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Following the Demise of Lincoln racecourse in the early 1960's, Market Rasen now hosts the sole remaining racecourse in Lincolnshire.
Surrounded by truly beautiful countryside, the national hunt track is on the east side of the market town, and occupies a position at the base of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
The first recorded horse racing in the Market Rasen area occurred in 1800, and came about after local gentlemen riders formed the White Hart Friendly Society, and then staged matches between pairs of gentleman riders.
Later in the nineteenth century, Market Rasen inn keepers rented land off local farmers to stage unofficial racing events, but it was the twentieth century before regulated racing came to the town.
In 1923, six local entrepreneurs bought the Legsby Road site, and in a remarkably short time, they built a racecourse and grandstand, incredibly staging the first official race meeting on Easter Monday in the following year of 1924, and the large crowd drawn to the first race meeting indicated the great support Market Rasen would enjoy in the coming years.
Today, the family friendly course stages twenty fixtures each calendar year. This includes a very active summer jumps programme, incorporating the televised Tote Summer Plate. While the course is also used by top trainers, like Nicky Henderson, to educate up and coming novices.
All racing takes place under national hunt rules.
Races are run right handed on a sharp, mildly undulating oval course, which has a circumference of one mile two furlongs.
The steeplechase course has eight relatively straightforward jumps, laid out in the following circuit pattern: an initial plain fence, the first open ditch, another plain fence, the second ditch, three plain fences, and a water jump. The last two plain fences and the water jump are situated on the home straight. On the final circuit, the water jump is by passed by the run in.
Although the undulations are minor, the plain fifth fence is situated on falling ground, and can often catch out inexperienced jumpers.
The hurdles course has five obstacles, with two being situated prior to the winning post in the home straight.
Both courses are sharp, and maintaining a prominent position, particularly in larger fields of runners, becomes essential. Nearly a quarter of winners at Market Rasen lead from start to finish, with three quarters of winners coming from horses who can stay close to the pace.
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.
This ticket provides access to the County Grandstand, plus the enclosure lawns which gently slope to the parade ring. There is also access to the winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The County Grandstand provides a superb vista of the whole racecourse, including, close up views of the home straight and winning post.
The Brocklesby Suite Restaurant provides an a la carte luncheon menu, plus an optional afternoon tea facility. While dining, patrons enjoy excellent views of the racing action. Similar views are also available from the adjacent Brocklesby Bar.
County Enclosure ticket holders also have access to the County Bar. This facility has great views of the racecourse, either from inside the bar, or from its external terrace. This bar serves all forms of drinks, plus hot and cold snacks, including a dish of the day.
There is also access to the facilities of the Champagne and Seafood Bar.
Ticket holders can obtain good views of the racing from the Tattersalls, or Silver Ring Grandstands. There is also access to the pre parade ring, main parade ring, and winners enclosure.
The Red Rum Bar serves drinks, plus hot and cold snacks, including a dish of the day.
The floor to ceiling windows of the Tote Exacta Bar enable patrons to enjoy racing action with their drinks.
For food on the go, there are plenty of options from the Tattersalls Food Court.
These two car park areas offer armchair viewing of much of the racing action.
The relatively newly built Victor Lucas Bar is equipped with floor to ceiling windows. While enjoying their drinks in very pleasant surroundings, race goers can simultaneously obtain a great head on view of the racing action in the home straight.
Food and drinks can also be obtained from the Willingham Buffet, and Family Food Court.
There are disabled parking facilities in all car parks. In most cases, these spaces are located near to entrance gates adapted for wheelchair access.
A lift, plus the archive corridor, provide access between the Brocklesby Suite viewing area, and the first floor of the County Grandstand.
Situated adjacent to the Tote Exacta Bar in the Tattersalls enclosure, an elevated viewing platform provides wheelchair patrons with excellent views of the racing action.
Disabled toilet facilities are available in the Tattersalls and Family enclosures, and these should be used by County enclosure ticket holders.
Refreshment, bar, and betting areas provide lowered counter facilities.
