Category: Racecourses

Galway Racecourse, also known as Ballybrit Race Track, is one of the jewels in the crown of Irish racing. Set on the outskirts of Galway city, Ireland, it hosts the seven day ‘Galway Races’ annual event in late July and early August. This has become a staple in the Irish racing calendar, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond, as well as eager viewers at home. The Summer Festival consists of the Opening Day, Galway Plate Day, Ladies Day (where fashion is first!) and there’s even a Mad Hatters Competition for the kids!

The highlight of the week, the Galway Plate is a showcase of horse racing talent demonstrating the courses ability to host top national hunt racing events. The course itself offers panoramic views of the action and offers the perfect day out for race goers. It has two stands – the Main Stand and Millennium Stand and is a right-handed course (one mile and three furlongs).

If you want to take your experience of Galway racecourse a step further, you can become a Club Member which offers a whole host of benefits such as access to the club members bar, and unique experiences like “a behind the scenes tour of Coolmore Stud in Fethard County Tipperary”. This would surely be a memerable experience for most racing fans.

Galway Racecourse is definitely a worthwhile stop off for racing fans. Whether you’re there for the on course action, or just a day out with friends or family, Galway Racecourse has it all. Its combination of top-quality racing is an attractive setting ensures that a visit to the Racecourse is a great day out that remains long in the memory!

Ayr Racecourse is located on the west coast of Scotland and is home to both flat and jump racing throughout the yearly racing calendar. Of the big races it hosts, the Scottish Grand National and Ayr Gold Cup stand out as must see events on course (or in front of your TV if you can’t make it!). Both races draw in the best of the best in terms of trainers, horses and jockeys, and they most certainly draw in the crowds to this prestigious venue too.

The racecourse has been in use since the 16th century (the first documented racing in Ayr goes back to 1576 – and the course itself opened in 1907), so is steeped in history, but also has everything you might want from a modern racecourse. As such it’s no surprise its coined ‘Scotland’s Premier Racecourse’. It offers numerous dining and hospitality packages and hosts exciting events such as ‘Summer Raceday’ where top music acts like Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet, perform after the races have taken place. This mix of sport and entertainment is perfect for a family day out, and bring horse racing to a brand new audience at a time where there’s no shortage of sports and enterainment options for the masses.

The track itself hosts races over several distances over the flat, from 5 furlongs to 2 miles 1 furlong 105 yards and is a left handed track of 12 furlongs in distance. Known for its long straight, it’s a wide course and with a 210 yards run in. Over the jumps (the course has 9 fences), races range from 2 miles 1 furlong to 3 miles 3 furlongs 110 yards (with Chases from 2 miles to 4 miles 110 yards –  the latter being being the Scottish National. The racecourse is routinely voted as the best in Scotlandand and it’s easy to undsterstand why. Perhaps you’ll one day pay it a visit?

Beverley Racecourse in the market town of Beverley in East Yorkshire bring a mix of historic and outdoor interests, as well as top racing action. Racing in Beverley goes back hundreds of years and the courses presence became official in 1752 with a grandstand erected later in 1767 (and a stand opened in Tattersalls enclosure much more recently in 1968). The track has become a favourite with racing fans over the years, drawing crowds with exciting races hold on its right handed, 1 mile 3 furlongs course and uphill finish. The course is known to have a significant draw bias, but with this being known it gives beverley a certain distinction and punters waiting to place a bet essentially know what they’re dealing with.

One highlight of Beverley’s racing calendar is the 5F listed race Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes, held in  August.  Another in May is the Hilary Needler Trophy, also set over 5F.  There’s also the Brian Yeardley Trophy, so no shortage of highlights for racegoers.

Beyond the course, the venue offers various reasonably priced hospitality and dining options at Attraction Restuarant, Racing Club Lounge, Cleverleys Bistro and more besides. The venue is also a top choice for conferences, weddings and xmas parties. It might not as frequently have the star appeal (concerts and the like) of some racecourses, but what it does, it does well.Beyond the races, Beverley Racecourse serves as a vibrant venue for a variety of events throughout the year, including themed race days, outdoor cinema screenings, and music events. These gatherings underscore the racecourse’s role as a social hub, offering diverse entertainment options beyond traditional racing and Beverley Racecourse certainly provide an enjoyable and memorable day out for race fans.

 

Ripon Racecourse is a visually impressive offer. Coined the Garden Racecourse for its stand out, well-kept grounds, Ripon brings the charm of rural England and adds to it the thrill of top-tier horse racing. With a history stretching back to 1664, it’s one of the oldest racecourses in the country, yet it stays ahead of the curve by offering a vibrant mix of flat racing events that captivate both hardcore enthusiasts and casual visitors.

The racing calendar at Ripon is a highlight of the season, featuring standout events like the Great St Wilfrid Handicap. This particular race draws a competitive field, promising a spectacle of speed and strategy that keeps the crowds on the edge of their seats. Each race day at Ripon is carefully curated to ensure a blend of high-stakes competition and entertainment, making every visit memorable.

Facilities at Ripon are top notch, designed to ensure that every guest, regardless of age or interest in racing, has a pleasant experience. From a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes to multiple viewing areas that offer clear sights of the thrilling race finishes, Ripon prioritizes visitor satisfaction. The racecourse’s aesthetic appeal, with its manicured lawns and floral displays, adds to the day’s enjoyment, providing a serene backdrop to the excitement on the track.

The track itself presents a fair challenge to competitors, featuring undulating terrain and tight turns that test the mettle of horses and jockeys alike. This setup ensures that races at Ripon are as much about strategic prowess as they are about raw speed, enhancing the spectacle for those watching.

In essence, Ripon Racecourse delivers an engaging racing experience by marrying tradition with the excitement of modern flat racing. Its combination of competitive events, quality facilities, and a picturesque setting ensures that a day spent at Ripon is both enjoyable and memorable. Whether you’re there for the love of racing or simply to enjoy a day out in beautiful surroundings, you can’t go far wrong.

Also known as Catterick Bridge Racecourse, Catterick Racecourse, set in the heart of North Yorkshire is popular choice with horse racing fans. Its history impressively stretches back to when races were first held there in 1783. The racecourse features a packed calendar, consisting a mix of flat and jump racing throughout the year. Noteworthy races taking place at Catterick include the North Yorkshire Grand National and the Catterick Dash. These are often highly competitive races, providing much excitement for those in attendance.

Facilities at Catterick are second to none and keep race goers in mind. From three course meal dining in the Winning Streak Restaurant, to a pint in a track side marquee and private suite packages, there’s something for everyone whether you’re there on a family day out or with a group of friends or coworkers.  There are plenty of fixtures to attend over the months and with such a compact course it’s easy for spectators to get close to the action.

The track’s layout, consists of mix of sharp turns and straight runs, making it an exciting wildcard of a track in many ways. With a 3 furlong run-in on the mile round course, you’re sure to get a great view of the action. All in all, with its accessible and welcoming location, packed racing calendar, Catterick racecourse is a great choice for day at the races.