STRATFORD UPON AVON RACECOURSE
Skip to Enclosures and Hospitality.
Introduction:
Stratford upon Avon has been a hot bed of national hunt racing for a very long time, and thanks to the journals of Captain James Saunders, we know the current Shottery Meadow site has been used since 1755. Indeed, apart from a few short breaks in the nineteenth century, racing on the current site has taken place for over 250 years.
Situated in pleasant surroundings, and encompassed by a loop of the river Avon, the racecourse attracts a friendly, almost club like crowd, which is so typical of national hunt racing, and new race-goers are sure of a warm welcome.
This specialist jumps course hosts around 15 meetings between February and November of each calendar year, but as an important participant in the summer jumping programme, Stratford stages the majority of its meetings between May and August.
Race highlights include, the Corbett Cup for champion novice hunters, the Ladbroke hurdle, and the Horse and Hound Cup. The latter being the last champion hunter chase of the season.
Track facts:
Stratford is a left handed national hunt circuit. It is 1 mile 2 furlongs in circumference, has banked bends, but is still sharp in nature. There is a noticeable climb from the top turn to the middle of the back straight, and then a descent from that point until the home turn.
The steeplechase course has eight fairly easy fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: two plain fences, the first open ditch, another plain fence, the second open ditch, two more plain fences, and a water jump. The last of the plain fence is is situated at the start of the home straight, and the new water jump is right in front of the grandstands. On the final circuit of all races, runners by pass the water jump, so there is quite a long run in between the plain fence at the top of the home straight and the winning post, and this can suit horses with good flat speed.
The hurdles course has five flights. Like the steeplechase course, two of the hurdles are located in the home straight, and proceed a short run in.
In most races at Stratford, pace and agility are preferred qualities. However, on soft going, in the longer steeplechases, and in the 3 mile 3 furlong hurdle races, stamina also becomes important.
Statistically, front runners are not very successful at Stratford, as in the home straight on the final circuit, eighty per cent of winners come from behind.
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 Ticket.
Viewing is from the first floor of the glass fronted Warwickshire Grandstand. This area provides the best vistas of the racecourse, including the winning post and parade ring. Ticket holders can also visit the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The Winning Post Restaurant is located on the first floor of the grandstand. It is only open to Club ticket holders, and serves mainly seafood dishes. To book a table, it is necessary to make direct contact with J P Seafood, on 07785 342 234.
The Paddock Suite Restaurant is also situated on the first floor of the grandstand. It is open to both Club and Tattersalls ticket holders, and offers silver service of an
a la carte menu, plus afternoon tea. To book a table for a meal, or the full day, it is necessary to contact Jenkinsons Caterers of Stafford, on 01785 252 247.
The Foxes Restaurant is a carvery, which is also available to both Club and Tattersalls ticket holders. To book a table for the day, contact Jenkinsons Caterers, as above.
Bars in the Club enclosure include, the Members Bar, the Champagne Bar, the Bridge Bar, which sells hot meat rolls, and the John Kenny Bar serving cold snacks.
Tattersalls Ticket.
There is seated viewing of the racecourse, including the home straight and winning post. Ticket holders also have access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and the Family picnic area.
Subject to advance booking, as indicated above, Tattersalls ticket holders can utilise the Paddock Suite, and Foxes Restaurants.
The fully stocked Chris Rookes and Garrick Bars serve hot and cold snacks.
Centre Course Picnic Area Ticket.
Views are from the centre of the course, or the internal running rails. However, there is no access to the parade ring or winners enclosure.
Although this is predominantly a family picnic area, there are facilities serving cold and hot drinks and snacks.
Return to top.
Disabled Facilities:
With regard to the two main enclosures, blue badge holders can use the disabled parking spaces near the entrance gates. Alternatively, subject again to blue badge possession, disabled visitors can use the disabled parking spaces in the centre course car park. The entrances to the centre course car park are from Luddington Road and Paddock Lane. There is a charge of £2 per car, plus the normal Centre Course enclosure entrance fee.
