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HEREFORD RACECOURSE.
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Introduction:
Situated on the beautiful Marches borderland between England and Wales, Hereford is a cathedral city with an impressive history.
The first recorded races in Hereford occurred on the twenty seventh of August 1771. This involved three races over two miles between a bay horse owned by a Mister Foley, and a brown horse owned by a Mister Dilly. These match races were the forerunners of the regular flat race meetings which commenced in the early part of the nineteenth century.
In the early years, flat racing flourished, and in the 1857 running of the Hereford Queens Plate, the course witnessed a win by the famous horse Fisherman. In the same year, Fisherman ran a total of thirty five races, and recorded twenty two victories. In his whole career, this wonder horse recorded seventy wins from one hundred and twenty one starts. His triumphs included twenty six different Queens Plates, plus the Ascot Gold Cups of 1858 and 1859.
Hurdle racing had been introduced in 1840, but once steeplechase racing was introduced to the course, the flat programme fell into decline, and flat racing was eventually curtailed in 1883.
The Hereford racecourse site was originally public land, and was controlled by the local council until it was sold into private ownership in 1946.
One of Herefords historical footnotes is most unusual. On May day in 1975, the course staged fourteen consecutive races which featured two hundred and nineteen runners. The reason for this occurrence was the amalgamation of two meetings into one, so as not to inconvenience the caterers.
In each calendar year, the current course holds around fifteen national hunt meetings, and is in action ten months out of twelve. Due to Herefords proximity to the leading stables in south west England, racing is well supported, and many up and coming stars are tested out on Herefords sharp track.
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Track facts:
Hereford is a national hunt course, and apart from bumper races, it does not stage any flat races.
Hereford has minor undulations, and a circuit measuring one mile and four furlongs in circumference. this initial evidence would indicate a generous track. However, Hereford is a surprisingly sharp right handed course. It is constantly turning, and even has fences on half bends.
The steeplechase course has nine fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: the first plain fence situated on a half bend in front of the grandstand, followed by an open ditch, the water jump, two more plain fences, the second open ditch, and three more plain fences, the last of which becomes the only jump on the home straight. After the last fence, there is a short run in to the winning post.
With its constantly turning nature, and stiff fences, Hereford is a good test for novice steeplechasers. It suits well balanced progressive types, who can either make all, or lay close to the pace.
The hurdles course has six unevenly distributed obstacles. The first flight coming on the top turn. There are then two further obstacles in the back straight, two on the bottom turn, and one on the home straight which precedes the short run in to the winning post.
Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Grandstand Ticket.
Hereford only has the one enclosure. The Weekend race day ticket is slightly dearer than its Weekday counterpart. Full details on prices and possible discounts are available from the racecourse management.
The Grandstand provides a vista of all the racing action, including close up views of the home straight, winning post, and first jumps.
Silks Restaurant is located on the ground floor of the grandstand. It is possible to book a table as your base for a full day of racing. This includes a three course meal, afternoon tea, and great views across the racecourse. Please note, window seats are very popular, so a premium must be paid to secure these positions.
With views of the home straight, and winning post just a few steps away, the Winning Post Pub offers a good selection of beers wines and spirits, plus a range of hot meals and snacks in its restaurant.
The Paddock Bar is located in the betting hall, and there are various suppliers of hot food and snacks scattered throughout the paddock area.
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Disabled facilities:
There is a lift in the grandstand, specialist toilet facilities, and a viewing platform.
Fixtures:
All races at Hereford are run under national hunt rules.
Wednesday 02 September.
Sunday 08 November.
Thursday 19 November.
Tuesday 01 December.
TRANSPORT LINKS.
By Road:
Race goers travelling from Leominster and the north, are advised to use the A49 and A4110. From the south, the A49, and A465 are recommended, If travelling from Worcester, use the A4103.
Once in Hereford, the A438 has signs for the racecourse.
Car parking at Hereford racecourse is free of charge.
By Rail:
Travellers from London Paddington, the south and midlands, should catch trains for Newport, or Worcester Foregate Street. Connections to Hereford are available at both these stations. From the north, direct services run between Manchester Piccadilly and Hereford.
Hereford railway station is just over a mile from the racecourse.
By Bus:
There are national express coach links to Hereford from various locations throughout the United Kingdom.
By Air:
Bristol and Cardiff airports are both over forty miles from Hereford.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the course.
CONTACT DETAILS.
Address: Hereford Racecourse, Roman Road, Hereford, HR4 9QU.
Tel No: 01432 27 35 60.
Fax No: 01432 35 28 07.
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ACCOMMODATION.
Castle House Hotel.
Tel no: 01432 365 900
Castle House is an elegant Georgian Townhouse hotel situated in a quiet street in the city of Hereford, near the Cathedral and just a ten minute drive to Hereford Racecourse.
All the rooms have been individually decorated and comprise ten roomy suites, one deluxe double room and four single rooms each of which has larger than average beds. One of the suites has been specifically designed with easy access and mobility in mind. This particular suite is on the ground floor and has its own entrance and terrace. All the rooms have the little luxuries one would expect from a quality hotel but with a few added extras!
Castle House's award-winning restaurant is renowned for its delicious food and has three AA Rosettes. The Chef Claire Nichols only uses locally sourced seasonal food and there is an excellent wine list. The newly decorated Bertie’s Bar enables guests to enjoy a light meal, lunch or dinner, or a place to have a drink and read the newspaper. Castle House also has a very pretty garden where guests can take a stroll along the terrace beside the old Castle Moat. This area is also suitable for guests to enjoy an al fresco Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea or Dinner.
