BATH RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
During the conquest of Britain in the first century A D, the roman army came upon a native British religious site which had been constructed adjacent to thermal springs. Noticing the location offered the same seven hills format as that seen in Rome, plus there was a plentiful supply of water from the local river, the romans decided to maintain and adapt its religious connections while developing the site into a major spa and leisure complex. This initial urban development was to lay the foundations of the modern city of Bath.
It is hard to believe the Romano British did not stage some form of horse or chariot racing during these early years, but unfortunately, no records exist to confirm this hypothesis.
In the modern era, it is clear from existing records that the first races took place at Bath’s Lansdowne course on the eighth of July, 1811, and the course has been a very popular venue for horseracing ever since.
Bath racecourse has been constructed on a chalky hill which rises to about four hundred feet above sea level. This rare combination of porous rock and elevation produces a very useful form of Gravity Induced Drainage, which ensures Bath racecourse maintains consistently good ground on most of the current 18 days of competitive flat racing.
Bath stages some fine races for fillies and mares, including The Lansdowne Fillies Stakes in May of each year. The enthusiastic crowds also have the enjoyment of watching the inaugural run of many exciting juvenile horses from leading stables.
Track facts:
Bath only stages flat race meetings, and races are run left handed over a kidney shaped course. The circuit is approximately one mile four furlongs in circumference, and there is a dog leg in the back straight. The home straight curves slightly to the left between the four and two furlong poles, and the four furlong run in is slightly uphill, and there is a quirky winning post which immediately follows a left handed kink in the track. Most of the bends on the course are sharp, particularly the turn into the home straight.
The course also has two chutes - The one at the far end of the four furlong home straight creates a semi straight course for sprint races of up to five and a half furlongs in duration. The other shute forms an addition to the back straight, and enables races of 1 mile three furlongs and above.
As horses constantly race against the collar of the track, in races up to 1 mile, a low draw is usually an advantage.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests.
Premier ticket.
Race-goers purchasing this ticket can utilise the covered grandstand seating overlooking the racecourse and winning post, or the roof top viewing of the parade ring and winners enclosure.
There is excellent silver service dining in The Silks Restaurant, with less formal dining being available in The Hoops Bistro. Premier race goers can also use the facilities of the other public areas of the racecourse.
The Premier enclosure has two bars on the first floor of the grandstand, both sell snacks and sandwiches in addition to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while one of the bars also dispenses real ales from the local Bath Ales company.
Grandstand and Paddock ticket.
These badge holders have seating, and viewing of the racecourse, parade ring and winners enclosure. They also have access to the lively ground floor Grandstand and Paddock Bar, plus access to the range of hot meals offered by the Cafe on the first floor of the grandstand.
There are also several hot food concessions located throughout this enclosure.
Centre Course Enclosure Ticket.
Open between May and late August, this area provides good views of the racing, but no access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
Although it is mainly a picnic area, there is a large bar and several hot food outlets.
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Disabled facilities:
Contact the course a few days before your visit, and they will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Fixtures:
Bath only stages flat racing.
2011:
Thursday 14 July
Transport Links:
By Road:
The racecourse is 2 miles North of Bath city centre, and is located on Lansdown hill.
Travelling from the South, pick up the A46 on the outskirts of Bath. Follow the road for about 6 miles, and then follow the signposts for the racecourse.
Travelling from the North and West on the M5 and M4, leave the M4 at junction 18, and once again, follow the signposts for the racecourse.
Car parking at the racecourse is free of charge.
By Rail:
Direct services run into Bath station from; London Paddington, major South Wales towns and cities, Bristol, and Birmingham.
Taxis, or a connecting bus service take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to cover the trip to the racecourse.
By Bus:
National Express run services into Bath bus station. Thereafter, First Bus Company run the 22 service from Dorchester Street in Bath, to the racecourse. The service starts 2 hours before the first race, and continues to run on a half hourly basis.
For full details on bus services, contact Traveline on, 0871 200 22 33.
By Air:
Bristol and Cardiff are the nearest airports.
On race days, helicopters can also land on the racecourse, after obtaining prior permission from the race company.
Contact Details:
Address: Bath Racecourse, Lansdown, Bath, BA1 9BU
Telephone Number: 01225 42 46 09.
Fax Number: 01225 44 44 15.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Bath House Spa in Bath
Tel No: 01225 823333
The Royal Crescent is a 5 Star , Relais & Chateaux Hotel occupying the 2 central buildings of the famous Royal Crescent, one of the Georgian architectural masterpieces of the World Heritage City of Bath. The hotel’s superb exterior is more than matched by its charm, elegance, and unequalled service – qualities reminiscent of a bygone age - and this may explain why it is a favourite base for discerning race-goers attending Bath Races. This iconic hotel offers a total of 45 individually decorated bedrooms spread over 5 original properties, including; 16 classic double rooms, 15 deluxe double rooms, 7 classic suites, 4 deluxe suites, and 3 master suites. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and most offer superb views over the surrounding lawns, gardens, and parkland.
Behind the hotel’s two main buildings lies a 1 acre landscaped garden that leads to former coach houses, which have been converted into the award winning Dower House Restaurant and the Bath House Spa. With vistas of the secluded leafy gardens, the Dower House Restaurant is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in Bath, and during the summer months, it is the perfect venue for quality al fresco dining.
The Bath House Spa offers a comprehensive range of therapies and treatments using the highest quality Anne Semonin, Comfort Zone and Momma Mio products to smooth body, mind, and spirit. This tranquil, award-winning Spa also offers a relaxation pool, cold and tepid plunge tubs, steam and sauna rooms and a fully equipped gymnasium. Whether you are just attending Bath Races, or combining a racing trip with a longer stay in Bath, the Royal Crescent Hotel has so much to offer, why not view our full list of facilities by using the following link:
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