WETHERBY RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Located beside the A1, and not far from Leeds or York, Wetherby has become the home of some of the most significant national hunt races in the north of England. In it's historic context, the above fact is perhaps not suprising, for racing in the Wetherby region has a very long tradition.
On a site at nearby Netherby, archaeological evidence suggests the Romano-British used to race Arabian horses, and in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries records exist that describe several subsequent horse racing venues on the north bank of the River Wharfe.
However, all horseracing in the Leeds and Wetherby area became concentrated on the current site after the modern racecourse staged its inaugural meeting in 1891.
Wetherby racecourse is part of a 300 acre estate, and as stated above, it is bounded on one side by the main A1M north south route, and with it's good communication links, the tracks 18 annual race fixturesattract large and enthusiastic crowds, particularly for the larger meetings.
Racing takes place 9 months of the year, with only July, August, and September being excluded from the Wetherby racing programme.
The Charlie Hall Chase Meeting in late October or early November usually attracts a number of former Cheltenham and Aintree winners, and the two day meeting features some of the first Grade races of the new national hunt season.
The Rowland Meyrick Handicap Steeplechase, and the Castleford Handicap Chase, also attract top runners to the Christmas week meetings. While throughout the season, many leading stables use Wetherby as an integral part of their development programme for potential juvenile champions.
Track facts:
Wetherby specialises in the staging of national hunt racing.
Racing left handed over an oval shaped course, runners face easy bends, tough obstacles, and a course measuring one mile and four furlongs in circumference.
The steeplechase course has eight very stiff fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: an initial plain fence, the first open ditch, three plain fences, the second open ditch, and two more plain fences. The first four fences are situated in the back straight, with the last four fences being positioned in the long home straight.
The course is generally flat, except for the section after the last jump in the home straight. At this particular point, the course climbs gently as it passes the winning post, and continues its ascent until after the top turn. At that point, it turns into a gradual descent into the back straight.
The steeplechase fences at Wetherby are evenly dispersed, but grade one in severity. Winning horses have to combine pace, stamina, athleticism, and timing.
The hurdles course has six flights, Three in the back straight, and the other three being sited in the long home straight. The hurdles course is located inside the steeplechase course, so the bends are sharper. There is also a slight left hand kink about one hundred yards from the winning post, so hugging the running rail can save the odd yard in a tight finish.
In general, pace and agility are the defining qualities on the hurdles course.
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.
The Wetherby Millennium Grandstand is a superb multi storey facility which provides premier ticket holders with covered seating and terraced standing, and gives superb panoramic views of the racing action on the Wetherby racecourse.
Premier ticket holders also have access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
Available at any time for a drink and a snack, or just for an appetizer before dining, the White Horse Bar on the mezzanine floor is a popular choice with race goers.
A la carte dining, and views of the parade ring are available by pre booking a table in the White Rose Suite.
For race goers who enjoy an excellent meal while obtaining a close up view of the racing, the Dine and View Restaurant is located in a trackside suite, and even has its own balcony for fantastic close up views of the finishing stages of the racing action.
The Marston Moor Bar is located on the second floor of the grandstand, and offers drinks and snacks, along with great views of the racecourse from its own covered viewing area. On the same floor, the Premier Bar has an external viewing balcony.
Paddock Ticket.
Views of the racecourse are obtained from the grandstand terracing, and paddock lawns. The ticket also provides access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and Course enclosure.
A supplement can be paid to upgrade to the Premier enclosure. Alternatively, by paying a £2 supplement, Paddock ticket holders only, can upgrade to the Paddock Gallery Bar and its accompanying viewing area, which overlooks the parade ring. Apart from a full selection of drinks, the bar serves hot and cold snacks.
Opened in 2007, the Bramham Hall offers a selection of food and drink facilities. While the separate A1 Bar offers a full range of drinks, including tea and coffee.
Course Ticket.
