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It would seem horse racing in the Ludlow area has a long history, for snippets in the local historic records suggest, during the fourteenth century the cavalrymen stationed at Ludlow Castle used the site of the current racecourse for the staging of matches between two or three horses and their riders.
While archives of early horse racing may be vague, full records are available to verify flat racing started on the current racecourse site as early as 1729, and it is known the current hurdles course uses a one mile stretch of what used to be the old flat course.
National hunt racing was introduced in the middle of the nineteenth century, and it soon gathered a dedicated group of followers. So much so, jump racing became the dominant force at Ludlow, and the course now stages around 16 days of national hunt racing each calendar year.
The course is popular with race-goers from both sides of the Welsh border, and many of the leading trainers based in Wales and the South West of England use Ludlow as a proving ground for up and coming novices.
All races at Ludlow are run under national hunt rules.
The steeple chase course is right handed, flat and even, with some sharp bends. The circuit is one mile four furlongs in circumference, and has nine fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: three plain fences, the first open ditch, two more plain fences, the second open ditch, another plain fence, and the water jump. The initial four fences come in quick succession after the first turn, a solitary fence then precedes the remaining four fences situated in the home straight. On the final circuit of each race, there are only three obstacles to be jumped in the home straight, as the water jump is bypassed by the
run in to the winning post.
The fences are well made, and are a good test of jumping ability. This is particularly true of the first fence in the home straight, as it is positioned on falling ground close to the home bend, and often catches out inexperienced jumpers.
The hurdles course has six flights dispersed over a course nearly one mile five furlongs in circumference. In relation to its steeplechase companion, the hurdles course has an extra 150 yards, which is created by a later turn out of the home straight. It is run right handed, has some undulations, but its more gentle bends make it more suitable for gallopers.
Most Ludlow hurdle race winners lie close to the pace, and sweep through over the three final flights in the home straight.
The going at Ludlow very rarely becomes heavy, so, on both courses, horses with pace are always preferred to those with stamina.
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.
Adjacent to the winning post, the Members Grandstand offers seated or
roof top viewing of the whole racecourse. Ticket holders also have access to all other areas of the course including the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The fine dining experience of the Jubilee Restaurant is situated above the seating area in the Members Grandstand. Access is via the grandstand lift or an external staircase. The restaurant has a balcony and window seats offering superb views of the racecourse and surrounding countryside. Tables are occupied on an all day basis. As a result, they are very popular, and must be booked in advance.
Less formal dining is available on the ground floor of the members enclosure at the Clive Pavilion Carvery.
There is seating and roof top viewing in the main grandstand, plus access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The Bar and snack area serves all day breakfasts and other hot snacks.
There is some covered seating, plus trackside viewing, but no access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The course enclosure has a dedicated bar and snack area.
There is a viewing platform, specialist toilet facilities, and a lift to the Jubilee restaurant.
Thursday 12 May
Ludlow racecourse is two miles north west of the town, and just off the A49 trunk road. From the north, use the A49 from Shrewsbury. From the south, use the A49 from Hereford. Traffic from the west is advised to use the A4113, while vehicles from Worcester and the east can use the A44, as it joins the A49 before Ludlow.
Car parking is free, and in the spring and autumn, it is possible to park alongside certain sections of the running rails.
Ludlow is on the Newport to Crewe rail line. Newport offers connecting rail services to London Paddington and the south west region. While Crewe offers connections to the north and east.
Ludlow railway station is just over two miles from the racecourse.
There is a connecting bus service from the railway station to the racecourse. To confirm travel times on particular race days, it is advisable to telephone the racecourse.
Birmingham is the nearest international airport, and is situated forty three miles from Ludlow.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Ludlow Race Club Limited,
Ludlow Racecourse,
Bromfield,
Ludlow,
Shropshire,
Sy8 2BT.
Taking pride of place in the heart of Ludlow, the Feathers Hotel is a perfect base for national hunt officianados who are attending the local races. The hotel offers 40 en suite guest rooms, including; 4 rooms with four poster beds, plus, for that extra bit of luxury, a room with a jaccuzzi bath, there are also 2 rooms which are suitable for visiting families. Every one of the hotel’s guest rooms is tastefully decorated and furnished, and offers; remote controlled television, internet access, and the standard amenities of a quality hotel. Luxury and champagne packages are also available on request.
The acclaimed Feathers Restaurant enjoys an excellent reputation for offering traditional and innovative contemporary cuisine. Where ever possible, our head chef creates his menus using top quality local produce. The hotel’s bar and lounge is open from mid morning, and guests can enjoy tea, coffee, and light snacks while they relax and chat. In the evening, the hotel bar is the ideal place to savour a cocktail before your dinner in the Feathers Restaurant. For further details on the Feathers Hotel Ludlow, use the link below.
http://www.feathersatludlow.co.uk/