FAQ’s for Owners returning to Redcar Racecourse

Q.        What do all owners need to do before they arrive at the racecourse?

A.        There is a 4 step process for Owners gaining access to watch their horse run on a raceday:

• Step 1: All owners must ensure that they have read and understood the Owners Protocols, together with the relevant sections of the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) Guidelines and operating procedures  for behind closed doors racing, particularly Sections A and B. The Owners Protocols will be updated periodically, in line with changes to government guidance around COVID-19 and the return of sport.
• Step 2: Complete an online education module – Covid-19 information for participants of the racing industry – prior to raceday. This is hosted on the Racing2Learn website.
• Step 3: Complete the health screening questionnaire prior to attending the racecourse – section 7 of the Owners Protocols
• Step 4: All owners attending must have pre-registered the 6 individuals who will attend the racecourse, please log into PASS https://www.rcapass.com/

Q.        How do I register that I will be attending on raceday?

A.        As above Step 4 to register your attendees, please log into PASS https://www.rcapass.com/ and submit the names of the individuals who will attend the racecourse. All names must be submitted by 4pm the day before the fixture.  Changes after that time will not be possible.

Q.        What if I am a member of a syndicate?

A.         For syndicates and racing clubs, it is the responsibility of the syndicator/club manager to submit the names of those individuals attending the fixture. It is recommended that the syndicator attends as one of the allocated persons to help ensure the remaining syndicate members are kept updated. For more information on filming at racecourses please refer to: https://www.roa.co.uk/raceday/racing.html

Q.        How do I access the PASS system?

A.        Please visit https://www.rcapass.com or contact the PASS Helpdesk on 01933 270333.

Q.        I am an international owner without access to PASS, how do I register my attendance?

A.        Internationally based owners who are not registered in the UK, should contact the racecourse directly to register attendance. This should be completed by 4pm the day before the fixture.  For Racing Managers who require assistance registering attendance on behalf of owners please contact the PASS helpdesk.

Q.        How many passes can I get?

A.        The return of owners to the racecourse will be a phased process, this includes limiting attendance to 6 owners per horse in the early stages.

Q.         Can children attend the racecourse? 

A.         Children can attend as 1 of the 6 nominated partners if pre-registered to attend.  All children attending will undergo the entry screening process as standard.   

Q.        I’ve got an entry/declared runner, but I haven’t received an email?

A.        Please contact the PASS Helpdesk on 01933 270333 and the team can assist you further.

Q.        Where do I park?

A.        The Owners' car park and entrance is located via the Main Entrance, off Redcar Lane.  The postcode for SatNavs is TS10 2FD.   On arrival at the Main Entrance please follow the directional signage to the Owners' car park and entrance. Click on the image beneath to view a larger version.

Q.        What do I need to bring with me on raceday?

A.        Please make sure you arrive at the racecourse with your: 

• Photographic ID (a copy on your phone is acceptable) – you will require this to gain entry to the racecourse. 
• Your RCA PASScard - if you have been allocated one as a registered owner. 
• You may also wish to consider bringing your own alcohol-based hand sanitiser and a face covering. 

Q.        What will happen if I arrive and my name is not on the list?

A.        The racecourse staff will be able to assist you on the day, however, please be prepared to assist the team by stepping away from the designated entrance to enable other owners to continue safely whilst the team and yourselves resolve the matter.  

You may be required to contact the PASS Helpdesk on 01933 270333 to enable your details to be updated to the raceday list.

Q.        What if my horse is a non-runner on the day?

A.        Only owners who have registered their attendance using the RCA’s PASS system should travel to the racecourse. If a horse is declared a non-runner the attached owners should not attend the fixture. 

Q.        What will happen when I arrive at the racecourse?

A.        Step 1: On arrival at the racecourse you will be asked for your details and valid ID.

            Step 2: You will be asked a series of three questions relating to your current health on the day

            Step 3: A temperature check will be taken. Your temperature will be taken twice in quick succession, with the lower reading recorded.

Q.        What will happen if I fail the temperature check when I arrive?

A.        Your temperature will be taken twice in quick succession, with the lower reading recorded. If on both occasions this temperature exceeds 37.8°C, owners will not be granted access to the racecourse and will be advised to travel home.  