Ticket holders have a viewing area, but there is no access to the parade ring or winners enclosure.
Although this is considered a picnic area, a bar, café, and hot food kiosks are also available.
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Disabled Facilities:
There is ramped access to the first two levels of the Millennium Grandstand, with lifts being available for transport to the higher levels.
Viewing is available from designated wheelchair balconies on level two of the grandstand.
In the Paddock enclosure, there is an elevated viewing platform near to the finishing line.
The Grandstand and restaurants of the Premier enclosure have ample specialist toilet facilities, while there are limited toilet facilities in the other enclosures.
Fixtures:
All race meetings at Wetherby are run under national hunt rules.
2012:
Monday 23 January
Saturday 04 February
Tuesday 21 February
Friday 30 March
Sunday 29 April
Thursday 24 May
Thursday 31 May
Thursday 07 June
Wednesday 17 October
Friday 02 November – First Day Charlie Hall Chase Meeting
Saturday 03 November – Second Day Charlie Hall Chase Meeting
Saturday 17 November
Wednesday 28 November
Saturday 08 December
Wednesday 26 December – First Day Rowland Meyrick Chase Meeting
Thursday 27 December – Second Day Rowland Meyrick Chase Meeting
Transport Links:
By Road:
Wetherby racecourse is situated just off the east side of the A1, on the B1224 Wetherby to York road.
From the south, leave the A1 at the second Wetherby exit, which is signposted for the racecourse. Join the B1224, and the racecourse entrance is around half a mile ahead on the right hand side of the road.
From the North, leave the A1 at the first Wetherby exit, and once again, join the B1224, and follow the signs to the racecourse.
From York, pick up the B1224, and follow it all the way to the racecourse.
By Rail:
Although Harrogate railway station is only 9 miles away, Leeds, at 12 miles, and York, at 14 miles, are better options, as both offer access to main line inter city services, and both also have connecting bus services to Wetherby.
By Bus:
The 770 service runs from Leeds to Wetherby bus station. From the York railway station, it is possible to catch the 42 service to Wetherby market place.
By Air:
Leeds Bradford international airport is 14 miles distant.
Light aircraft can land at the Yorkshire Gliding Club. The airfield is at Rufforth, and is about five miles from the racecourse. For full details, please telephone the gliding club on, 01904 73 86 94.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address:
Wetherby Racecourse,
York Road,
Wetherby,
West Yorkshire,
LS22 5EJ.
Telephone Number: 01937 58 20 35.
Fax Number: 01937 58 80 21.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth.
UK Tel No: 0113 286 6556.
From Eire: 00 44 (0)113 286 6556.
The Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth is an award winning hotel located in a rural setting on the east side of the cosmopolitan City of Leeds, and with its easy access to the A1M, M62, and M1, it provides the perfect location for Pontefract and Wetherby bound race-goers who are looking for that perfect oasis to turn an overnight stay or racing mini-break into something special.
With both of the above Yorkshire racecourses just a short drive from the hotel, whether it’s summer flat racing at Pontefract, or autumn/winter/spring national hunt racing at Wetherby, the Holiday inn Leeds Garforth provides discerning race-goers with all-year-round comfort and service, along with quick and easy access to the historic City of York, and the retail and recreational facilities of the nearby City of Leeds.
If you would prefer to leave your personal transport at the hotel during your trip to the races, not only does the hotel have a floodlit car park with full CCTV coverage, but by prior arrangement, the hotel’s staff can arrange alternative private hire transport to and from your chosen race meeting.
The Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth offers 144 air conditioned en suite guest rooms, and visitors to the hotel can choose from a wide range of accommodation, including; well appointed standard rooms, family facilities, and there are two rooms set aside for guests with disability needs. All rooms provide; remote controlled colour television with cable\satellite channels, wi-fi internet access, tea and coffee making facilities, comfortable beds and bedding for a great night’s sleep, and the usual high specification room amenities guests expect from a quality hotel. While for those seeking that extra bit of luxury during their stay, our stylish and ultra comfortable Executive Rooms provide more space and enhanced in-room facilities – For more details, use the link below.
