WARWICK RACECOURSE
Skip to Enclosures and Hospitality.
Introduction:
The location of Warwick racecourse is most unusual. Not only is it in the centre of the town, but it is also within a few hundred yards of the ramparts of Warwick castle, but then the racecourse actually stands on the common land which was originally shared between the castle and the people of the town, and that may explain why Warwick is one of the oldest permanent sites for horseracing in the British Isles.
Local archives indicate racing may have started in the Warwick area during the seventeenth century, but a much clearer picture exists with regard to the current course. It seems the first meeting on the present site occurred in 1728, with the first grandstand being built in 1809.
Since its inaugural meeting, Warwick has staged horse racing almost continuously, but like most British racecourses, it did halt racing activity during the two world wars of the twentieth century. In fact, during the second world war, Warwick racecourse was converted into a prison camp for Italian prisoners of war.
To blend in with the character of the town, many of the facades of the older buildings on Warwick racecourse have been maintained and restored, while the internal structures have been completely rebuilt. This is true of the main grandstand, where a recent three million pound redevelopment maintained the outer shell of the building, but installed a state of the art racing facility which provides seating and hospitality for 1,200 race goers.
Warwick stages both flat and national hunt racing. In 2011, the course will host fifteen quality flat meetings, and 10 competitive national hunt fixtures.
Track facts:
Warwick stages both flat and national hunt fixtures, but they are run on two separate courses.
The Flat course is run left handed over a long circuit one mile six furlongs in circumference.
Shute starts are used for races over 6 furlongs, 1 mile, and 1 mile 2 furlongs.
On soft to heavy going, high drawn horses have a statistical advantage.
The national hunt course is also run left handed, and being situated inside the flat course, it is slightly shorter at one mile five furlongs in circumference. It is also characterised by tight bends, slight undulations, and a short run in to the winning post.
The steeplechase course has ten fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: two plain fences, the first open ditch, two more plain fences, the second open ditch, and four plain fences, the last two of which are situated in the home straight.
Although the turns on the course are sharp, the track is also wide, and gallopers can cope by taking a wider route. The only undulations are a short climb and descent after the last obstacle in the home straight, and a small descent in the back straight.
The fences are unevenly dispersed. Prior to the home turn, there are five successive fences on the side of the course, and these can present a real test of jumping ability. Having said that, the fences are not difficult, and competent jumpers have no problems at Warwick.
The accompanying hurdles course has six hurdles, with two being sited in the home straight.
On good going, Warwick suits horses with pace. However, it can become very heavy on the course during the winter months, and this switches the emphasis to 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.
Main Enclosure Ticket.
Warwick has an open enclosure policy, and all race goers in the main enclosure can use all the facilities. This includes the modern grandstand, with its excellent views of all the racing action. There is also access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, non reservation restaurant facilities, and all bars.
The 1707 Restaurant is located next to the Grandstand, and overlooks the winning post. The restaurant has a capacity of 150 guests, so smaller parties of race goers can book a table for a whole meeting, enjoy silver service of good food, while watching the racing action.
On the second floor of the grandstand, the Kingmaker Restaurant offers up to 50 guests all day reservations, good food, and superb views of the racecourse.
The Chandler Seafood Restaurant offers a non reservation facility serving seafood dishes with a selection of hand picked champagnes and wines.
The Dukes Bar is one of several well stocked and atmospheric bar facilities in the main enclosure.
The Course and Family Ticket.
This family picnic area is only open at weekends, and at bank holidays which occur during the flat racing season.
There is a viewing stand, plus a bar, and hot food kiosks.
Disabled Facilities:
Disabled car parking is available in the Owners and Trainers car park. Contact the racecourse to arrange facility.
There are elevated viewing platforms. One near the parade ring, one in the main enclosure, and another in the course enclosure. Wheelchair accessible balconies are also available on both levels of the grandstand.
All catering, and most tote betting facilities provide accessibility to wheelchair patrons.
There are specialist toilet facilities in all enclosures.
A wheelchair race goer and carer are admitted on a single price ticket.
Special assistance dogs are the only dogs allowed on the racecourse.
For any other clarification on disable facilities, please contact the racecourse.
Fixtures:
2011:
Saturday 07 May
Transport Links:
By Road:
The junction of the A46 and the A41 main trunk roads occurs in Warwick. The racecourse is located close to this junction.
The A46 connects with Leamington Spa to the north, and Stratford on Avon to the south. Traffic from the M40 should leave at junction 15, and follow the signs to Warwick.
Car parking at the racecourse is free of charge.
By Rail:
There are direct connections to Warwick from London Marylebone. A direct service also operates between Warwick and Birmingham Moor Street. For cross country connections, it is then necessary to transfer the short distance to Birmingham New Street station.
Warwick railway station is around a mile from the racecourse.
By Bus:
There are direct connections from Warwick bus station to Stratford on Avon, Leamington Spa, and Coventry.
By Air:
Birmingham international airport is around 15 miles from Warwick.
Contact Details:
Address:
Warwick Racecourse,
Hampton Street,
Warwick,
Warwickshire,
CV34 6HN.
Telephone Number: 01926 49 15 53.
Fax Number: 01926 40 32 23.
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
