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Located beside the A1, and not far from Leeds or York, Wetherby has become the home of some of the most significant national hunt races in the north of England. In it's historic context, the above fact is perhaps not suprising, for racing in the Wetherby region has a very long tradition.
On a site at nearby Netherby, archaeological evidence suggests the Romano-British used to race Arabian horses, and in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries records exist that describe several subsequent horse racing venues on the north bank of the River Wharfe.
However, all horseracing in the Leeds and Wetherby area became concentrated on the current site after the modern racecourse staged its inaugural meeting in 1891.
Wetherby racecourse is part of a 300 acre estate, and as stated above, it is bounded on one side by the main A1M north south route, and with it's good communication links, the tracks 18 annual race fixturesattract large and enthusiastic crowds, particularly for the larger meetings.
Racing takes place 9 months of the year, with only July, August, and September being excluded from the Wetherby racing programme.
The Charlie Hall Chase Meeting in late October or early November usually attracts a number of former Cheltenham and Aintree winners, and the two day meeting features some of the first Grade races of the new national hunt season.
The Rowland Meyrick Handicap Steeplechase, and the Castleford Handicap Chase, also attract top runners to the Christmas week meetings. While throughout the season, many leading stables use Wetherby as an integral part of their development programme for potential juvenile champions.
Wetherby specialises in the staging of national hunt racing.
Racing left handed over an oval shaped course, runners face easy bends, tough obstacles, and a course measuring one mile and four furlongs in circumference.
The steeplechase course has eight very stiff fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: an initial plain fence, the first open ditch, three plain fences, the second open ditch, and two more plain fences. The first four fences are situated in the back straight, with the last four fences being positioned in the long home straight.
The course is generally flat, except for the section after the last jump in the home straight. At this particular point, the course climbs gently as it passes the winning post, and continues its ascent until after the top turn. At that point, it turns into a gradual descent into the back straight.
The steeplechase fences at Wetherby are evenly dispersed, but grade one in severity. Winning horses have to combine pace, stamina, athleticism, and timing.
The hurdles course has six flights, Three in the back straight, and the other three being sited in the long home straight. The hurdles course is located inside the steeplechase course, so the bends are sharper. There is also a slight left hand kink about one hundred yards from the winning post, so hugging the running rail can save the odd yard in a tight finish.
In general, pace and agility are the defining qualities on the hurdles course.
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.
The Wetherby Millennium Grandstand is a superb multi storey facility which provides premier ticket holders with covered seating and terraced standing, and gives superb panoramic views of the racing action on the Wetherby racecourse.
Premier ticket holders also have access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
Available at any time for a drink and a snack, or just for an appetizer before dining, the White Horse Bar on the mezzanine floor is a popular choice with race goers.
A la carte dining, and views of the parade ring are available by pre booking a table in the White Rose Suite.
For race goers who enjoy an excellent meal while obtaining a close up view of the racing, the Dine and View Restaurant is located in a trackside suite, and even has its own balcony for fantastic close up views of the finishing stages of the racing action.
The Marston Moor Bar is located on the second floor of the grandstand, and offers drinks and snacks, along with great views of the racecourse from its own covered viewing area. On the same floor, the Premier Bar has an external viewing balcony.
Views of the racecourse are obtained from the grandstand terracing, and paddock lawns. The ticket also provides access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and Course enclosure.
A supplement can be paid to upgrade to the Premier enclosure. Alternatively, by paying a £2 supplement, Paddock ticket holders only, can upgrade to the Paddock Gallery Bar and its accompanying viewing area, which overlooks the parade ring. Apart from a full selection of drinks, the bar serves hot and cold snacks.
Opened in 2007, the Bramham Hall offers a selection of food and drink facilities. While the separate A1 Bar offers a full range of drinks, including tea and coffee.
Ticket holders have a viewing area, but there is no access to the parade ring or winners enclosure.
Although this is considered a picnic area, a bar, café, and hot food kiosks are also available.
There is ramped access to the first two levels of the Millennium Grandstand, with lifts being available for transport to the higher levels.
Viewing is available from designated wheelchair balconies on level two of the grandstand.
In the Paddock enclosure, there is an elevated viewing platform near to the finishing line.
The Grandstand and restaurants of the Premier enclosure have ample specialist toilet facilities, while there are limited toilet facilities in the other enclosures.
Thursday 19 May
Thursday 26 May
Thursday 02 June
Wetherby racecourse is situated just off the east side of the A1, on the B1224 Wetherby to York road.
From the south, leave the A1 at the second Wetherby exit, which is signposted for the racecourse. Join the B1224, and the racecourse entrance is around half a mile ahead on the right hand side of the road.
From the North, leave the A1 at the first Wetherby exit, and once again, join the B1224, and follow the signs to the racecourse.
From York, pick up the B1224, and follow it all the way to the racecourse.
