The Racecourse Prices Index: how did the chicken balti pie fare at Redcar?

The Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) is a new and occasional series, in which we report from each of Britain and Ireland's racetracks on the cost of going racing.

Redcar

Date visited: Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Was it a big day?

Not a big day, but a dramatic one with two of the scheduled eight races cancelled due to waterlogging. It was Poppy Appeal Day and also Redcar's final meeting of the 2022 Flat season.

How much was entry on the gate?

£15 pay on the day by either cash or card for the Grandstand enclosure (£12 in advance), and £6 cash on the day for the Course enclosure (£5 in advance).

Other than restaurants/hospitality, what were the food and beverage options?

There were plenty on hand on two of the three levels of the Grandstand, with the Malton and Middleham bars on the first floor, and the Zetland bar on the ground floor alongside a food and drink court. Hot and cold food was available elsewhere, as well as snacks, while there was a traditional sweet stall if you fancied some mint humbugs. There was also The Diner Street Food Kitchen van.

What was the damage?

Bottle of water: £2.40
Cheapest pints: £5.30 (Fosters, John Smith's Extra Smooth and Theakston Best Bitter)
Guinness: £6.50
Champagne: £39.50 (house)
Burger: £6.50 (The Diner Street Food Kitchen Van)
Chicken balti pie: £4.10

What was the pie like?

The chicken balti pie was delightfully hot on the inside of the pie and had a nice, spicy kick to it too. It was worth the £4.10.

Credit: Matt Rennie

And the queues?

There were no problems at all with a quiet enough crowd, and the service was rapid.

What did the punters say?

"It was a shame that we lost two of the races as I had a ticket in advance, but it's still better value than other tracks I've been to this year. I think £20 is plenty these days for sport, so it was pleasant to see the price was lower. You have all you need here for a nice day without breaking the bank, which helps with how things are at the moment."
Gary Donaldson, Sowerby, near Thirsk

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