Owners are reminded that if any member of the same vehicle fails to clear the entry screening process all those travelling together will be denied entry onto the racecourse.

Q.        I failed my temperature test when I arrived at the racecourse and couldn’t attend – when can I next visit a racecourse with a declared runner?

A.        Any individual that fails the on-course screening will be required to either:

•  provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test, which can be booked on the NHS website. 
•  or complete a minimum of 7 days of isolation depending on advice received from NHS.

Click on the image beneath to view a larger version.

Q.        What areas of the racecourse will I be able to access?

A.        Owners on course will have access to a dedicated ‘Owners Zone’, which is located around the Paddock Suite. The Paddock Suite Bar has views over the course, and the balconies on the first floor overlook the parade ring, track and the relocated Winners’ position.  Owners can access the parade ring rails and viewing steppings by the Finishing post.  The Malton & Middleham Bars on the middle floor of the Petch Stand (no lift access)  provide undercover seating & TV viewing.

Owners can view the race live from the Petch Stand steppings, from the Paddock Suite balcony, or trackside viewing area directly outside the Paddock Suite. The race can also be viewed via the big screen and TVs in the Paddock Suite, Malton & Middleham Bars.

Please note, the area that would normally be used as the Owners & Trainers Bar is NOT in use.

BHA instructions are that Owners are unfortunately not able to access to the Parade Ring. However Paddock Suite balcony overlooks the Parade Ring, owners have access to the perimeter railing of the Parade Ring, and there is a designated  ‘debrief’ area between the Paddock Suite and Parade Ring.

Q.        Why can owners and raceday workers not interact on raceday?

A.        To mitigate the risk of the transmitting COVID-19, owners on course will have access to a dedicated owner zone based around the Paddock Suite, which is separated from raceday workers (trainers, stable staff, jockeys, officials, media etc.). For infection control purposes, no movement will be permitted between the two areas of the racecourse.

This approach, supported by government, also means that there would be currently no need to revise other elements of the screening program such as by introducing laboratory testing for all racecourse attendees. 

Q.        Will there be food and drink available on the day?

A.        In line with UK Government stage 3 guidance we are unable to provide the normal buffet lunch for Owners. However a complimentary selection of pre-packaged sandwiches, salad boxes, cakes and tea & coffee are available from the Paddock Suite Bar. A paid bar (contactless preferred) is also available for owners in the Paddock Suite and Malton bars.

Q.        Will there be presentations on the racecourse?

A.        Not at this stage of the proposal, therefore the current arrangements for distributing prizes to the winning and placed connections will continue unchanged.

Q.        Do I have to wear PPE/Facemasks?

A.        At present, in line with Government Guidance, face coverings are not mandatory for owners when outside on racecourses when 2 metre Social Distancing is possible.  All owners and guests should continue to observe social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings on arrival at the racecourse and when indoors (if not eating or drinking).

Q.        How do I leave the racecourse after my horse has run?

A.        A one-way system is in place, so owners can return to their vehicle without crossing paths with others and hand hygiene stations will be provided on exit.  Upon leaving the racecourse, badges for the raceday should be removed by the owner and should not be retained for future use.

Click on the image beneath to view a larger version.

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 Redcar Racecourse operates the RCA PASS card scheme.

On racedays our Owners’ & Trainers’ Desk is managed by Elissa Cummings and Rachel Blizzard.  Elissa and Rachel undertake a similar role at the majority of the Yorkshire courses and so will be familiar faces.

Q.        How do I register that I will be attending on raceday?

A.        As above Step 4 to register your attendees, please log into PASS https://www.rcapass.com/ and submit the names of the individuals who will attend the racecourse. All names must be submitted by 4pm the day before the fixture.  Changes after that time will not be possible.

