The Paddock

The paddock is the overall name for the area containing the Parade Rings and the "Weighing Room" - racing-speak for the officials' and jockeys' building.

The raceday takes place in a number of half-hour cycles. This begins in the pre-parade ring about half an hour before the first race, when the runners will be taken into the saddling boxes to be saddled up. It's worth watching this to get a first impression of the horse before he/she proceeds to the main parade ring.

Entry to the parade rings is limited to owners, trainers and jockeys but you will find ample vantage points all round.