Should you want a snack in your room the hotel offers 24 hour Room Service , plus a same day dry cleaning service is available on request.
The contemporary Aiolis Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which is popular with local diners as well as hotel guests. The head chef sources from the freshest local ingredients to produce a dinner menu, with its choice of carvery or a la carte cuisine, which is both popular and delicious.
Lighter meals, pre dinner drinks, cocktails, and a wide range of all day beverages, can be enjoyed in the Aiolis Bar and Lounge. This latter facility, with its log fire in the winter months, and al fresco patio in the warmer months, is the perfect place to relax with a newspaper, watch sky sports, or meet up with old and new friends.
For guests who like to keep in trim, or keep those extra pounds off, the Triangle Health and Fitness Centre offers a fully equipped gymnasium, swimming pool, steam room and sauna, and is available free of charge to all hotel guests.
To obtain full details on the Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth, or to ensure your room booking in a quality hotel ahead of your next trip, please click on the link below:
Ramada Hotel Wetherby.
Tel no: 01937 58 38 81.
Located just off the A1M, on the outskirts of the market town, and just a few minutes from Wetherby Racecourse, the Ramada Hotel Wetherby is the perfect base for visitors who wish to combine top class national hunt racing with easy access to Leeds and the major attractions of North and West Yorkshire.
With parking for 200 vehicles, the hotel offers 103 well appointed en suite guest rooms. All rooms provide; comfortable beds with crisp bed linen, remote controlled flat screen LCD television with satellite channels, wi-fi internet access, and the other standard room amenities of a quality hotel. For guests seeking extra luxury, the hotel can offer upgraded executive rooms, and for guests with low mobility requirements, specialy adapted rooms are also available.
The Arts Brasserie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and it is well respected amongst regular guests for the quality of its bistro style food and relaxing contemporary surroundings. After a meal, the Arts Bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and provides the perfect atmosphere for guests to relax and chat.
For more information on this Hotel use the link below to move to a sub list and then click on the link for Ramada Wetherby.
Holiday Inn Leeds Brighouse.
Tel no: 0870 400 90 13.
First opened in 1989, the Holiday Inn Leeds Brighouse has undergone regular refurbishment to produce a modern hotel with a traditional Yorkshire stone façade. The hotel possesses ample complimentary car parking, and is just off junction 25 of the M62. There is direct motorway access to both Pontefract and Wetherby Racecourses, while Leeds City Centre and most of the major attractions of West Yorkshire are just a shor trip from the hotel.
The Holiday Inn Leeds Brighouse offers 94 air conditioned en suite guest rooms, with each of the rooms being comfortable and well appointed. Room facilities include; remote controlled colour television with satellite channels,
wi-fi internet access, mini bar, and the standard room amenities discerning guests expect from a quality hotel. For guests who desire some extra luxury during their stay, the hotel also offers executive rooms with enhanced facilities, and two bedroom suites with separate lounges. There are also two specially adapted rooms for guests withaccessible needs. Naturally, there is 24 hour room service throughout the hotel, and a same day dry cleaning service is available on request.
Our professional and helpful restaurant staff serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus in the comtemporary and relaxing surroundings of the Junction Restaurant, with the evening meal providing a choice of delicious
a la carte or set menu options. The Junction Bar and Lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere in which guests can enjoy light meals plus a comprehensive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and beverages. While in the better weather, the pretty flower filled courtyard , with feature fountain, is the perfect place for al fresco dining.
For guests who like to keep in trim, the hotel’s Spirit Health and Fitness Club offers an indoor swimming pool, air conditioned gymnasium, sauna, spa pool, and steam room.
To obtain further information on the Holiday Inn Leeds Brighouse, or to book directly, use the link below.
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