Banger-on-Dee Racecourse

Bangor-on-Dee racecourse is a left-handed jumps racecourse in Northern Wales that is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Although it has 15 fixtures throughout the year, it is the only racecourse in the country that doesn’t have a grandstand.

History

Race events have been taking place at Bangor-on-Dee since as long ago as 1859, and it is currently the only racecourse in North Wales. Due to there being no grandstand, races are viewed from the grass banks surrounding the track.

However, a major change was made to the track in

1947 when a hurdle course was made to attract more entries and better horses.

The racecourse has attracted many talented and famous racers during its time, with the most famous being Fred Archer in the late 19th century who won 2748 races and who became Champion jockey 13 times before he took his own life in 1886.

In 1969 the racecourse was refused a licence to race, due to sheep grazing on the course. The former Lord Kenyon was told to shut down the racecourse by the Clerk of the Course, Major Gilbert Cotton, but thankfully he ignored this advice and the racing continued.

The racecourse has improved significantly over the past ten years. For example a new weighing room complex was built in 1997 to replace the old one that was built in 1927. Bangor-on-Dee will be celebrating its 150th racing anniversary in 2009.

Racecourse Events

To see a full list of fixtures, go to Bangor-on-Dee races

Other Information

As well as the racecourse, there are catering facilities such as a branch of Heathcoates at Bangor-on-Dee, which owns two restaurants at the racecourse, The Paddock Restaurant and Wynnstay Restaurant which caters for weddings, business or private events. Bookings can be made at Bangor-on-Dee Restaurants

There is no specific dress code at Bangor-on-Dee racecourse although visitors are advised to wear smart/casual clothing.

Helicopter landing facilities are also available at the racecourse. To book a landing, call 01978 782 081.

Ticket Information

Price guide is as follows:

Paddock Enclosure:

• £17 if bought on the day
• £16 if bought in advance

Course Enclosure:

• £8 if bought on the day
• £7 if bought in advance

Children under 16 are admitted free.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online at Bangor-on-Dee races or alternatively you can call the Box Office on 01244 304610. Please note there is an additional £2.50 administration charge.

Contact Details

Address

The Racecourse
Bangor-on-Dee
Wrexham
LL13 0DA

Telephone

01978 780323

Fax

01978 780985

Travel Information

By car:

From the South - Take the M6 to the M54 then A41 to Whitchurch and A525 to Bangor-on-Dee.

From the North - Take the M56 from Manchester, then take the M53 to Chester and A483 to Wrexham.

By train:

Take the train to Wrexham station. From here, there is a free bus service in operation which runs an hour and a half before the first race and which returns at the end of the day.