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Built on a previous section of the Beverley west Wood, and just 1 mile from the centre of the Minster town, apart from hosting a range of exciting racing fixtures, Beverley racecourse provides most pleasant views of the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds and the surrounding countryside.
There is certain knowledge racing began on the current site in 1690, as the historic evidence still exists in the form of the Beverley Corporation Great Order Book, for an entry dated the twenty second of September 1690 states,
"Liberty is given to make a convenient ground in the Westwood for a horse race, the surveyors to appoint posts to be used on that behalf."
Early race meetings appear to have been haphazard affairs, but in 1740, Robert Norris, who kept the Rose and Crown public house, was appointed as the first Clerk of the Course, and by 1767, the first grandstand had been built to overlook the home straight of the by now well attended racecourse.
At the race meeting held at Beverley in 1800, all four races were won by the Reverend M R Goodricke of Sutton on the Forest. The Reverend was a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing, as he rode under the name of G Crompton, and in 1797 he had won the Doncaster Saint Leger on his horse Lounger. Indeed, the 'Reverend' also went on to win the 1801 running of the same classic race on his horse Quiz.
In the early years of the nineteenth century the Pasture Masters on the Knavesmire racecourse in York were being particularly obstructive to potential race-goers, and consequently, attendances of York races declined. This bad news for racing in York proved beneficial for Beverley, and for several years, Beverley became the premier racecourse in East Yorkshire.
Although this supremacy was short lived, being situated close to Hull and Grimsby, the modern racecourse has managed to secure its position as the prime horse racing venue in the Humberside and North Lincolnshire region.
Originally designated as open pasture land, to comply with Jockey Club rules, Beverley became an enclosed racecourse in 1935.
Today, Beverley is a very active course, hosting over 20 race days between mid April and late September of each year. Highlights include: The Brian Yeardley Continental 2 year old Trophy, The Hilary Needler Trophy, and The Tote sponsored Bullet race day, which is held in August.
Beverley operates solely as a flat racing venue. The race track is right handed, and it is roughly oval in shape, measuuring approximately one mile three and a half furlongs in circumference. The back straight incorporates a significant down hill section, then there is a tight bend into the home straight. From the end of the home turn to the winning post, there is a consistent and steep climb over the final three furlongs of the home stretch.
Beverley has two chute starts attached to the main course. A two furlong chute joins on to the end of the home straight, and this creates a straight course for five furlong sprints, and it is also used for the start of two mile races.
A separate chute measuring one hundred yards in length joins on to the far end of the back straight, and it is used for the start of one mile two furlong races.
Beverley is a course suited to gallopers with reserves of stamina, and it is worth noting the 5 furlong track is particularly stiff.
Statistics indicate in races up to 1 mile on good going, a high draw is advantageous. If the going is soft, low drawn horses seem to have an advantage.
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests.
These premier tickets give access to the area of the Grandstand which overlooks the winning post, parade ring, and winners enclosure. Dependant on personal preference, ticket holders can choose either covered, or open seating.
Premier badge holders should book early for the Attractions restaurant. With its winning combination of fine 'A la carte' lunches, afternoon teas, plus superb views of the course, particularly from its own balcony, it is in great demand.
N.B. With adequate prior notification, the Trellis Section of the restaurant can be booked for private parties of up to 20 race goers.
Another fine facility is the Lawn Bar, which serves drinks and seafood sandwiches, and has a garden area overlooking the winning post.
hot beef sandwiches and drinks are also available to badge holders in the members terrace bar. As if this were not enough, Premier ticket holders can also enjoy any of the facilities located in the other public areas of the racecourse.
Ticket holders have access to covered seating in the grandstand, which gives views of the course, finishing straight, parade ring, and winners enclosure.
Food and drink venues in this enclosure include, the Jockey’s Loft, which is a self service restaurant on the first floor of the stands. Snacks and drinks are also available on the ground floor of the grandstand, at the Rapid Lad bar. In addition, there is the Fast Flow Bar, and also the Paddock Bar, the latter possessing a balcony above the weighing room with views of the paddock and unsaddling areas.
Open to cars and pedestrians, in this enclosure, race-goers can park their car adjacent to the running rails. Although the Enclosure provides the Hurn Bar, a children's adventure playground and fast food and smaller bar facilities, it is the ticket most often chosen by visitors intending to have a picnic in the centre of the course.
Disabled spectators enjoy reduced entry fees. The racecourse company has ensured on course support for disabled race-goers, and this starts with staff on hand to help you when you arrive at a designated blue badge car park at the front of the main car park.
The Premier Enclosure is wheelchair friendly, and there is a accessible lift to the first and second floors of the grandstand. There is also easy access into the Attractions restaurant and its viewing balcony.
Unisex adapted toilets are available on the ground and second floors.
A tarmac path provides access to the Lawn and Members Bars.
Access to the Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure is available through the constantly manned blue gates at the end of the main grandstand building, and there is easy access to the Rapid Lad and Fast Flow Bars.
Ticket holders wishing to gain access to the second floor of the grandstand should visit the racecourse office, where staff will be happy to help.
There is ramp and lift access to the Paddock Bar and its viewing balcony.
A specialist viewing platform is also available between the paddock and the running rail, thus giving coverage of all aspects of the racing experience.
There are limited facilities in the Course Enclosure, but a unisex adapted toilet is available at the Course Bar.
Guide Dogs are welcome in all areas of the racecourse.
Wednesday 25 May
Saturday 28 May
Wednesday 08 June
Thursday 16 June
Most UK visitors will use the M62 Eastbound. Leave the motorway at junction 37, join the A614, then A163 which is signposted to Market Weighton, pick up the A1079, then finally join the A1035, which takes you to the racecourse.
From York, follow the A1079, join the A1035, and proceed directly to the racecourse via Market Weighton.
Race goers from Hull and Lincolnshire, take the A1079, and turn right at the roundabout, where the A1079 joins the A1035, then proceed to the racecourse.
Please note, the racecourse is well signposted on most approach roads.
Car parking in the Course Enclosure is £5 per vehicle. Elsewhere around the racecourse, it is free of charge.
Trains run to Hull station from all over the UK. Beverley station is on the Hull to Scarborough line. Several train companies run services, including, Arriva Northern, GNER and Hull trains. This plethora of operators ensures connecting trains are available every twenty five minutes or so.
For full details on train times, telephone, 08457 48 49 50.
Beverley station is only one and a third miles from the racecourse, and is a moderate walk for the more energetic.
There are direct bus services from Hull, York, and Leeds. For full details contact, East Yorkshire Motor Services.
Humberside airport is 19 miles from the racetrack.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters can land on the course.
Located just 4 miles from the minster town of Beverley, the Ramada Hotel at Willerby provides an ideal base for race goers attending either Beverley or York racecourses. The hotel has one hundred rooms, all with flat screen LCD televisions and high speed internet access. There are also upgraded and specialist rooms for the disabled.
A swimming pool and fitness facility are available in the Sebastian Coe Fitness Centre, or patrons can just relax in the hotel's spa. In the evenings, bistro style dining is provided in the stylish surroundings of the Arts Restaurant.
For full details, or to book accommodation, use the link below.
http://www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/hotel/overview.asp?hotel_id=66