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YORK RACECOURSE.
Skip to Enclosures and Hospitality.
Introduction:
Although it is strongly believed the roman army held horse racing competitions in various locations throughout North Yorkshire, existing archives prove York hosted the United Kingdoms first recognised modern horse racing. Indeed, just beyond the York city limits, at the original Forest of Galtres site, we know from the records, horse racing was already well established by 1530.
When the venue at the Forest of Galtres was closed, horse racing moved to a site on Acomb Moor, but in 1731, it settled at its modern home on the Knavesmire.
As its name suggests, the Knavesmire was a boggy area, and it was home to a full spectrum of nefarious characters.
During the eighteenth century, the course was marked out on the actual day of the races. Before the start of the first race, the crowds could purchase snacks, and then they could enjoy the spectacle of public executions.
However, after the ending of public executions in 1839, York lost some of its popularity, and it took the introduction of the Ebor Handicap in 1843, and Gimcrack Stakes in 1846 to revitalise Yorks racing fortunes.
Between 1856 and 1863, as part of a public health campaign, the Knavesmire received its first drainage system.
In 1875, James Melrose became chairman of the racecourse committee, and immediately set about upgrading every aspect of the Knavesmire. The opening of the County Grandstand in 1876 was the first of many improvements.
During his fifty years as chairman, James Melrose gave York racecourse a tradition for excellence. This underlying principle, linked with ongoing redevelopment of the racing environment, has helped the course develop into one of the most respected racing venues in the world.
In the early years of our current century, new grandstand and corporate facilities were built. These were soon joined by a new paddock area, and in 2005, while Ascot racecourse was undergoing a major redevelopment, the racing circuit at York was converted so as to stage the long distance races of the transferred Royal Ascot race meeting.
This latter innovation proved so popular, the new circuit has been retained, and new long distance races have been added to the York racing programme.
Following the installation of a new drainage system and bend improvement work on the Knavesmire, in 2009 York will include an extended four day Ebor meeting.
Sponsors of the Ebor, Tote Sport - To open an account click below:
Track facts:
York is a Grade 1 course, and specifically stages flat racing.
Following major changes in 2005, the long course is now run left handed over an elongated oval measuring one mile seven furlongs in circumference. The back straight measures seven furlongs, and the home straight is five furlongs. The course has mild undulations throughout its length, and the bends into and out of the home straight are fairly sharp. However, the course is wide and suits gallopers who also possess the ability to accelerate.
There are three chute starts. A straight one furlong chute joins on to the five furlongs of the home straight to produce a straight six furlong sprint course. A two furlong chute is used for seven furlong races, and a four furlong chute joins on to the back straight for two mile races.
On the straight sprint course, on soft going, low to middle drawn horses have a statistical advantage.
Enclosures and hospitality:
These listings do not include the various facilities which are available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests.
County Enclosure Ticket.
Located opposite the winning post, the Ebor Grandstand is a magnificent five storey facility, and offers County ticket holders exceptional views over the racecourse. There is also great close up viewing of the finishing stages from the lawns and terraces in front of the grandstand.
County ticket holders also have access to the paddock, all other public areas of the racecourse, plus the various exclusive facilities of the County Enclosure.
The Gimcrack Restaurant provides traditional formal dining, and offers a three course table de hote menu, plus afternoon tea.
On the fifth floor of the grandstand, the Eclipse Restaurant offers a three course lunch, and tables can be booked for the whole day.
The Ebor Bistro is located on the ground floor of the Ebor Grandstand. It serves hot drinks, cakes, and hot meat rolls and sandwiches. While enjoying their fayre, customers can follow all the racing action on the nearby giant television screen.
Alcoves offers a cosy atmosphere, with a light bite counter serving cheeses and nibble type snacks.
The County Enclosure also has several bars in various locations.
Grandstand and Paddock Ticket.
The Knavesmire Grandstand is situated opposite the final furlong of the home straight, and like its companions, it provides race goers with excellent views of all the racing action.
The Voltigeur Buffet and Carvery is located on the third floor of the Knavesmire Grandstand. It offers a dine and view package for individuals and smaller parties. Between races, it enables diners to enjoy good food and convivial company, but at the start of a race, they can quickly return to their nearby grandstand seat.
The Knavesmire is a self service facility offering hot food at good prices.
From the Buttery, race goers can enjoy fish and chips, and meals such as, Yorkshire pudding filled with steak and kidney.
