Accessibility at Thirsk Racecourse

Thirsk Racecourse is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming environment for all racegoers. We aim to ensure that every visitor can enjoy their day with us, and the information below explains the facilities and support available on site. This access statement does not contain personal opinions but sets out, as accurately as possible, the services and assistance we provide.

If you have any questions before your visit, our Access Officer, Erin Boswell (General Commercial Manager), is available to help. You can contact her on 01845 522276 or info@thirskracecourse.net.

Personal Assistant / Companion Scheme

Thirsk Racecourse has partnered with Nimbus Disability, the operators of the Access Card scheme, to make it easier for visitors who require essential assistance to obtain a complimentary companion ticket.

The Access Card helps communicate your access requirements using a set of recognised symbols, providing clear and consistent evidence of your needs without having to repeatedly explain them. The system is widely used across the UK, with over 3 million card holders and thousands of participating venues.

If you do not currently have an Access Card and only wish to register for use at Thirsk Racecourse, you can apply for a FREE Digital Access Card specifically for our events.

You may also choose to upgrade to a Physical Access Card for £15 (valid for 3 years), which serves as photo ID and is accepted at over 2,500 venues nationwide.

How to Book a Complimentary Companion Ticket

Step 1: Register for your FREE Thirsk Racecourse Digital Access Card, providing details of your access requirements.
Step 2: Once you have received your confirmation email, call us on 01845 522276 to book your tickets and provide your Access Card ID number. We will add a complimentary companion ticket to your booking.
Step 3: If you have already purchased your ticket, contact us by phone or email with your booking reference and Access Card ID number and we will add the companion ticket to your existing order.
Step 4: If you prefer not to book in advance, simply bring your Access Card (or Digital Access Card email confirmation) with you on the day and show it at the entrance to receive free companion admission.

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

Thirsk Racecourse recognises and supports the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme, a discreet way for individuals with hidden disabilities to indicate that they may require additional support, understanding or extra time during their visit.

If you would like to arrange a familiarisation visit on a non-racing day before attending raceday for the first time, please contact the Racecourse Office on 01845 522276.

Personal Assistant Ticket – Terms & Conditions

The eligibility criteria for complimentary personal assistant admission are regularly reviewed and the racecourse reserves the right to update them from time to time. Currently, those who receive one of the following benefits are eligible to apply for a free personal assistant ticket via the Access Card Scheme:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Attendance Allowance (AA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Individuals who are Registered Blind are also eligible.

Thirsk Racecourse reserves the right to request additional supporting documentation or to decline an application where there is reasonable doubt that a personal assistant is essential for the individual to attend, taking into account the accessible facilities already available at the racecourse.

Required Supporting Documentation

To apply for a complimentary companion ticket, you will need to provide:

A copy of your DWP award letter or other official confirmation of the benefit received; and
A form of photo ID that matches the name on the benefit documentation.

If you are a Registered Blind Person, a copy of your registration certificate along with matching photo ID is required.

Please note: A Blue Badge is not accepted as proof of eligibility.