How old do you have to be to enter a horse racing track??

Question

My girlfriend really loves horses and really wants to be a jockey and i want her to take to a track to watch a race. The question is how old do you have to be to enter because I know that its considered like a casino and I'm 18 so I think i can go but she is only 16 and I don't know if she'll be let in. We won't be doing any gambling just watching the race so I don't know if there is like a seperate section where the people that are there are only there to watch.. that would be perfect haha

thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, people go to the racetrack with young children all the time. You should not have a problem entering. You just won't be allowed near the casino or betting windows. You could call the track's main number if you want to make doubly sure.

Answer 2

You can get in the horse racing section of the track when you're sixteen. You can't go gambling though! Usually you can get into the clubhouse when your under eighteen. Or you can go to the fence near the track and watch the horses! GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

you should be able to ENTER at any age, as long as your not gambling, just watching the race. i go to races all the time and im on 13. you and your girlfriend should be fine... have fun =]

Answer 4

I would personally check with the track first.  I know that most welcome families, but I can remember when you had to be at least 18 or older to even enter the grounds.

I do think that so many tracks have welcomed families. This is a great way to increast the interest in the sport of thoroughbred racing.

Answer 5

You can get into a track at any age. I've seen many toddlers at races. However, you can't bet until you're 18. As long as you stay out of the casino area, you should be fine. Unfortunately there's no special sections for those who are only there to watch, not to gamble.

Answer 6

as long as she is with someone 18 or older she can get in.....

Answer 7

There is no age limit when it comes to entering the racecourse - I know of people that take their toddlers to the races!  The only age limit is on betting.

Over here in GB if you want to enter the paddock (this only applies to owners/trainers/sponsors) you must be at least 13 years of age.  Mostly it's a health and safety thing - they don't want young children running around near the horses.

I think you'll be fine.  Your girlfriend may even be able to get in at a discounted rate!

By the way, if she wants to be a jockey, she needs to start learning her trade NOW.  She sahould ask around and see if she can get a weekend job working in a racing stable and start getting that experience.  Most jockeys start training as apprentices at about 15/16, so she needs to get a move on if she is serious about taking this career path.

Answer 8

You need to call the track and check their policies.  Larger tracks usually welcome families and have no age limits to enter the premises, only limits on the betting windows and (if they have one) casino/slots areas.  HOWEVER certain states in the US do not permit minors in any gambling establishments.  I have also been to smaller tracks that do not want to pay the insurance premiums to have minors on the premises, and those tracks can be very strict on enforcing their rules.

Answer 9

That shoudn't be a problem. Most tracks that I know of require you to be 18 to place a bet, but there is no age requirement to enter the track. I was at Monmouth a few weeks ago and there were a lot of families with young children.

Answer 10

There is no age limit to attend the horse races.  Most race tracks are family oriented.  You must however be 18 to be able to wager.  Most tracks will not allow minors to stand within so many feet of the betting windows and if it is a track that also has a casino (slots and table games) you will not be allowed to enter the casino floor.  May I also suggest the track apron/paddock area it is a great place to take in the racing action and a great place to possibly meet people who work with race horses.