REDCAR RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
The first recorded racing in the Redcar area took place in the nineteenth century, and involved the staging of horse races on the sands of the beach at Coatham.
In 1872, the Jockey Club issued an edict stating the prize money for any race should be a minimum of £50, and this pronouncement created a need to guarantee income from spectators attending race meetings. The only sure fire way this could be achieved was by establishing an enclosed and controlled racecourse, and at Redcar, Squire Newcomen of Kirkleathem, gathered together a group of local businessmen, and purchased a lease on the land which became the modern seaside racecourse at Redcar.
After the death of Squire Newcomen in 1884, the Earl of Zetland became the Chairman of the racecourse company, and the Zetland family then remained loyal to the racecourse right up to modern times.
Redcar has been considerably upgraded over the last few years, and now offers excellent facilities for its fifteen days of flat racing. The highlights of the racing season being the Zetland Gold Cup in May, and the Tote pool Two Year Old Trophy in October. With over £200,000 in prize money, the latter race is one of the richest two year old races staged on a north british racecourse.
Track facts:
Redcar exclusively stages flat racing.
The long course is run left handed over an oval one mile six furlongs in circumference. The straights are long, with the home straight being five furlongs in length. This makes the bends fairly tight, but this is counteracted by the positioning of banking on both turns.
A three furlong chute joins on to the home straight, thus producing a straight mile course.
Although Redcar has done much ground work to eradicate draw bias, on soft going on the straight course, middle to high drawn horses still seem to have a statistical advantage.
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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.
Grandstand Ticket.
Redcar now operates a unified Grandstand Enclosure. Ticket holders have access to all grandstand facilities, which ensures everyone in this enclosure obtains excellent views of the racing action. There is also access to the parade ring, and winners enclosure.
For race goers looking for a combination of fine dining with superb views, it has to be the Crows Nest Restaurant. Situated high in the grandstand, this facility offers every diner an unobstructed view of racing on the straight mile, which obviously includes the home straight of the long course. Parties of between two and eight have there table for the full meeting, and can then visit other sections of the course between lunch and afternoon tea.
For race goers who prefer to keep on the go, the Voltigeur Restaurant becomes the best alternative for a less formal, but still very enjoyable lunch.
The Grandstand, and Zetland Terrace Bars, are complimented by several other bars, all serving a selection of drinks and snacks.
Course Ticket.
Although this enclosure is based in the centre of the course, raised viewing areas still provide good observation of the racing action.
For race goers not bringing a picnic, the enclosure has a café and bar.
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Disabled Facilities:
All the grandstands have lifts to every floor.
There is a viewing platform near the winning post
Specialist toilet facilities are available in every enclosure.
Carers of disabled race goers with special difficulties are admitted free of charge.
For further information, contact the racecourse company, see below.
Fixtures:
Redcar only stages flat racing.
2011:
Saturday 01 October - Totepool Trophy Day
Friday 14 October
Monday 24 October
Tuesday 01 November - Final Meeting of the Year
Transport Links:
By Road:
Redcar is very well served by the road network, and is signposted off the A1, A66, A19, A185, and the A174 Parkway.
Car parking at the racecourse is free of charge.
By Rail:
Redcar Central station is served by regular trains from Darlington, where travellers can obtain direct connections to London Kings Cross, Edinburgh, and many other British towns and cities.
Redcar station is around 10 minutes walk from the racecourse.
By Bus:
Darlington is well served by various National Express coach routes. There is also a Skyexpress coach service between Darlington bus station and Durham Tees Valley Airport.
The bus station in Darlington is very close to the railway station for on going train connections to Redcar.
By Air:
Durham Tees Valley Airport is around 17 miles from the racecourse.
Light aircraft can land at nearby Yearby airfield, which is only five minutes travel from the course. For further information, please telephone
01642 47 03 22.
Subject to prior arrangement, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address: Redcar Racecourse Ltd, The Racecourse, Redcar, Ts10 2BY.
Telephone Number: 01642 48 40 68.
Fax Number: 01642 48 82 72.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Macdonald Gisborough Hall Hotel Guisborough.
Tel no: 01287 63 45 33.
Located in its own peaceful grounds, and in close proximity to the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, the award winning 4 Star Macdonald Gisborough Hall Hotel is the perfect venue to unwind and relax. For guests who wish to combine rest with recreation, the hotel is just 4 miles from Redcar racecourse, and is also within easy driving distance of the major tourist attractions of Teesside and North Yorkshire.
The hotel offers a total of 71 extremely well appointed en suite guest rooms. The 19 rooms in the old hall have been individually decorated to enhance their period features, while the 52 newer bedrooms in the Woodlands Wing are contemporary in design. For guests seeking that extra bit of luxury, the hotel provides superior executive rooms, four poster rooms and suites. All rooms are furnished to an exacting standard, and offer interactive remote controlled television, broadband wi-fi internet access, and the quality room amenities guests would expect in a superior hotel. The hotel also provides 3 specially adapted rooms for guests with low mobility. Naturally, there is also 24 hour room service throughout the hotel, and a dry cleaning service is available to all residents.
The reknowned, and award winning Tockett’s fine dining restaurant serves exquisite classical dishes which exude the subtle flavourse only obtained from the finest and freshest ingredients. Light meals and snacks are also available in the main hall and drawing room, while a fine selection of beers, wines and spirits can be enjoyed in the relaxing atmosphere of the library bar.
For residents who feel they deserve a pamper during their stay, the hotel beauty suite enables guests to relax in candle lit peace while receiving a comprehensive range of treatments from highly qualified staff using only the finest products.
To obtain full information on Macdonald Gisborough Hall, or to book directly, use the link below.
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