There are several bars located throughout the enclosure.
Course Ticket.
Although there is no grandstand, the running rails in the home straight give close up views of the finishing stages of the racing. Additional angles are also broadcast on a giant television screen, which is situated in this enclosure.
Course ticket holders share the centre of the racecourse with the tented village. They can utilise the picnic areas, or obtain refreshments from the various bars and hot food concessions. However, they do not have access to the facilities in the other enclosures, including the adjacent tented village.
For a great view of the racing, check out a range of binoculars at:
Disabled facilities:
Disabled parking spaces are available to blue badge holders.
Entrance Gates are adapted for wheelchairs.
The lifts in all grandstands provide access to restaurant and bar areas.
Viewing for disabled race goers is from designated areas in the two main enclosures.
There are specialist toilet facilities in all enclosures.
Carers accompanying a registered disabled race goer are admitted free of charge.
Accredited guide dogs are allowed on the racecourse.
Due to its commitment to provide excellent services to disabled race goers, York racecourse has its own Access Officer. To discuss any special requirements, please use the following skip link.
Fixtures:
York only stages flat race meetings.
Tuesday 18 August.
Wednesday 19 August.
Thursday 20 August.
Friday 21 August.
Sunday 06 September.
Friday 09 October.
Saturday 10 October.
TRANSPORT LINKS.
By Road:
The racecourse is situated around a mile from the city centre, and all traffic routes have signposts directing race goers towards the racecourse car parks.
From the south, east, and west, race goers are advised to use the M1 or A1, Before joining up with the A64. When approaching York, take the A1036, and follow the signs to the racecourse.
Traffic from the north can use the A19, then the A59. To avoid the city centre, it is best to follow the ring road, with its regular signposts to the racecourse.
On John Smiths Saturday, and for the three day Ebor meeting in August, a specific road layout is used, and traffic is advised to follow the route prescribed on the numerous temporary signposts.
Race goers arriving by taxi will be dropped at a designated point, which is around two hundred metres from the racecourse entrances.
Car parking at the racecourse is free of charge, except on John Smiths Saturday, and the Ebor Festival, when it is £5 per day.
By Rail:
York railway station is a major junction on the East coast main line. The station offers direct connections to many British towns and cities.
York station is around two miles from the racecourse. There are plentiful taxis, or a shuttle bus service, see below.
By Bus:
On a race day, First Bus operates a shuttle service every twenty minutes between the railway station and the racecourse.
National Express coaches also operate services to York.
By Air:
Leeds Bradford airport is around 25 miles from York
Light aircraft can land at Rufforth airfield, which is around six miles from York. For details, telephone, 01904 73 86 94.
To land a helicopter on the course, authority must first be gained by contacting, Helicopter and Aviation Services Ltd, on 01427 718 800.
CONTACT DETAILS.
Address: York Racecourse, York, YO 23 1EX.
Tel No: 01904 62 09 11.
Fax No: 01904 61 10 71.
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ACCOMMODATION.
Dean Court Hotel York.
Tel no: 01904 62 50 82.
Situated in the shadow of York Minster, the Dean Court Hotel has the finest location of any hotel in the city. It is ideal for visitors who wish to combine attendance at the Knavesmire races with the many attractions of this historic city, all of which are within walking distance. The hotel offers a free valet parking service to its nearby secure car park. (Charges for
car-park apply).
Dean Court is an AA 4 star hotel (85%) with individually styled and well appointed rooms. Each room offering digital TV's, high speed internet access and all the standard amenities guests would expect. For people looking for that extra bit of luxury, Dean Court provides the enhanced facilities of its de Luxe grade rooms, overlooking York Minster, some with four poster beds. In line with accessibility for all, the hotel also has specially adapted rooms for guests with limited mobility or hearing. There is a 24-hour room service.
The hotel provides two superb air conditioned restaurants. In the 2AA Rosette award winning DCH there are views overlooking York Minster and while guests are enjoying their surrounding they can be sure that head chef Valerie Storer is using the finest of local ingredients in her inventive cuisine. Indeed the DCH restaurant is renowned throughout Yorkshire for it's superb food and personally selected wines.
Alternatively, THE COURT Café-Bistro & Bar is vibrant and relaxing with big sofas and tall beers! Open all day until late into the evening it provides a stylish Bistro menu of hot dishes, cold platters, light snacks, traditional cream teas and champagne teas.
For further details visit our website.
http://www.deancourt-york.co.uk/
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