Q.        What if I am a member of a syndicate?

A.         For syndicates and racing clubs, it is the responsibility of the syndicator/club manager to submit the names of those individuals attending the fixture. It is recommended that the syndicator attends as one of the allocated persons to help ensure the remaining syndicate members are kept updated. For more information on filming at racecourses please refer to: https://www.roa.co.uk/raceday/racing.html

Q.        How do I access the PASS system?

A.        Please visit https://www.rcapass.com or contact the PASS Helpdesk on 01933 270333.

Q.        I am an international owner without access to PASS, how do I register my attendance?

A.        Internationally based owners who are not registered in the UK, should contact the racecourse directly to register attendance. This should be completed by 4pm the day before the fixture.  For Racing Managers who require assistance registering attendance on behalf of owners please contact the PASS helpdesk.

Q.        How many passes can I get?

A.        The return of owners to the racecourse will be a phased process, this includes limiting attendance to 6 owners per horse in the early stages.

Q.         Can children attend the racecourse? 

A.         Children can attend as 1 of the 6 nominated partners if pre-registered to attend.  All children attending will undergo the entry screening process as standard.   

Q.        I’ve got an entry/declared runner, but I haven’t received an email?

A.        Please contact the PASS Helpdesk on 01933 270333 and the team can assist you further.

Q.        How long will there be a limit on the number of owners attending the racecourse?

A.        These temporary measures will be eased gradually in line with government guidance for sports venues and public health requirements. 

Obviously things have changed due to current operating protocols and restrictions, so please take note of the following points and share this information with your travelling stable staff and box drivers:

1. In accordance with the BHA protocol, no stabling the day before or day after racing may be provided.

2. The testing site for horse box drivers and stable staff is in the Course Enclosure off West Dyke Road.  The postcode for Satnavs is TS10 4JH.

Horsebox drivers and stable staff should follow the usual route to the Stables, but before arriving at the Stables Entrance they should follow the raceday directional signage to the Course Enclosure Testing Station.

Priority will be given to horseboxes.

3. Upon arrival at the Course Enclosure Testing Site all drivers and stable staff will be screened in accordance with BHA protocols, which means they should:
   • have been pre-registered as an attendee with the BHA
   • produce valid photo-ID
   • have undertaken and passed the online Racing2Learn Covid-19 training module
   • have completed the BHA medical questionnaire, which should have been be sent to their registered email address by BHA
   • present with a temperature no higher than 37.8C

4. It is important to note:
   • failure on any of the above points means NO ENTRY
   • if anyone in the vehicle fails their temperature check, then the vehicle and all persons who travelled in it will be sent back to their racing yard and the horses declared non-runners; we therefore advise that all personnel are temperature checked before departure from their racing yard
   • if anyone leaves the racecourse and intends to return they will be required to undergo the screening process again before being granted re-entry

5. The stable-staff canteen will be open, offering a range of hot and cold sandwiches, snacks and drinks.  Complimentary tea & coffee are available for Stable Staff & Trainers.  Payment by cash/card.

6. With the exception of alcoholic drinks, individuals may of course bring with them whatever food and other refreshments they wish and there will be complimentary bottled water available from the PPE Office at the Winners' Enclosure.

7. The entrance for trainers, their representatives and jockeys is at the Grandstand Enclosure Entrance on Redcar Lane, as usual.  The postcode for Satnavs is TS10 2FD.  Please note all persons will be screened as per points ‘3/4’ (above).

8. There is no on-course declarations process in place at present, horses are automatically declared upon arrival at the yard. Colours should be placed in a clear bag and labelled for the valets, then placed in the designated location outside the Food Court (temporary jockeys’ changing room).

9. No trainers or their representatives are permitted to enter the Weighing Room unless permission is granted by a BHA official.

10. Weighing in/out will take place as normal in the usual Weighing Room location.  Saddle exchange with riders will take place in the designated location immediately outside the Weighing Room.

11. Jockeys’ Changing Room: The male jockeys’ changing facilities are presently located in Food Court (opposite the Weighing Room) & William Hill Betting Shop, whilst the female jockeys’ facility has not moved.

12. The open saddling boxes in the Pre-Parade will be in operation and touch point cleaning will be carried out as necessary.  The closed saddling boxes will not be in use.

13. In addition to those staff leading-up, only 1 representative per stable is permitted into the Parade Ring with the jockeys and facemasks MUST be worn by everyone in the Parade Ring at all times.

