Disabled Facilities at the Racecourse.
1. General Accessibility - Ramps
The Enclosures at Pontefract are on a pronounced slope which means that there is good all round visibility but this does provide some obstacles for those with mobility difficulties:-
(a) Entrances
There are no steps at the Premier Stand Entrance.
There is a shallow step and a narrow exit from the Grandstand & Paddock entrance, however the Main Gate adjacent to the Grandstand & Paddock Entrance affords a step free entrance and is manned.
The Silver Enclosure entrance has directions for disabled access.
The Picnic Enclosure is open to cars at a charge and has a step free entrance.
It is possible to Transfer "up" from any Enclosure.
Parties should contact the Secretary's Office in advance. Arrangements can be made for Mini-buses to enter any Enclosure to unload.
(b) Internal Movement round Enclosures
There is a step free access along the back of both Main Stands which connects all Enclosures.
There are step free tarmac paths from the back of all Stands to the viewing lawns and to and from the Parade Ring and Unsaddling Enclosure in the Paddock Enclosure.
2. Main Stand - Premier Enclosure Area
The Premier Enclosure section of the Main Stand was extended and altered in 1990 and special attention was paid to the movement of wheelchairs.
There are step free accesses from the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure to the Premier Enclosure and, using the Doors to the Park Suite Foyer (opposite the Premier Stand Entrance to the Course), there is a step free access to the Stand itself.
There is a Lift to the First Floor adjacent to the Main Staircase.
3. Main Stand - Grandstand & Paddock Area
The Paddock section of the Main Stand was extended and altered in 1994 and special attention was again paid to the movement of wheelchairs.
There are step free accesses to the Ground Floor but there is no Lift to the Second Floor. Anyone wishing to access the First Floor of the Grandstand & Paddock Stand should go to the Secretary’s Office where staff will be pleased to help.
4. Dalby Stand - Comprising Champagne Bar and Premier Sports Cafe Bar (Ground Floor) in the Premier Enclosure and Private Boxes (1st and 2nd Floor).
Built in 1995 and extended in 2007, there is a step free access to the Ground Floor and Lifts to the First and Second Floor Boxes. The lifts in the Dalby Stand are for use by those with private facilities.
5. Silver Stand
The Silver Stand was refurbished in 1998. There are ramped accesses to Ground Floor Facilities from the rear accessway. There is no lift to the First Floor.
6. Picnic - Car Park - Enclosure
The public may take cars into the Picnic Enclosure. A charge is made for the car including up to 4 adults.
7. Viewing
There are:-
Specially reserved viewing areas against the running rail in all enclosures.
Specially reserved viewing areas at First Floor Level in the Premier and Grandstand & Paddock enclosures.
8. Food & Drink
Food and drink accessible to disabled persons is available in all areas.
9. Toilets
There are Unisex Disabled Toilets on the Ground Floor in all enclosures.
10. Disabled Access and Facilities for Owners
1) Disabled Owners should NOT follow the signs to the O&T Car Park. They should follow the signs to the “Annual Badge Holders” car park but keep going straight towards the Main Stand.
2) There is a dedicated staffed car parking area for disabled customers adjacent to the Main Entrance.
3) Enter through the Premier Stand Entrance (on the ground floor of the Dalby Stand). There is a step free entrance to the course. Please inform the Administration Office (01977 781307) in advance if you are to use this access.
4) The Owners and Trainers Bar is on ground floor of the Park Suite and has a level access.
5) There are three access points to the Parade Ring which are “step-free”. Disabled owners also have a step free access to the saddling boxes should they wish to see their horses being saddled up.
6) The Park Suite has dedicated tables for Owners and Trainers and this is accessible via a lift in the Premier Stand.
7) Wheelchair viewing ramps are provided in all enclosures against the running rails.
8) Viewing platforms are provided in the Premier Stand at 1st floor level adjacent to the lift.
9) Disabled toilets are available in all enclosures.
11. Persons who are deaf or have impaired hearing
The prime object in visiting a race meeting is to “watch” the races. There is a good view of the race track and a clear line of vision to the finishing post from all enclosures.
All enclosures have both terracing and ample viewing from the lawns in front. In addition there is a large screen in front of the Premier and Grandstand enclosures at all meetings, and a second screen in front of the Second and Picnic Enclosures on Sunday and Evening meetings. There is also a CCTV system in operation throughout the racecourse with TV screens in all bars and restaurants.
Racecards are available in all enclosures. These give full details of all races, runners and riders, with jockey’s silks and caps shown in full colour.
The PA system provides a commentary and gives out details of changes to jockeys, or their colours, non-runners, and the results of races and enquiries. However, all this information is shown on the CCTV system.
It is, therefore, our view that persons who are deaf or have impaired hearing can enjoy a day at the races in no less a satisfactory manner than any other customer. We do not consider a sign language interpreter is necessary. We consider it would be extremely difficult for a sign language interpreter to relay the commentary (which can be frenetic) and in any event it would be physically impossible to look at the interpreter and watch the racing at the same time, thereby negating the prime object of watching the racing. However, if anyone wishes to bring an interpreter with them we will provide free admission for that person provided application is made in advance with full details.
12. Safety Officials
We have trained safety officials throughout the Racecourse and anyone who wishes to do so is welcome to inform us of their attendance in advance and we will arrange contact with a Safety Officer who will have responsibility to see to their safety in the unlikely event of an emergency.