A special viewing area is available on the first floor of the Warwickshire Grandstand.
Access can be affected to most areas of the racecourse, and specialist unisex toilet facilities are readily available.
Fixtures:
All races at Stratford Upon Avon are run under national hunt rules.
2011:
Sunday 17 July
Transport Links:
By Road:
The course is 15 minutes drive from junction 15 of the M40, and 40 minutes from junction 7 of the M5
Birmingham is only 40 minutes away, with London, Manchester, Bristol, and Cardiff, all within 2 hours normal drive.
There are free car parks at the racecourse, but for centre course, and the main car park, there is a £2 charge per vehicle.
By Rail:
Trains run to Stratford from Birmingham Moor street station. Moor Street is about 400 yards walk from Birmingham New Street station.
Stratford railway station is 25 minutes walk from the course, or 5 minutes in a taxi.
By Bus:
National Express coaches operate services to Stratford upon Avon from several British towns and cities.
By Air:
Birmingham International Airport is 19 miles from the racecourse, and normal transit time is around 40 minutes.
Contact Details:
Address:
Stratford on Avon Racecourse Company Limited,
Luddington Road,
Stratford upon Avon
Warwickshire,
CV37 9SE.
Telephone Number: 01789 26 79 49.
Fax Number: 01789 41 58 50.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Hilton Warwick/Stratford Upon Avon Hotel
UK Tel No: 01926 499 555.
From Outside UK Tel No: 00 44 1926 499 555.
Being located just off Junction 15 of the M40, the Hilton Warwick/Stratford-Upon-Avon Hotel offers excellent access to the British motorway network, is only 20 minutes drive from Birmingham International Airport, and is just a short trip from both Warwick and Stratford-Upon-Avon railway stations.
As its name suggests, the Hilton Warwick/Stratford-Upon-Avon Hotel forms the ideal oasis for race-goers attending either the all year round racing at Warwick, or the national hunt cards hosted at the picturesque riverside location at Stratford-Upon-Avon racecourse - and by prior arrangement, Hilton staff can even organise private hire transport to and from either racing venue.
The Hilton Warwick/Stratford-Upon-Avon Hotel is also located in close proximity to many major noteworthy historic sites. While the RSC theatre, and many other important entertainment venues and major retail centres are within easy reach - consequently, the Hilton Warwick/Stratford-Upon-Avon Hotel is already well known amongst race-goers as the ideal base for those seeking to turn their trip to the races into a superb mini-break in one of the most interesting regions of the UK.
All guest rooms at the Hilton Warwick/Stratfored-Upon-Avon Hotel are en-suite and well appointed, each room offering warm and welcoming decor and comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep. Rooms also incorporate remote controlled television with freeview channels including Sky Sports and films on demand,, temperature control and opening windows, wi-fi internet access, and the many other room amenities expected as standard by discerning guests.
The Hotel offers twin, double, and family rooms, and there are also accessible rooms with elevator access for disabled visitors.
For guests seeking extra luxury during their stay, the Hilton Warwick/Stratford-Upon-Avon Hotel also provides Deluxe Executive Rooms – with full details available via the link below.
Restaurant 360 is open for breakfast, lunch,and dinner, and in the evenings the dinner menu includes a fine selection of meals with an English twist. While for guests seeking total relaxation during their stay, the hotel also offers a full 24 hour room service menu.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Cafe Cino is open for lunch and in the evenings, and with its lounge style layout offering both welcoming sofas and more formal table and chair sets, it is ideal to enjoy bar meals and light bite treats while watching the latest news or sport on the wide screen television. In the evening, Cafe Cino is the ideal place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink, or a night cap before bed.
For those looking to keep in trim during their stay, or for guests just wanting to relax, the hotel has a fully equipped fitness room and a swimming pool.
To obtain full details on all the services and amenities at the Hilton Warwick/Stratford-Upon Avon-Hotel, or to ensure your quality accommodation ahead of your next visit to Warwick or Stratford-Upon-Avon Races, please click on the link below:
Click Here
return to top
