Warwick Racecourse
One of England’s oldest racecourses can be found alongside Warwick Castle in Warwickshire. Warwick Racecourse is easily accessible being just a short walk from Warwick town centre and in close proximity to major motorway links networks. The left-handed track is flat and covers a distance of one mile and six furlongs. Warwick Racecourse stages some 25 race meeting each year and offers both flat and National Hunt events. Notable races include the Leamington Novice’s Hurdle, the Classic Chase and the Kingmaker Novice’s Chase.
It is thought that horse racing activity was being conducted in the Warwickshire area as long ago as 1694, and the first race took place at the current site in 1707. Horse racing continued throughout the 18th century - however, the first stand wasn’t constructed until 1809. This enabled Warwick racecourse to conduct its first ever jump meeting, ultimately creating the National Hunt as we know it today. During much of the 20th century, the facilities at Warwick Racecourse were rudimentary and jockeys claimed that the track was the worst that they had ever visited. Indeed, in 1967, reports of horses sinking into deep mud at the course nearly spelled the end of racing at the venue, however the Racecourse Holdings Trust acquired the property and renovation plans were put into place.
The facilities at Warwick Racecourse gradually improved as did the calibre of racing. Over the years many talented jockeys have competed at Warwick Racecourse including Lester Piggott, John Francome and Daryll Holland.
Warwick Racecourse is responsible for introducing a number of National Hunt races. For example, the Kingmaker Novice’s Chase, inaugurated in 1991. The event was named after the 16th Earl of Warwick who was referred to as the “Kingmaker” during the Wars of Roses. The Grade 2 Leamington Novices Hurdle was founded in 2002. The course’s first listed flat race, known as the Eternal Stakes, was first run in 2003. And the Grade 3 Classic Chase followed in 2004. Warwick Racecourse has provided the setting for some well-known TV series such as Dangerfield and Dalziel and Pascoe. Many of the race meetings are also televised. In 2000, the facility received a brand new grandstand, followed by an extensive modernisation programme during 2007-2008. The centre of the racecourse is home to a nine-hole golf course plus a driving range. There is ample parking space and on non-race days, the area has become a regular haunt for dog walkers.
Warwick Racecourse provides a comprehensive racing calendar with meetings taking place every month. January features the prestigious Classic Chase whilst the Kingmaker Chase in February remains ever popular. Other highlights include Countryside Day in March and Ladies Day the following month. Gentlemen’s Day and Family Fun Days are organised during the summer months. October brings the Flat Finale, while the festive season includes the New Year’s Eve Jumps.
Warwick Racecourse boasts excellent hospitality services along with first-class modern facilities. The glass-fronted 1707 Restaurant is located opposite the finishing post and provides far reaching views across the racecourse and surrounding countryside. The Kingmaker Suite is used as an overflow restaurant to the 1707 restaurant and is also an ideal space for private functions. There are various bars available plus on-site bookmakers.
The Course Enclosure can be found in the middle of the course and is great for families with free entertainment for children, as well as access to the betting facilities, various food outlets and bars. Ticket prices vary and children under the age of 17 benefit from free entry provided that they are in the company of an adult.
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