BANGOR ON DEE RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Bangor on Dee racecourse is located in north east Wales, close to the town of Wrexham, and is in close proximity to the English counties of Cheshire and Shropshire.
The racecourse nestles in a natural amphitheatre, bordered on one side by the historic boundary of the River Dee, while the rest of the course is encircled by a series of gently sloping hills and mounds that provide natural grandstand viewing of the course from almost every aspect.
The quality of this natural venue was first spotted by the gentlemen of the Wynnstay Hunt, and they organised the first Bangor on Dee races on the current site in 1859.
The wonderful views provided by the surrounding hills nullified the need for a grandstand, and consequently, going racing at Bangor on Dee recaptures the values of the original steeple to steeple races - which were the forerunners of modern national hunt racing.
The course hosts fifteen national hunt meetings throughout the four seasons of the year, thus enabling families to enjoy racing activity in the warmer months, while the regular national hunt enthusiasts can still enjoy a full winter programme.
As a point of interest, before the introduction of summer jump racing, Bangor on Dee used to stage the first British fixture of the national hunt winter campaign.
In tune with its Wynnstay Hunt origins, the course maintains a link with this tradition with the positioning of a point to point circuit within the current national hunt track.
Racing is very well supported by knowledgeable race goers from both sides of the Welsh border, and throughout the year, the racecourse attracts horses from leading stables, along with the top national hunt jockeys.
Track facts:
Bangor on Dee specialises in staging national hunt racing.
The track combines three long sections with two shorter sections, which make it a cross between a triangle and a pentangle. As none of the straight sections are particularly straight, horses are constantly on the turn.
The course is run left handed, and is one mile and four furlongs in circumference. It is sharp, and mainly flat, with along run in, and a winning post positioned just before a noticeable curve in the running rail.
The Steeplechase track has nine fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: two plain fences, an open ditch, three more plain fences, another ditch, and two plain fences in the home straight.
The Hurdles Course has six flights per circuit, with the final two being in the home straight.
As stated above, there is also a right handed point to point course situated within the running rails of the National Hunt courses.
On good going, pace is preferred to stamina. However, with the courses proximity to the river Dee, when the going becomes soft or heavy, it can be a Genuine Slog, which makes it far more suitable for proven stayers.
Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Bangor offers a unique national hunt experience, as there is no need for a grandstand. The surrounding hills offer fantastic views of the whole course. The Paddock Enclosure is lawned, and there are trimmed grass surfaces in the other Course Enclosures.
Paddock Ticket.
This enclosure incorporates low hills overlooking the home straight and winning post. Ticket holders have access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The Paddock Restaurant offers diners a three course lunch and afternoon tea. It also provides superb views of the final stages of each race. The popularity of the restaurant means advance booking is essential. Meanwhile, race goers who want to keep on the move, can still enjoy fine food in the less formal atmosphere of the Wynnstay Carvery. This latter facility has some tables set aside for 'walk-in' guests - obviously, this is subject to availability on the day.
The Paddock Enclosure also has three public bars, hot snack and lite bite facilities, and full betting facilities.
Enclosure Ticket.
Although unable to visit the parade ring or winners enclosure, the natural amphitheatre surrounding the course ensures Enclosure ticket holders have superb views of the racing. If you arrive early enough, you can even park your car on a surrounding hill for a seated Grandstand View.
Plentiful bar and hot snack counters are located throughout the various enclosure areas, and race-goers in these areas are welcome to bring a picnic or hold a barbecue. There is even an area for spectators who wish to bring their own Gazebo.
Disabled Facilities:
There is a wheelchair viewing stand on one of the main surrounding hills. Paved and tarmac paths provide easy access to this viewing stand.
Fixtures:
2011:
Tuesday 19 July
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Transport Links:
By Road:
Race goers from the South can come via the M6 and the M54, pick up the A41 to Whitchurch, and finally the A525 to Bangor on Dee.
From the North and East, the M62 and M6 travellers should take the M56 around Manchester, then the M53 to Chester, and the A483 to Wrexham, then follow the signs to Bangor on Dee.
Car parking at the course is free.
By Rail:
Wrexham General and Wrexham Central are the nearest railway stations, with direct services from Birmingham, Birkenhead, and Chester. The stations are around 6 miles from the racecourse, and there are taxi companies near both stations.
By Bus:
A connecting bus service runs from Wrexham General station one and a half hours before the first race, and returns twenty minutes after the last race.
By Air:
Liverpool John Lennon airport is around thirty miles from the course.
Subject to prior permission from the racecourse management, helicopters can land on the course.
Contact Details:
Address: Bangor Racecourse, Bangor on Dee, Wrexham, LL13 0DA.
Telephone Number: 01978 78 03 23.
Fax Number: 01978 78 09 85.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
BEST WESTERN
Cross Lanes Hotel Near Marchwiel.
Tel No: 01978 780 555.
Surrounded by six and a half acres of beautiful mature grounds and gardens, the BEST WESTERN Cross Lanes is a relaxed Country House Hotel situated just 5 minutes away from Bangor-on-dee national hunt and point-to-point racecourses, and within easy reach of historic Chester and it’s unique Roodee racecourse.
The BEST WESTERN Cross Lanes incorporates 16 individually decorated and comfortable bedrooms, each incorporating remote controlled television, broadband internet access, and the usual bedroom amenities discerning guests would expect from a quality hotel. Room service is available as standard, and our staff pride themselves on going the extra yard to ensure you have a wonderful stay.
If you enjoy good food and wine, under the guidance of head chef Vince Williams, The Inn At The Lanes Restaurant and Bar has been awarded an AA Red Rosette every year since 1994, to 2010 and we pride ourselves on providing a wide ranging and regularly changing menu that takes fresh local ingredients and then turns them into cullinary delights, reflecting Welsh and British cruisine. In the summer months, guests can enjoy a cooling drink on our patio overlooking wonderful mature gardens, while in the colder months, they can relax with a winter warmer close to a traditional log fire.
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