All forms of official guide dogs are welcome.
Sunday 15 May
Friday 10 June
Market Rasen is roughly equidistant from the cathedral city of Lincoln, and the fishing port of Grimsby, being about twelve miles from each.
The racecourse is on the A6531, just to the east of the town. From the South, take the A1, then leave at the A46 junction. When approaching Market Rasen, follow the signs for the racecourse. From the North and East, use the M62, M18, and M180 link to the A15. At Caenby Corner join the A631. Once again, when approaching Market Rasen, follow the signs to the racecourse.
Parking is free in all enclosures except the Family Picnic car park, where admission is charged on a vehicle and occupant basis.
Market Rasen railway station is just over a mile from the racecourse, and is on the railway line connecting Newark with Grimsby and Cleethorpes. Newark offers direct connections to station such as London Kings Cross and Newcastle upon Tyne.
National Express coaches operate into Lincoln and Grimsby, with Stagecoach operating local services between Market Rasen and the two above destinations.
Humberside international airport is the nearest regional hub, being around twenty miles distant.
Light aircraft can obtain permission to land at Wickenby airfield, which is five miles from the racecourse. For details, telephone, 01673 88 53 45.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Tel no: 01652 650 770.
The Forest Pines Resort is situated just off junction 4 of the M180, and is only twenty minutes drive from Market Rasen racecourse. The hotel is set in 190 acres of wonderful countryside, and provides golf courses which are made up from 27 individual holes. This superb four star hotel has recently completed a major refurbishment, and is now pleased to offer all its guests unabashed luxury.
Forest Pines has 188 spacious and luxurious guest rooms, including executive and deluxe rooms, and magnificently appointed suites. All of the hotel’s rooms offer remote controlled television with satellite channels, high speed wi-fi internet access, and the standard room amenities you would expect from a top quality hotel. Naturally, there is also 24 hour room service.
When it comes to dining, Forest Pines guests are spoilt for choice. The first option is the recently opened 1857 Sea Food Restaurant. Set adjacent to the vibrant lounge area, 1857 is able to offer guests a varied menu which pays particular emphasis to locally sourced produce. The ‘Grill’ enables diners to sample traditional and international meals while enjoying superb views over the hotel’s well appointed gardens. Meanwhile, The Pines, in the golf and leisure complex, offers a contemporary setting for light meals and all day snacks. This facility also possesses a decking area, which enables guests to make the most of pleasant summer evenings.
Apart from offering golfing packages, Forest Pines can also provide its guests with access to the Reflections Health and Fitness Spa, which includes; an 18 metre heated indoor swimming pool, techno gym, sauna, steam room and spa. For guests seeking a pamper, Reflections also offers massage and beauty therapies.
For full details on Forest Pines, or to book directly, use the link below.
http://www.qhotels.co.uk/hotels/forest-pines-near-brigg-north-lincolnshire/
The Holiday Inn Lincoln is situated next to the picturesque Brayford Pool, and is within twenty minutes drive of Market Rasen racecourse. Visiting race goers can just relax and sample our superb hospitality, or they can take in the history, entertainment and shopping opportunities which are located close to the hotel.
The hotel provides 97 en suite guest rooms, including; high quality standard rooms, superbly appointed executive rooms and specially adapted facilities for guests with low mobility. All of our guest rooms offer remote controlled colour televisions with satellite channels, internet access, and room amenities guests would expect in a quality hotel. The hotel also provides 24 hour room service, and a same day dry cleaning service.
The Holiday Inn Restaurant is located on the first floor, and provides superb views of the Brayford Pool. Breakfast is served in a buffet style, while the international dinner menu reflects our chef’s flair at transforming quality local produce into delicious cuisine. For guests who would prefer a less formal setting, the hotel bar, situated on the ground floor, offers an all day light bite menu, and a full range of beverages. While guests who want to keep fit will be delighted to know, the hotel has a fully equipped fitness room.
For further information on the Holiday Inn Lincoln, or to book directly, use the link below.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/eamln?_requestid=413623