for the day itself, bettors can also take advantage of the 2026 horse racing betting promotions, which will ensure that they get more to play with after making a first deposit. But what are some of the key tips to follow to enjoy a cheaper day at the racing for those on a budget?

Buy Tickets in Advance

One of the most important tips to follow in order to enjoy an affordable day at the races includes buying tickets well in advance of the event.

Doing this could save visitors up to 40% on the ticket value on the gate. This could be a huge saving for those looking to attend in a bigger group. Also, visitors should buy tickets in an enclosure that suits their demand best.

Therefore, if you’re looking to just watch the racing without seeing the parade ring, then you may be able to shop in a cheaper bracket.

Check For Discounts

As well as buying in advance, racecourses also make it as affordable as possible when it comes to concessions. Therefore, the vast majority of courses across the world will offer student and senior discounts on tickets.

Furthermore, major events on the calendar, such as Royal Ascot and the Breeders’ Cup, will offer a discounted price for those booking in a big group. Other discounts are also readily available at tracks across the world, with UK courses offering a 50% reduction on tickets for visitors aged between 18 and 24 due to the RacePass program.

If you’re looking to take the whole family to the track, it could also be worthwhile assessing whether there is free entry for visitors under the age of 18. All of these factors could reduce the amount paid on tickets for major events on the racing calendar.

Pick Affordable Transportation

Parking at a racecourse can often be an expensive option, with huge events typically charging over $100 for a day rate. Therefore, to make the experience more affordable, visitors should assess other transportation methods. A common option when attending the Kentucky Derby is the free shuttle bus, which operates between Churchill Downs and Louisville.

This is a free lift to the racecourse for all those that have tickets for the racing. Other options to limit parking costs include public transport options such as busses and trains, with most racecourses being linked to a hub to ensure that visitors can get to and from the track more economically friendly.

Carpooling is also a popular option in the United States, with parking and fuel costs being split between the number of people in the car.

All visitors should also ensure that they get to the track early to make sure that they can scout out the best dining options, as well as finding the perfect location on the track to watch the racing.

Food and Drink

Eating and drinking at a racecourse can often be extremely expensive, with inflated prices common at major tracks around the world. However, a quick fix for those looking to attend the racing on a budget is to bring your own picnic and soft drinks.

The vast majority of racecourses allow this, with Churchill Downs visitors able to watch the action from the in-field while enjoying their own home-prepared sandwiches. Bringing your own food can ensure a massive saving in terms of buying items on track.

However, tracks will not allow visitors to bring alcoholic drinks through, meaning that if you want a beer or wine, you will need to buy that at the course. But, all visitors are able to bring through a reusable water bottle, ensuring that they are able to stay hydrated throughout an exciting day at the track.

Fashion

Dressing up for a day at the races is incredibly popular among visitors. However, some racecourses don’t have a strict dress code.

Therefore, if you’re attending a non-major event, then you could consider what to wear, as you will be allowed to dress more relaxed in an outfit that you already have in your wardrobe.

This will save money due to there being no stress to dress up for the occasion. Instead, you can pick out an outfit that you have, and opt to buy a couple of accessories such as fascinators, hats and ties to elevate your outfit to your style.