14. The race may be watched live from the stands and there will be a number of external televisions showing the race opposite the Weighing Room, and under the Parade Ring canopy.

15. The Winners’ Enclosure has been relocated to the Parade Ring where there is a 1^st place marker directly opposite the Paddock Suite.  All other runners will unsaddle and wash-down in the usual unsaddling locations and return to the stable yard.  Please equip stable staff with their own buckets and scrapers for hygiene purposes.

16. Owners will be accommodated in the Paddock Suite which has balconies overlooking the Parade Ring and track.  Owners can access the parade ring rails and viewing steppings by the finishing post.  The Malton & Middleham Bars provide additional undercover seating & trackside viewing. 

17. Owners’ Refreshments: a complimentary selection of sandwiches, salad boxes, cakes and tea/coffee are available from the Paddock Suite Bar. A paid bar (contactless preferred) is also available for owners in the Paddock Suite & Malton Bar.

18. The Owners’ Debrief area is located in the area between the Paddock Suite, Zetland Bar and Parade Ring – it will be clearly signed.

19. Colours will be returned to the designated location outside the Food Court once available.

20. Please depart the Racecourse and return to base as expediently as possible; all horses should have vacated the yard no later than an hour after the last race.

21. We do not have COVID-19 compliant hostel accommodation so are not able to accept overnighters.  No travellers or companion horses will be permitted in the stable yard.
     
22. Social distancing must be strictly observed and will be monitored by the BHA; transgressors may be fined by the BHA stewards.

We hope the above information helps the day go as smoothly as possible for all your attendees and we wish your runner(s) the best of luck on the day.

The official Racing Photographer is Mr Tony Knapton of Pro-Shot Photography. 

Should you wish to make arrangements for any photography prior to your visit or order some photographs of your runner at Redcar he can be contacted as follows:

If your horse is a winner you will be presented with a copy of the race on a USB stick and given a celebratory drink whilst you review your success!   

Recordings of the race are just £10 for a USB or £5 for a DVD and can be obtained by contacting Arabella in the Racecourse Office on 01642 484 068 or email info@redcarracing.co.uk

We have 137 stables providing paper or shaving bedding.  Stables are allocated on arrival.

The stables entrance is located off West Dyke Road, next to the Tesco Petrol Station.  The stables' postcode for SATNAVS is TS10 1HT.

During "racing behind closed doors" we are sorry that we are unable to offer overnight  stabling and accommodation due to shared rooms and washroom facilities in the Stable Lads Hostel.

The Stable Lad's Hostel Cafe is under the management of Wendy Scott.  Stable staff are offered a wide range of meal options, from healthy salads to roast meals, and home made cakes. Free tea & coffee is available on production of a valid Stable Pass.

Click on the image beneath to view a larger version.

Leading organisations in British Horseracing are working together to raise awareness of the high levels of equine welfare in the sport.

The Horse Comes First initiative aims to improve understanding of the care given to our horses throughout and after their careers in racing.

The campaign is supported by the British Horseracing Authority, the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, the Professional Jockeys Association, the National Trainers Federation, The Jockey Club, the National Association of Stable Staff and Arena Racing Company.

Visit the Horse Comes First site for more information about the excellent work that is done every single day of the year to ensure that racehorses are well cared for.

Redcar Racecourse is in the heart of the Tees Valley which offers a huge choice of accommodation to suit all pockets and tastes. Exceeding all expectations - you can be sure of a warm welcome, with excellent service, facilities and good food.

The Redcar / Cleveland website online search facility will guide you to your perfect place to stay whilst visiting the area.  Find our more...

I just wanted to congratulation you on the new and improved facilities that you have created at Redcar.  As the racing manager for Grange Park Racing, all my syndicate members are looking for is a nice dedicated area where they can relax & enjoy a light meal & refreshments.  With your new dining area they can now do this in comfort, enjoying a choice of a hot meal, cold salad or a sandwich, and if they just want a drink they can relax in the bar area. It was also a pleasure when we had a placed horse to be invited in with the winning connections to watch the re-run witha  glass of complimentary champagne.  Well done, all racecourses should follow your example.