Frequently Asked Questions

• May I bring my children to the races?

  Children are welcome at all Ellerslie Race Meetings.
  Admission is free for children under the age of 15.
  Children in the general admission area should be under the immediate supervision of an adult at all times. Children entering the Members' Enclosure must be in the IMMEDIATE presence of a responsible adult at all times and must be suitably attired. In all on-course bars patrons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Those under the age of 18 are not permitted to gamble and if caught will be prosecuted.

• May I bring a picnic lunch and alcohol?

  You are more than welcome to bring in your own picnic with unopened soft drinks. For more information on alcohol restrictions, please see our alcohol policy. Please be aware that you are not permitted to bring BBQs or picnic tables for health and safety reasons.

• Is there food available for purchase?

  There are a variety of food and beverages available to patrons on race days from snack food to formal dining packages. In both the Members' area and the general public area snack outlets, hot bistro meals and full buffet luncheons are available. One or more reserved dining options are available on each Ellerslie raceday.

• What is the alcohol policy?

  To meet the club's obligation under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 on-course no "BYO" alcohol will be permitted at Ellerslie in any area of the "Grandstand" or "Course proper" or Infield sides of the racecourse for any racemeeting.
  
  This policy has been established to ensure the Auckland Racing Club complies with all facets of the Club's liquor licensing regulations as set down by local liquor licensing authorities and the New Zealand Police.
  
  Please note you are welcome to bring food and unopened non-alcoholic products to public areas of the course including the Infield.
  
  The Infield, outside of any licensed area which the Club establishes (for example the Telecom Carnival on Derby Day), will now be solely used for parking. No picnics or boot parties (regardless of if they are alcohol free) will be permitted.
  
  The following procedures apply:
   • All patrons and their possessions may be subject to searches before entering the Ellerslie Racecourse.
   • Searches may also be carried out during an event and when leaving the Ellerslie Racecourse.
   • Patrons who refuse to participate in searches may be denied entry to the Ellerslie Racecourse or removed from the venue (by force if considered necessary).
   • Vehicles entering and leaving the Ellerslie Racecourse may be searched.
   • Patrons with prohibited item(s) (alcohol) will be asked to remove the prohibited item(s) from the confines of the Ellerslie Racecourse premises or will have their prohibited item(s) confiscated.
  If you have any questions about the alcohol policy at Ellerslie please contact us.
  
  

• What is the Dress Code?

  Entry to the general admission areas of the racecourse requires guests to be neatly dressed. All general admission dining rooms require smart casual attire - for example: dress jeans and a nice shirt (no shorts or jandals). A dress code applies in the Ascot Stand as well as ALL hospitality areas - no jeans, shorts, trainers or jandals, and a collared shirt is required. PLEASE NOTE most people will be raceday attire (i.e. suits and dresses) and we encourage a high standard of dress in these areas.

• Where on course does a general admission ticket get me?

  A General Admission ticket allows the bearer access to all public lawn areas as well as at least one room within the Ellerslie Stand (ie. the Newmarket Lounge and/or the Pakuranga Hunt Room).

• I'm a member at another racecourse. Do I receive reciprocal privileges?

  To enquire about reciprocal privileges, please contact the ARC Membership Secretary on 09 524 4069.

• Can I buy ticket(s) to access the Ascot (Members) Stand if I'm not a Member?

  Yes. Day passes to the Ascot Stand can be purchased from the Raceday Office (Ground floor, Ascot Stand). Ascot Stand tickets for Auckland Cup Week will also be available for purchase on-line. However, day passes do not provide access to the Takanini Room which is reserved for Members only.

• Are there any conditions of entry?

  Horses can be dangerous. Visitors enter the premises at their own risk. The Auckland Racing Club accepts no responsibility for injury. The Auckland Racing Club reserves the right to refuse entry and remove from the racecourse any patron or group of persons whose behaviour in the opinion of any club representative is likely to cause disruption or offence to other patrons. This includes inappropriate dress. Persons who are intoxicated upon arrival at the racecourse will be refused entry. Patrons entering the course are advised that they may be requested to provide proof of identity at any time. Patrons are not permitted to trespass onto the racetrack at any time.