Wetherby Racecourse
  | |
| Location | Wetherby, West Yorkshire |
|---|---|
| Date opened | 1891 |
| Screened on | Racing UK |
| Course type | National Hunt |
| Notable races |
Castleford Chase Charlie Hall Chase |
| Official website | |
Wetherby Racecourse is a National Hunt racecourse situated near the market town of Wetherby in West Yorkshire, England, located 12 miles (19 km) from Leeds city centre.
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 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.
Today
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.<ref name=="YEP237048"> "Go-ahead Wetherby to stage Flat racing". Yorkshire Evening Press. 2004-10-14. Retrieved 2007-09-20.</ref> Wetherby hosts the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) and the Skybet Castleford Chase (Grade 2).
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 dresscode, the management advise a smart-casual attire.[1] 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.
Pricing
Admitance pricing varies from £2 to £27.[2] 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. 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.
References in popular culture
- In the 1973 episode 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' of BBC sitcom Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads, Terry Collier (James Bolam), asks for the results of the racing at Wetherby
- The racecourse has been mentioned on several occasions in ITV police drama, Heartbeat.
References
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wetherby Racecourse. |
Coordinates: 53°56′2″N 1°21′52″W / 53.93389°N 1.36444°W
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