Top 5 Racecourses In The UK
With over 60 registered racetracks in the United Kingdom for flat and national hunt races alone, it can be hard to work out where to go on your race day excursions. While every single track in the country offers something unique and exciting, there are definitely some frontrunners, which stage some of the biggest horse racing events in the world. Check out our Top 5 Racecourses, perhaps you will find your next race meeting destination.
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is most famous for the most outrageous and spectacular steeple chase of the UK, the Aintree Grand National. This unbelievable race, considered the ultimate test for every national hunt horse and jockey, is held over the harsh distance of four miles on Aintree's massive racetrack. While the Grand National is a must-attend for any serious jump racing fan at least once in their life, it is not the only thing Aintree has to offer. The racecourse has not undergone any significant changes, aside from maintenance and slight modernising, since 1839, when the original Grand National was run. This make Aintree Racecourse one of the most historic racing venues in the country, combining old school style with modern betting and hospitality facilities.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is the place to go if you are looking for Group1 fixtures in the UK. The prestigious venue hosts nine of the 32 annual Group1 races, including the infamous Ascot Gold Cup, the Queen Anne Stakes and the King's Stand Stakes; spread over 25 annual race days for flat and jump events. Ascot is also the home of the Royal Ascot Festival, which is a royal affair indeed. Through its close proximity of the racecourse to Windsor Castle, Ascot is the racing venue favoured by member of the Royal Family. Her Majesty The Queen attends the Royal Ascot Festival every year, along with relatives and other friendly aristocrats, putting the king back into 'the sport of kings'. For anyone longing to experience the flair of traditional horse racing a visit to Ascot Racecourse is a must.
Cheltenham Racecourse
The city of Cheltenham is widely considered as the 'home of national hunt racing' and the Cheltenham Racecourse is famous for drawing massive crowds for feature fixtures like the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Horse racing history comes alive at Cheltenham Racecourse, which sports two race tracks, the Old Course and the New Course, both of which form the stage for some of the most exciting jump events the UK has to offer. Cheltenham is also the home turf for some of the finest national hunt trainers and jockeys, so even events classified lower than Class1 can offer some outstanding talents for you to discover.
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Downs is one of the most visually stunning racecourses of the United Kingdom. Located in scenic Surrey, this racing venue hosts two of the British Classic Races, the Epsom Oaks and the Epsom Derby, as well as the prestigious Coronation Cup. The Epsom Oaks, or simply the Oaks as the initiated call it, holds a special place in horse racing history as it has been run at Epsom Downs since the late 1700s, making it one of the longest-running fixtures in the country. Epsom Downs is a racecourse which staunchly upholds the olden day traditions of thoroughbred racing and stages some of the most exciting race days of the season.
Newmarket Racecourse
Like Cheltenham, Newmarket has two separate racetracks, the July Course and the Rowley Mile, which are both in use today. Newmarket is also famous for the nine Group1 races it hosts every year, including two British Classic events: the 1,000 Guineas Stakes and the 2,000 Guineas Stakes. Other important events held at this historic racecourse are the July Cup, the Cheveley Park Stakes and the Sun Chariot Stakes. Thoroughbred racing at Newmarket dates back to 1622, meaning that Newmarket is one of the oldest racing venues of the UK. If you are looking to experience some old school thoroughbred racing in a historically appropriate atmosphere, Newmarket Racecourse is the venue you are looking for.





