Wetherby Racecourse

Wetherby Racecourse is a racecourse situated near the market town of Wetherby in West Yorkshire, England, located 12 miles (19 km) from Leeds city centre. For most of its history the course has hosted only National Hunt racing but staged its first Flat racing fixture in April 2015.

For the former railway station serving the racecourse, see Wetherby Racecourse railway station.

Wetherby
LocationWetherby, West Yorkshire
Date opened1891
Screened onRacing TV
Course typeFlat
National Hunt
Notable racesCastleford Chase
Charlie Hall Chase
Official website

Location

The Racecourse is located on the B1224 York Road, directly adjacent to the A1(M). It is situated opposite Wetherby (HM Prison). There are new access roads between North and East Wetherby and the A1(M). The racecourse can also be accessed from Walton Road at the rear of the stands.

History

Horse racing in Wetherby was first took place on Scaur Bank (now officially known as King George V playing fields, although still most commonly referred to as 'Scaur Bank' or 'The Ings'). In 1891 racing moved to a new site situated off York Road. From the 1920s to the 1950s the racecourse was served by Wetherby Racecourse railway station. In the 1930s the first terraces were erected. A new two-tier stand was erected adjacent to this in the 1970s, and then in 1999 the new Millennium Stand was opened, providing the racecourse with executive banqueting and conference facilities. Up until 1963, Racecourse Specials ran to Wetherby railway station from Bradford Interchange on race days. As the station on York Road had closed many years before, for decades the only rail access was via the station on Linton Road at the other end of Wetherby from the racecourse.

Today
Wetherby Racecourse in 2008. This picture was taken during the Sunday Market held at the course.
Jumps on the Northern side of the circuit.
the racecourse during the 2010 Charlie Hall Chase

Wetherby Racecourse was the last racecourse in Yorkshire that hosted only National Hunt jump meetings, but it now stages Flat racing as well. The course announced early in 2014 that they were investigating staging summer Flat racing[1] and were granted four fixtures when the 2015 list was released in October 2014.[2] The first Flat racing fixture took place on 26 April 2015.[3]

Notable races
Month DOW Race Name Type Grade Distance Age/Sex
February Saturday Towton Novices' Chase Chase Grade 2 3m 1f 5yo +
November Saturday Wetherby Mares' Hurdle Hurdle Conditions 2m 110y 4yo + m
November Saturday West Yorkshire Hurdle Hurdle Grade 2 3m 1f 4yo +
November Saturday Charlie Hall Chase Chase Grade 2 3m 1f 5yo +
December Boxing Day Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase Chase Grade 3 3m 1f 4yo +
December 27th Castleford Chase Chase Handicap 2m 4yo +

Facilities

The Racecourse features the following facilities, areas and amenities:

  • The Wetherby Millennium Stand & Premier Enclosure
  • The Paddock Stands and Paddock Gallery
  • Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure
  • The A1 Bar
  • Saddling-Up Bar
  • Administration Office & Weighing Room Complex
  • First Aid Room
  • Pre-Parade Ring & Saddling-Up area
  • Tote Credit Club
  • The Paddock Bar
  • Owners & Trainers Bar
  • Stables Complex
  • Cafe and Bar
  • Tote Betting Shop
  • Paddock Bookmakers
  • Course Bookmakers
  • Betting Ring Information
  • Course Enclosure Parking
  • White Horse Restaurant
  • White Horse Mezzanine Bar
  • Marston Moor Bar
  • Dine and View Restaurant
  • Course Bar
  • Course Cafe

Enclosures

Premier Enclosure This is housed within the Millennium Stand. Although there is no dress code, the management advise a smart-casual attire.[4] Spectators in this enclosure have access to the most luxurious bars and restaurants, including the White Horse Restaurant and Mezzanine Bar.

Paddock Enclosure The largest of the three enclosures is the mid spec, Paddock Enclosure. This is set within the two older stands and has access to the A1 Bar as well as most of the book makers including the large Tote betting shop.

Course Enclosure The cheapest of the enclosures is situated in the centre of the course. It has its own bar, cafe, Tote Betting Shop, Bookmakers stands and 'big screen'; however, it lacks many of the facilities the other enclosures benefit from.

Pricing

Admittance pricing varies from £2 to £27.[5] This pricing is only general and may vary depending on the race meeting.

Other events
  • The Racecourse is the starting point for the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride, from Wetherby to Filey.
  • The market holds a market and carboot sale every Sunday; this is held in the Course Enclosure. Although it is still large, it no longer receives the popularity it had in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Since 2006 the racecourse has been the venue for the Mascot Gold Cup, the world's largest Mascot race which is held over the final furlong on their family day meeting each April.
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References
  1. "Wetherby mull Flat plan". skysports.com. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  2. "Chelmsford City given 58 meetings in 2015 Fixture List". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  3. Carr, David. "Horsemen salute start of Flat racing at Wetherby". Racing Post. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  4. Official Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre, Enclosures, Jump Racing Yorkshire
  5. Official Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre, Jump Racing Yorkshire

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