Although Harrogate railway station is only 9 miles away, Leeds, at 12 miles, and York, at 14 miles, are better options, as both offer access to main line inter city services, and both also have connecting bus services to Wetherby.
The 770 service runs from Leeds to Wetherby bus station. From the York railway station, it is possible to catch the 42 service to Wetherby market place.
Leeds Bradford international airport is 14 miles distant.
Light aircraft can land at the Yorkshire Gliding Club. The airfield is at Rufforth, and is about five miles from the racecourse. For full details, please telephone the gliding club on, 01904 73 86 94.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Wetherby Racecourse,
York Road,
Wetherby,
West Yorkshire,
LS22 5EJ.
Tel no: 01937 58 38 81.
Located just off the A1M, on the outskirts of the market town, and just a few minutes from Wetherby Racecourse, the Ramada Hotel Wetherby is the perfect base for visitors who wish to combine top class national hunt racing with easy access to Leeds and the major attractions of North and West Yorkshire.
With parking for 200 vehicles, the hotel offers 103 well appointed en suite guest rooms. All rooms provide; comfortable beds with crisp bed linen, remote controlled flat screen LCD television with satellite channels, wi-fi internet access, and the other standard room amenities of a quality hotel. For guests seeking extra luxury, the hotel can offer upgraded executive rooms, and for guests with low mobility requirements, specialy adapted rooms are also available.
The Arts Brasserie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and it is well respected amongst regular guests for the quality of its bistro style food and relaxing contemporary surroundings. After a meal, the Arts Bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and provides the perfect atmosphere for guests to relax and chat.
To obtain more information on the Ramada Hotel Wetherby, or to book direct, use the link below.
http://www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/hotel/overview.asp?hotel_id=70
Located in a rural setting on the east side of the cosmopolitan City of Leeds, the Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth is in close proximity to the A1M, and is just a short drive from both Pontefract and Wetherby racecourses. The hotel is the ideal base for race goers who either want to kick back and relax, or who would prefer to combine their trip to the races with a visit to the excellent shopping and historic facilities of the City of Leeds.
The hotel has a floodlit car park with full CCTV coverage, and offers 144 air conditioned en suite guest rooms which were all completely refurbished in 2006. Visitors to the hotel can choose from a wide range of accommodation, including; well appointed standard rooms, executive rooms and suites, family facilities, and there are two rooms set aside for guests with low mobility. All rooms provide; remote controlled colour television with cable\satellite channels, wi-fi internet access, mini bar, and the usual high specification room amenities guests expect from a quality hotel. The hotel also provides 24 hour Room Service, and a same day dry cleaning service.
The modern and contemporary Aiolis Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. All of our meals are sourced from the freshest local ingredients, and our dinner menu, with its choice of carvery, or a la carte cuisine is very popular with all our guests. Lighter meals, pre dinner drinks, cocktails, and a wide range of all day beverages can be enjoyed in the Aiolis Bar and Lounge. For guests who like to keep in trim, the Triangle Health and Fitness Centre offers a fully equipped gymnasium, swimming pool, steam room and sauna.
For more information on the Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth, or to book directly, click on the link below.
http://www.hileedsgarforth.com/
First opened in 1989, the Holiday Inn Leeds Brighouse has undergone regular refurbishment to produce a modern hotel with a traditional Yorkshire stone façade. The hotel possesses ample complimentary car parking, and is just off junction 25 of the M62. There is direct motorway access to both Pontefract and Wetherby Racecourses, while Leeds City Centre and most of the major attractions of West Yorkshire are just a shor trip from the hotel.
The Holiday Inn Leeds Brighouse offers 94 air conditioned en suite guest rooms, with each of the rooms being comfortable and well appointed. Room facilities include; remote controlled colour television with satellite channels,
wi-fi internet access, mini bar, and the standard room amenities discerning guests expect from a quality hotel. For guests who desire some extra luxury during their stay, the hotel also offers executive rooms with enhanced facilities, and two bedroom suites with separate lounges. There are also two specially adapted rooms for guests withaccessible needs. Naturally, there is 24 hour room service throughout the hotel, and a same day dry cleaning service is available on request.
Our professional and helpful restaurant staff serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus in the comtemporary and relaxing surroundings of the Junction Restaurant, with the evening meal providing a choice of delicious
a la carte or set menu options. The Junction Bar and Lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere in which guests can enjoy light meals plus a comprehensive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and beverages. While in the better weather, the pretty flower filled courtyard , with feature fountain, is the perfect place for al fresco dining.
For guests who like to keep in trim, the hotel’s Spirit Health and Fitness Club offers an indoor swimming pool, air conditioned gymnasium, sauna, spa pool, and steam room.
To obtain further information on the Holiday Inn Leeds Brighouse, or to book directly, use the link below.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/leebh?_requestid=1525301