Course guides
Horse Racing Courses
A fast guide to every racecourse in the UK and Ireland, including draw effect information, upcoming fixtures (where available) and latest course news.
Aintree Racecourse Company Limited,
Ormskirk Road,
Aintree,
Liverpool L9 5AS.
United Kingdom.
Aintree Racecourse
Home to the Grand National, Aintree is of the top National Hunt venues in the circuit. Despite various modifications to the National Course, the race still offers the ultimate challenge to both horse and rider and attracts a massive worldwide audience. Fences the like of Becher’s Brook, The Chair and The Canal Turn have helped to capture the public’s imagination of the race and have become household names in their own right. The Mildmay Course stages all but four of Aintree’s races and is a flat, track with two long straights. It is imperative horses are fast and accurate at their obstacles at both courses.
Ascot Racecourse Limited,
Ascot,
Berkshire,
SL5 7JX.
United Kingdom.
Ascot Racecourse
Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, Ascot is Britain’s and arguably the world’s most famous racecourse. Although the Berkshire course plays host to a number of top-class National Hunt fixtures, it is on the Flat that it has earned its reputation worldwide with the Royal Meeting in June providing five days of the best racing anywhere on the planet. The combination of the quality of racing, stunning fashion and Royal Processions that take place on each of the four days, stands this meeting apart from any other. A galloping, right-handed track, Ascot provides a stiff test for horses, which can become exceptionally testing in soft ground.
Ayr Racecourse,
Whitletts Rd,
Ayr KA8 0JE.
United Kingdom.
Ayr Racecourse
Recognised as the premier racecourse in Scotland and hosts regular flat and jump meetings. Its main highlights are the Scottish Grand National held in April and the Western Meeting on the Flat in September that features the Ayr Gold Cup. Approximately one and a half miles in circumference, the course suits long-striding gallopers and provides a searching test of stamina in rain-softened conditions.
Ballinrobe Racecourse,
Ballinrobe,
County Mayo.
Ireland.
Ballinrobe Racecourse
Horse racing activity in this area of County Mayo goes back as far as the 17th century, but Ballinrobe has been an active racecourse since 1921. Perhaps the most famous horse to grace the field here was Doran’s Pride, a Stayers’ Hurdle winner and second twice in the Cheltenham Gold Cup during the 1990s. Ballinrobe encapsulates what Irish racing is all about.
Bangor On Dee Racecourse, Overton Rd,
Bangor-on-Dee,
Wrexham,
Clwyd
LL13 0DA. United Kingdom
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
cturesque racecourses in Britain. The course offers a unique feature in that races are generally viewed from the grass banks surrounding the track as there is no grandstand. A flat track notable for its three, sharp bends, the course is perfectly set up for front runners.
Bath Racecourse,
Lansdown,
Bath,
BA1 9BU.
United Kingdom
Bath Racecourse
that are able to gain a prominent, early position. Two other factors that can come heavily into play are the swirling gusts of wind and the stiff, uphill finish. A difficult track for runners, riders and punters, this challenge only adds to the character of the course.
Bellewstown Racecourse, Bellewstown,
County Meath.
Ireland
Bellewstown Racecourse
big numbers to experience what the track has to offer – indeed, it is known for a buzzing atmosphere when the sun shines. Bellewstown is another of Ireland’s dual-purpose tracks with both flat and hurdle races. It has a three furlong straight and a fairly testing up-hill finish.
Beverley Racecourse,
York Rd,
Beverley,
North Humberside
HU17 8QZ. United Kingdom
Beverley Racecourse
Situated within walking distance of the historic market town, Beverley is a small, friendly track that proves very popular with the locals. A tough, right-handed circuit with an uphill climb to the finish of three furlongs, the course often finds out those with insufficient stamina levels. The five-furlong races often attract several decent juveniles that go on to prove themselves at a far higher level later in the season. With good facilities and a buzzing atmosphere, Beverley’s three evening meetings are particularly well attended.
Brighton Racecourse,
Freshfield Road,
Brighton,
East Sussex
BN2 9XZ.
United Kingdom
Brighton Racecourse
Brighton racecourse is set at the top of the south-east coastal town and has wonderful views of the surrounding area. A quirky track, it is in the shape of a horse shoe, is about 1m4f in length and has some undulations, providing a unique test for the horses. Read our review of Brighton racecourse from our visit in 2012.
Carlisle Racecourse,
Durdar Road,
Carlisle,
Cumbria CA2 4TS.
United Kingdom
Carlisle Racecourse
Situated between the Borders and the Lake District, Carlisle provides tourists with an ideal opportunity for a day out at the races. Stamina is an important factor here as the course is galloping in nature and the uphill finish offers a real sting in the tail.