FOLKESTONE RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Folkestone boasts the only official racecourse in the County of Kent. Close to the English Channel , and surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the garden of England, the track is actually situated at Westenhanger, and Geographically, it is located towards the eastern edge of the South Downs, and is about five miles due west of Folkestone town centre.
For those interested in history, Westenhanger is well worth visiting in its own right, as it is the home of Westenhanger Castle. During the time of the Spanish Armada, this fortress was the base of Queen Elizabeth the Firsts Kent army.
Although there are records indicating unofficial horse racing was taking place in the Folkestone area prior to the nineteenth century, it was the construction of railway connections which led to the opening of the current course in 1898.
Each year, Folkestone racecourse stages over 20 meetings, around fifteen of which are flat fixtures, with the remainder being for national hunt racing. Consequently, racing at Folkestone takes place all year round.
Track facts:
As stated above, Folkestone stages both flat and national hunt racing.
The flat course is a right handed, undulating oval, approximately one mile and two furlongs in circumference. The three furlong run in is joined at the home turn by a chute. This creates a straight course for races between five and seven furlongs.
Due to the contours of the straight course, high drawn horses are favoured in five and six furlong flat races. The straight course also favours prominent runners.
The national hunt courses are also run right handed. The circuits are around one mile and two furlongs in circumference, and are considered sharp in nature, with medium undulations throughout their length.
The steeplechase course has seven fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: four plain fences, the sole open ditch, and two plain fences.
At the end of the home straight, a sharp bend proceeds a climb, followed almost immediately by two fences in quick succession. After another three fences in the back straight, there is a down hill run before the turn into the home straight. The last two obstacles are located on the home straight prior to the winning post. The nature of the course makes it best suited to jumpers with a good sense of balance.
The hurdles course only has four flights per circuit. The first hurdle follows the sharp bend and climb at the end of the home straight. The next two obstacles are in the back straight, then there is a three furlong run to the sole hurdle located on the home straight prior to the winning post.
On soft going during the winter months, stamina and a prominent position are favoured, as statistics show seventy five per cent of eventual winners stay close to the pace. Also, the track very much favours course specialists.
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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.
Club and Grandstand Ticket.
Viewing of the run in and winning post is from the Glover Grandstand. There is full access to the Paddock areas, which includes the parade ring, lawns, and winners enclosure.
It is worth noting, larger parties of race goers can obtain discounts on normal entrance fees. Contact the racecourse for more details.
Parties of up to eight can book a fine dining experience of the Lookout Restaurant. As its names suggests, the restaurant also provides excellent views of the racing action. As demand is great for this facility, it is essential to book in advance. Telephone 01303 40 58 01.
Snacks, drinks, and light refreshments are available in the Paddock Brassarie, and Spitfire Pavilion. There are also separate bar facilities, which in the summer months, includes the Lawn Bar, which is located under the trees in the paddock.
Picnic Park Ticket.
Provides views of the races for visitors who want to enjoy a family picnic. Cost of entry is five pounds per car, and five pound per occupant. However, up to two child occupants can enter free of charge.
Disabled facilities:
Reserved parking spaces are available for disabled badge holders. When arriving at the racecourse, ask a steward for directions.
There is a designated viewing platform, which has ramp access for wheelchairs.
The Grandstand lift gives access to the Lookout Restaurant, and there are specialist toilet facilities on the ground floor of the grandstand.
The carer of a wheelchair race goer receives free admission.
Fixtures:
2011:
Thursday 26 May
Monday 06 June
Transport Links:
By Road:
Folkestone is about sixty five miles from London, and is best approached on the M20. Traffic should exit the motorway at junction eleven, which is situated near Newingreen. The slip road joins the A20. Race goers should take this road, which is signposted for Lympne, Newingreen, and Sellinge. Almost immediately, there are signs to direct race day traffic.
An alternative route involves following the A259 to Hythe. Then join the A261, and follow signs for the racecourse.
From Canterbury, it is possible to follow the B2068, until it reaches the main road network at junction eleven of the M20, then follow The A20 as above.
Excluding the picnic car park, all other car parks are free of charge.
BY Rail:
There are hourly trains, running on the half hour mark, from London Charing Cross to Westenhanger station. On route, these services stop at Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and Ashford, where they link with many other south east rail services. There are also trains running from London Waterloo East to Westenhanger station. Both links take around ninety minutes.
Westenhanger station is only one hundred metres from the racecourse entrances.
By Bus:
There are National Express coach services between London Victoria Coach Station and Folkestone. The journey time is around two hours and fifty minutes.
By Air:
Kent International Airport at Manston is around twenty three miles from the racecourse, and is suitable for all types of private aircraft.
Telephone 0870 760 57 55.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land at the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address:
Folkestone Racecourse,
Stone Street,
Westenhanger,
nr Hythe,
Kent CT21 4HX.
Telephone Number: 01303 26 64 07.
Fax Number: 01303 26 01 85.
E-mail:
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn Ashford Central.
Tel no: 0870 400 9001.
Well situated for Folkestone racecourse, the Holiday Inn Ashford Central is located near the centre of Ashford, and can be found just off the M20 motorway. The Eurostar termainal at Ashford international station is just minutes away. The hotel has a range of air conditioned en suite guest rooms, including; suites and executive rooms on an executive floor, specialist accessibility rooms, and family facilities. All guest rooms incorporate remote controlled television, high speed internet access, and the standard amenities you would expect in a quality hotel. There is also 24 hour room service, and a same day dry cleaning service.
The hotel’s Junction Restaurant serves a full range of tempting dishes throughout the week, and offers a superb carvery menu for Sunday lunch. Guests can also relax in the hotel lounge, or they can visit the atmospheric Bybrook Bar which boasts oak beams and open log fires, and is located in the original seventeenth century barn, a listed building, and now part of the hotel. For guests who wish to keep fit, the hotel offers a special £5 daily membership to the nearby Fitness First Gym.
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