Wetherby Racecourse

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United Kingdom Racecourse
Wetherby
Image:wetherbyraceslogo.gif
Official site
Location Wetherby, West Yorkshire
Date opened 1891
Screened on Racing UK
Course type National Hunt
Notable Races Castleford Chase
Charlie Hall Chase

Wetherby Racecourse is a National Hunt racecourse situated near the market town of Wetherby in West Yorkshire, England, situated on the outskirts of Leeds.

Contents

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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. In the 1930s the first terraces were erected, a new two tear 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 racedays. 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.

[edit] Today

Wetherby Racecourse in 2008. All stands can be seen. This picture was taken during the Sunday Market held at the course
Wetherby Racecourse in 2008. All stands can be seen. This picture was taken during the Sunday Market held at the course

Wetherby Racecourse is the only racecourse in Yorkshire that hosts only National Hunt jump meetings, although there are plans in the pipeline to build an additional all-weather track to cater for horse racing in the winter months, when many Wetherby meetings are cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.[1] Wetherby hosts the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) and the Skybet Castleford Chase (Grade 2).

[edit] 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

[edit] Enclosures

Premier Enlcosure This is housed within the Millennium Stand. Although there is no dresscode, the management advise a smart-casual attire.[2]. 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 facitities, the other enclosures benefit from.

[edit] Pricing

Admitance pricing varies from £2 to £27[3]. This pricing is only general and may vary depending on the race meeting.

[edit] Other Events

  • The Racecourse is the starting point for the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride, from Wetherby to Filey. This is currently receiving much publicity on BBC Radio Leeds, from DJ Paul Carrington, who is attempting the ride this year.
  • 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.

[edit] References in Popular Culture

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Go-ahead Wetherby to stage Flat racing", Yorkshire Evening Press, 2004-10-14. Retrieved on 2007-09-20. 
  2. ^ Official Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre, Enclosures, Jump Racing Yorkshire
  3. ^ Official Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre, Jump Racing Yorkshire

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 53°56′2″N, 1°21′52″W

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