LEICESTER RACECOURSE
Skip to Enclosures and Hospitality.
Introduction:
For well over a hundred years, Leicester has provided regular horseracing entertainment for the avid race-goers of the East Midlands conurbations.
With a fine blend of flat and national hunt racing, Leicester stages at least one meeting every month, and over thirty meetings in each calendar year.
Top trainers from both codes of racing use Leicester as a track to educate their up and coming novices, and potential Classic horses often race in Maiden events at Leicester during their two-year-old season.
The highlight of the season is the April running of the seven furlong Listed Leicestershire Stakes, and the winner of this race more often than not goes on to Group honours later in the season.
Track facts:
Leicester stages flat and national hunt racing.
The flat track is a right handed undulating oval, measuring approximately 1 mile 6 furlongs in circumference, with a finishing straight of approximately five furlongs.
A chute joins on to the home straight, and thereby produces a course which can stage straight races of up to seven furlongs in duration.
Both flat courses stress a need for stamina, particularly when the course becomes soft or heavy.
On the straight flat course, high drawn horses have a statistical advantage.
The steeplechase course is one mile six furlongs in circumference, with ten fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: an initial plain fence, an open ditch, four more plain fences, the second open ditch, and the remaining three plain fences which are situated prior to the winning post in the long finishing straight.
Apart from a descent from the end of the home straight to the middle of the back straight, the remainder of the steeplechase course is constantly on the climb. Although the fences are not stiff, with six of the obstacles coming close together in the back straight, Leicester is a fair test of jumping ability.
The course is prone to becoming soft or heavy in the winter months, so stamina is much preferred to pace.
The Hurdles course comprises seven flights, and is even steeper than the steeplechase course. Very often the race over the last four hurdles in the home straight can turn into a dour battle of stamina.
Return to top.
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 Members and Belvoir Ticket Holders.
Viewing of the racecourse is from the glass fronted Belvoir Grandstand. There is also access to all the other public areas of the racecourse including, the parade ring, and winners enclosure.
A three course lunch and afternoon tea are available by booking a table in the grandstand restaurant.
Club ticket holders can buy drinks and snacks in the Silks bar. While Belvoir ticket holders can sample the drinks and snacks sold in the Belvoir Club, which also happens to be located next to the winning post.
Grandstand (formerly Tattersalls) Ticket.
Ticket holders have access to the main grandstand, parade ring, and winners enclosure.
There are several bar and hot food facilities including the Quorn Café.
There is a picnic car park at the racecourse.
Return to top.
Disabled Facilities:
Disabled parking spaces are available. Contact the racecourse for full details.
Disabled patrons have access to a ramped viewing area in the paddock. There is also lift access to viewing facilities in the grandstands.
Specialist toilet facilities are strategically located in all public areas.
Fixtures:
2011:
Thursday 14 July
Return to top.
Transport Links:
By Road:
The racecourse is situated two miles east of Leicester city centre, on the A6 Market Harborough road. To join the A6, leave the M1 at junction 21, or alternatively, use the M69 to join the A6.
Parking is generally free, except in the picnic area, where a charge per vehicle and occupants is levied.
By Rail:
Trains operate directly between Leicester and London Saint Pancras. From the North and East, catch a Leicester service at Sheffield. Race goers from Manchester, and the West, usually change for a Leicester service from Nottingham.
By Bus:
A direct service operates between Leicester railway station and the course on all race days.
By Air:
East Midlands airport is around nineteen miles from the course.
Contact Details:
Address: Leicester Race Co Ltd, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 4AL.
Telephone Number: 01162 71 65 15.
Fax Number: 01162 71 17 46.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Hilton Leicester Hotel
UK Tel No: 0116 263 00 66.
From Eire: 00 44 116 263 00 66.
Situated just off Junction 21 of the M1, and at the end of the M69, the Hilton Leicester provides outstanding Hilton comfort and exceptional Hilton service.
In addition to providing easy access to and from the motorway network, the hotel is also just a short trip from Leicester Racecourse and Leicester railway station, and is perfectly situated to provide a restful overnight haven to race-goers attending the all year round meetings staged at Leicester racecourse. While for those seeking a ‘Mini-Getaway’, the Hilton Leicester is also a short walk from the retail therapy offered by the Fosse Park Shopping Centre, or the cultural and entertainment facilities on offer in Leicester city centre.
By prior arrangement, the staff at the Hilton Leicester will also book private hire transport to take resident race-goers too and from Leicester racecourse.
The guest rooms at the Hilton Leicester offer high standard en suite facilities, room to stretch out and relax, and all come with; comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep, remote controlled television with satellite channels, wi-fi internet access, in-room beverage facilities, and the many other room amenities discerning guests expect in a superior hotel. The hotel offers double, and double double rooms, accessible rooms for disabled visitors, and for those seeking extra comfort and luxury during their stay, the Hilton Leicester also offers Executive Rooms and Suites – full details being available via the link below.
Flavours Restaurant provides a warm relaxing atmosphere, is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and with a selection of fine international and traditional cuisine, all served by friendly and professional staff, Flavours is popular with residents and non-residents alike.
The Court Bar, with its views of the garden and patio area, is the ideal place to enjoy morning coffee, a light bite, or a pre dinner drink. While sports fans can keep up to date on the latest developments via the large screen television showing Sky Sports channel.
Costa Coffee is also a popular venue with guests who want to enjoy a morning coffee or light bite while reading a complimentary newspaper.
The Hilton Leicester also provides a full 24 hour room service menu for those guests who would prefer to dine in their room.
Guests are welcome to chill out in the hotel’s swimming pool or enjoy a different kind of relaxation in the hotel’s beauty salon. While guests wishing to keep in trim during their stay can enjoy the facilities of the hotel’s fitness suite.
To obtain full details on the services and facilities of the Hilton Leicester, or to ensure your quality accommodation for your next visit to Leicester, please click on the link below:
The Belmont Hotel, De Montfort Street, Leicester
LE1 7GR Tel No: 0116 254 4773
Situated overlooking leafy New Walk and perfect for strolling into Leicester city centre, The Belmont is an independent hotel offering ideal local accommodation for race goers attending Leicester races. The hotel is a five minute taxi journey from the race course and has 75 en-suite bedrooms, including suites, executive, standard and family rooms. Each of the bedrooms offers flat screen televisions and high speed wi-fi internet access. There are 70 free car parking spaces and the hotel is also only five minutes walk away from Leicester railway station.
The award winning Cherry Restaurant provides comfortable and elegant surroundings and delicious food and wines. For more relaxed dining, the bar also has an extensive menu, including hot and cold snacks and sharing platters. Visit www.belmonthotel.co.uk for more information.
return to top
