SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Set in a natural amphitheatre, and opened in 1875, Sandown Park was the first purpose built enclosed racecourse in Britain. This innovation meant only paying customers could enter, and as the newspapers of the time remarked, 'this makes Sandown a most suitable venue for gentlemen and their ladies'.
The racecourse has seen many historic moments. Indeed, at the inaugural meeting in 1875, despite torrential rain, the crowds were warmed and heartened by yet another winner for one of the greatest jockeys in horse racing history, the exceptionally talented but ill-fated Fred Archer.
However, over the years, Sandown Park has not only been a stage for top jockeys, it has witnessed high quality performances from the equine stars of both flat and national hunt racing. In modern times, Arkle, Mill Reef, Desert Orchid, and Nashwan, are just a few of the top names who contested the premier races staged at the Esher track.
This mutual regard for both codes of racing is manifested in the quality of Sandowns annual fixtures. Under national hunt rules, Sandown stages ten meetings, including, the Tingle Creek Chase in December, The Tolworth Hurdle in January, and in early March, the running of the Paddy Power Imperial Cup, (the latter usually occurring a few days before the start of the Cheltenham festival, and carrying a £75,000 bonus for any horse who can win the Imperial Cup and then go on to win a race at the Cheltenham Festival).
During the flat season, Sandown stages around 19 meetings, including, The Brigadier Gerard Stakes in May, and in July, one of the top one mile two furlong races of the season, the Coral Eclipse Stakes.
Although a common trait to many racecourses in the past, the only modern British racecourses which still combine flat and national hunt races on the same race card are Sandown and Haydock Park. Sandowns two day Gold Cup meeting in April, has a second day which is a seamless blend of fine racing from both codes, and as a result, it usually attracts very large crowds.
Sandowns proud history and traditions have not been allowed to get in the way of progress, and the course is one of the most modern and accessible in Europe, with pop concerts featuring major performers also occurring after racing on summer days.
Track facts:
As stated above, Sandown stages top quality racing under both flat, and national hunt rules.
The main flat circuit is run right handed over an oval course measuring one mile five furlongs in circumference. The run in is four furlongs in length, and is a consistent uphill climb.
The sprint course is a diagonal of the long course, and climbs throughout its five furlong length.
Sandown suits gallopers who are blessed with a combination of pace and stamina.
The steeplechase course is also run right handed, but is slightly longer in circumference, being around one mile five and a half furlongs in circuit length.
On the steeplechase course, the home straight is an uphill climb throughout its entire length. Conversely, there is a descent from the turn out of the home straight, which continues until the horses enter the back straight.
The steeplechase course has eleven testing fences, which occur in the following circuit pattern: three plain fences, the first open ditch, six more plain fences, and a double width open ditch. On the final circuit, this last ditch fence is replaced by an adjacent plain fence, and then there is a run in to the winning post.
On each circuit, the runners have to negotiate one fence after the turn out of the home straight. They then meet the back straight, which is in effect, two straight sections joined by a right hand turn. The initial section contains four fences, and is followed by the three fences in the railway straight. The latter three jumps are very close together, and a potential winner must possess a good jumping rhythm. Even after the exertions of the back straight, it is still necessary to negotiate the Pond fence, which is located just before the home turn. The last two fences are situated on the uphill climb of the home straight, so the eventual winner must combine skill, pace, and stamina.
For the hurdles course, the six flights are placed on the summer flat course. Four hurdles being positioned in the back straight, and the final two hurdles being situated on the uphill home straight.
On soft going , a winning hurdler must have stamina, and it is not unusual to notice horses coming from behind over the last two furlongs of a race.
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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.
Premier Ticket.
From the covered seats of the grandstand, there are uninterrupted views of the whole racecourse, plus very close views of the winning post.
A rear balcony on the grandstand overlooks the parade ring, and acts as a thoroughfare between the various restaurants and bars.
Premier ticket holders also have access to the winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
A la carte dining, and excellent views of the racing action, are available in the Tingle Creek Restaurant. While using their table as a base for the whole meeting, patrons can enjoy fine food, and a choice of fine wines, champagnes, and spirits. Naturally, the restaurant is very popular, and must be booked in advance.
The Loch Fyne Seafood Grill is a non reservation restaurant, serving a mixture of seafood and organic meat dishes.
This enclosure is also served by the Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar, and Chasers Bar.
Grandstand Ticket.
The steppings of this grandstand area still provide uninterrupted views of the racecourse, plus all the action in the home straight.
The family friendly Food Court serves fish and chips, hamburgers, and other hot snacks.
The Grandstand View Bar serves a wide selection of alcoholic drinks and snacks, plus hot drinks. While the Sports Bar caters for race goers visiting the parade ring.
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Disabled facilities:
There are designated parking spaces in the Portsmouth Road car park, which are close to the entrance gates. Disabled race goers with blue badges can use these spaces free of charge.
There are disabled toilet facilities in both enclosures.
