Sensory Guide

This sensory guide provides information about what to expect when visiting Perth Racecourse. The guide includes details on things like noise levels, lighting conditions, or potential triggers, allowing individuals to prepare or make informed decisions about their surroundings.

 

What Will I See?

 

Cars/Vehicles

When I drive into the racecourse there will be other cars parking as people arrive to enjoy their day. I will also see cars when I leave the racecourse.

 

Helicopters & Planes

Helicopters sometimes fly into the racecourse, transporting visitors, jockeys, trainers, and other racing staff. Perth Racecourse is also near Scone Airport, so aircraft may fly overhead at any time.

 

People

At the racecourse, I will see many people, including staff members wearing navy blue jackets or high-visibility vests, who can assist if needed. There will also be other visitors of all ages, including babies and children.

To ensure safety, I may see security staff in bright yellow jackets, ambulance personnel, and occasionally police officers during busy events. Additionally, I will see people involved with the horses, such as trainers, jockeys, stable staff, veterinarians, and owners.

 

Television, Media & Filming Equipment

On racedays, there will be photographers, reporters, and television crews. I may see filming equipment being moved around, with people carrying cameras and microphones. Video cameras and television monitors might also be set up. To get a better view of the racetrack, some cameras are operated from high up using crane-like machines, so I may see them moving up and down. Lights I may see lights if I go indoors at any time, to use the bar or the bathrooms.

 

Lights

I may see lights if I go indoors at any time, to use the bar or the bathrooms.

 

Horses

I will see horses at the racecourse, both in the parade ring and on the racetrack, as well as walking to and from various areas. Although horses can appear large, they will always be accompanied by someone guiding and caring for them, ensuring my safety. On rare occasions, horses may become frightened and rear up or move erratically, but there will always be someone with them, so I won’t be in any danger.

 

Green Screens

If a horse, jockey, or any official on the track has an accident, a green screen will be put up around them. This ensures that the person who is injured can be treated privately, so there’s no need for me to worry.

 

Buildings

As I enter the racecourse, I will see a variety of buildings. These include places where I can buy food and drinks, the main grandstand buildings with bars, restaurants, and toilets, as well as temporary structures like marquees and gazebos.

 

Bouncy Castles

I may see bouncy castles at the racecourse on certain racedays. These are tall and may move in the wind.

 

Assistance Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on a race day, however, we do of course accept assistance dogs, which will always be on a lead and kept under control.

 

What Will I Hear?

Traffic

As I arrive at and leave the racecourse, I may hear traffic, and occasionally, I might hear vehicles moving around, such as horseboxes or emergency vehicles. In the rare event of an emergency, I may hear sirens either within the racecourse or from vehicles passing by on the road outside.

 

Helicopters & Planes

Perth Racecourse is also in proximity by air to Scone airport so I may hearaircraft may fly over at any time in the distance.

 

People

Throughout the day, I will hear people talking, laughing, and cheering. There may also be shouting or singing, and I might hear babies and children crying. A Race Commentator will be speaking over a loudspeaker, providing commentary on the horses, the races, and the prize presentations.

 

Horses

I will hear horses throughout the day. Their hooves will make a faint sound as they walk around the parade ring. If I’m trackside during the race, the sound of galloping hooves on the turf will be loud and repetitive, especially when many horses are racing fast. Occasionally, a horse might cough, neigh, or “whinny,” which is a high-pitched sound. Horses may also snort through their noses, usually indicating they're happy. In the parade ring, I’ll hear a bell ring when it's time for jockeys to mount the horses, and again after the race when the horses are taken back to their stables.

 

Music

At the racecourse, there is a speaker system that plays music when there’s no racing or commentary. Sometimes, live musicians or bands perform, so I may hear their music as well. Music may also be heard coming from some of the bars.

 

Bathroom Noises

If I use the bathroom, I might hear water running, toilets flushing, and the sound of a hand dryer, along with doors opening and closing. I may also hear sprays, like hairsprays. It’s likely I will hear people’s mobile phones ringing, whether it’s a ringtone or song.

 

Phones Ringing & People Talking On Radios (Walkie-Talkies)

At the racecourse the staff have radios (walkie-talkies), so they can communicate with each other easily, so I may hear people talking through these. Sometimes they may beep or make a crackling sound.

 

Bouncy Castle

If I am near a bouncy castle I may hear a hissing or whirring noise of the blower fan, along with the sounds of children jumping and playing.

 

What Will I Smell?

 

People

People have various smells, with the most common being perfumes and aftershaves, which can range from faint to strong. I might also notice subtle scents like hair products or laundry conditioners. Certain fabrics, like leather, can sometimes have a distinct smell. Since smoking is allowed outside, I may also smell cigarette smoke.

 

Horses

Horses have a range of smells, including a natural, slightly oily scent from their coat, which becomes more noticeable when they are hot and sweaty. Grooming products like shampoos, scented sprays, and conditioners may also create smells. Additionally, hoof oil applied to their hooves for protection and shine can have a strong scent, particularly when freshly applied. I may also smell horse poo during the day!

 

Food Preparation

Lots of different foods are prepared at a race meeting. I may smell things like fish and chips, salt and vinegar, onions being fried, burgers being cooked, or sandwiches being toasted. Drinks can also give off smells, such as coffee and alcohol.

 

Bathroom Smells

If I use the toilet, I might smell cleaning products, soap, and scents like hairsprays, perfumes, or aftershaves. Some toilets also have air fresheners that give off sweet or floral fragrances to keep the area smelling pleasant.

 

Outdoor Smells

Around the racecourse, there are planters, trees, and flowers with various mild scents, though some may smell stronger to me. I may also smell freshly cutgrass, especially if it’s been prepared for the race day.

 

Indoor Smells

If I go inside, I may notice a mix of smells from people, food, and drinks. Different buildings, which may not smell like my home, can have unique scents, often from carpets, paint, flooring, or cleaning products.

 

What Will I Touch?

There are many different textures within a racecourse setting. These include things I may come into contact with every day, such as door handles, railings, seats, benches and tables, brickwork, metal and
concrete.

If I sit outside I may touch plants and grass. If I eat or drink I may touch cutlery, or my food may be wrapped in a certain type of packaging like paper or plastic. My drinks will be in a glass, a can, a bottle or a plastic cup.

I may touch other people as they stand close to me or brush past me. I will feel the different types of weather – the warmth of the sun, the breeze or the wind, and the rain.

 

What Will I Taste?

There will be food and drink available at the racecourse that is commonly available when I go on many days out, and also that I may eat and drink at home.

Therefore, anything I choose to eat and drink should taste the same or similar to what I have tasted before. There is a lot of choice available, so I will be able to find something that I like the taste and texture of to eat and drink.