To obtain full details on the disabled facilities at Sandown Park, please contact the racecourse, see below.
Fixtures:
In 2011:
Wednesday 13 July
Transport Links:
By Road:
From London, take the A3 towards the M25, and eventually you will come across the signs which direct traffic to the racecourse.
From the M25, leave at junction 10, and take the A3 towards London. After a couple of miles, take the A307, and follow the signs to the racecourse.
The main car park is adjacent to the racecourse entrance, and is off the Portsmouth Road. It is approached from the Esher high street section of the A307. There is a £5 charge per vehicle for this car park.
For free parking, race goers should proceed to the More Lane entrance, and follow the signs to the car park in the centre of the course.
By Rail:
Trains from London Waterloo, and Clapham Junction, run directly to Esher railway station. Dependant on the time of day, trains run either every 20 minutes, or every 30 minutes. Journey time from London is around 25 minutes.
Esher railway station is a pleasant ten minute walk from the racecourse. Alternatively, there is a taxi rank outside the railway station, and for the return trip, there is a taxi rank outside the racecourse.
Richmond tube station is around seven miles from Sandown Park.
By Bus:
There are numerous local bus services, including routes connecting Esher high street with Richmond station.
By Air:
Heathrow airport is only 12 miles from Sandown. Gatwick airport being further away, at around 25 miles distant.
There is a helipad at Sandown, which can be used subject to prior permission from the racecourse company.
Contact Details:
Address:
Sandown Park Racecourse Ltd,
Portsmouth Road,
Esher,
Surrey,
KT10 9AJ.
Telephone Number: 01372 46 43 48.
Fax Number: 01372 46 13 34.
E-Mail: sandown.events@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Accommodation:
Carlton Mitre Hotel Hampton Court.
Tel no: 0208 979 99 88.
First constructed in 1665, the buildings housing the modern Carlton Mitre Hotel Hampton Court now offer one of the prime residential locations of south west London. With a magnificent prospect adjacent to the River Thames, the hotel is also immediately opposite Hampton Court Palace, and is fortunate enough to provide instant access to the beauty and history of a unique royal residence. Furthermore, King Charles II, the founder of modern horse racing, used the hotel’s buildings to accommodate his royal guests. In keeping with that tradition, the hotel offers the perfect oasis to guests attending the nearby racecourses of Kempton and Sandown Park.
The magnificent architecture of the hotel buildings has been sympathetically converted to provide a modern luxury residence for discerning travellers. The hotel guest rooms all include; well appointed en suite facilities with bath and shower, air conditioning, remote controlled television, Wi-Fi internet access, Complimentary mini bar, electronic safe, and the many other room amenities guests expect from a superior modern hotel. For guests who are seeking that extra bit of luxury during their stay, the hotel can provide the enhanced facilities of its deluxe and exclusive rooms with breathtaking views of the river or Hampton Court Palace, or even the unashamed opulence of the King Henry or Catherine Parr Suites.
With superb views over the river, the air conditioned Hampton’s Restaurant is renowned for serving mouth watering culinary classics, while diners enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in a magnificent and historic setting. Alternatively, guests can choose to dine in the hotel’s River’s Edge Bar and Brasserie. As its name suggests, this facility sits directly on the side of the river, and even has its own mooring. In the warmer months, al fresco dining is available on the brasserie’s sun terrace.
For more information on the facilities of the Carlton Mitre Hampton Court, or to book directly, use the link below.
Hilton Hotel Cobham.
Tel no: 01932 86 44 71.
Set in 27 acres of peaceful grounds and woodland, Hilton Cobham is the perfect base for race goers attending the superb racing fixtures at the nearby Sandown Park Racecourse. For race attendees coming from further afield, the hotel provides a large on site car park, or is just 30 minutes taxi journey from Heathrow Airport. Despite its tranquil setting, the Hilton Cobham is only 25 miles from the centre of London, and this makes it ideal for guests who wish to combine a racing break with easy access to major attractions and entertainment facilities.
All of the hotel's warmly decorated and well appointed guest rooms offer space and a full array of room amenities including 32” plasma televisions and high speed internet access. Why not treat yourself to one of the newly refurbished King Deluxe Guest Rooms or for that extra special treat a King Deluxe Plus Guestroom. There is also a selection of family rooms, inter connecting rooms and adapted rooms for guests with low mobility. Naturally, there is 24 hour room service throughout the hotel, and a same day dry cleaning service is available on request.
Zuccotta's Restaurant is well known for its mouthwatering array of traditional and international dishes, a superb choice of wines from around the world, and of course, for its professional and courteous Hilton restaurant staff. For a lighter treat, coffee and pastries are available in the Café Cino.
The hotel's Living Well Health Club provides residents with access to an indoor heated swimming pool, gymnasium and, on site tennis courts, sauna, and jacuzzi. In addition, upon request, golfing packages can be organised at nearby clubs.
For further details on the Hilton Hotel Cobham, or to book directly, use the link below.
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