Warwick Racecourse
Warwick is a mixed racecourse which holds both flat and National Hunt meets throughout the year. Situated within a few hundred yards of Warwick Castle, it is noted for several major races during the course of the season, most notably the Tote Classic Chase which is held on the second Saturday in January. The racecourse has a long history and hosts 23 fixtures a year, opening for a meeting in each of the 12 months.
History
Warwick is one of the oldest racecourses in the country with racing recorded there as early as 1740. As a result of this the course prides itself on its history and heritage. Warwick was the first course in the UK to include a jump race in its programme, establishing National Hunt racing as we know it today.
Warwick Racecourse
Racing in Warwick occurred as early as 1694 when it was introduced in the hope of attracting wealthy investors to the town to help rebuild it after a fire. Warwick held its inaugural race in 1707 but did not have a stand for spectators until 1809. Parts of that stand still occupy space at the racecourse today.
The most famous name to grace the ground at Warwick was the legendary Red Rum who ran out in 1967. The course has had its share of ups and downs: in the 1880s racing at Warwick was reduced to two days but a decade later it became the home of the National Hunt Chase, the second most important chase after the Grand National.
During WWII, the course was closed down and became an Italian PoW camp. Over the years, the course has been graced by many greats from Red Rum to jockey Lester Piggott.
Major Races and Events
The most valuable race held at Warwick is the Tote Classic Chase which is worth £75,000 to the winner. This is a 3 mile 5 furlong jump race held during a meeting on the second Saturday of January. The other notable jump race is the Kingmaker Novices Chase Day which is a festival trials meeting in February that usually gives clues for the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals.
The highlight of the flat racing at Warwick is the Listed Eternal Stakes which takes place during June and boasts a prize pot of £30,000. Another notable race at Warwick takes place on New Year’s Eve and is an afternoon jump race starting at 12.40pm. Further fixture information can be obtained on the fixtures page.
Ticket Information
Tickets can sometimes be bought at the entrance depending on the meeting. If you prefer to book in advance, you can buy tickets and badges on the website or by telephoning the course on 01926 491553.
Ticket prices in the main enclosure are £15 for midweek meetings and £18 for weekend or Bank Holiday meetings. During Bank Holiday meetings, spectators can also go ‘on course’ for £8. Junior and senior tickets are available and cost £12 for weekend and Bank Holiday meetings and £10 for midweek meetings.
The racecourse also offers several different packages which include food, drinks and a betting voucher, details of which can be found here.
Travel
By Car
Warwick Racecourse is situated in the heart of England, with easy access from a number of main routes: M40 (Junction 15), M42, M5 and M6. The racecourse is located on Hampton Street, just off the A429 as you enter Warwick. There is ample free parking available on site in the centre of the course.
By Train
Warwick Racecourse is served by two rail stations, both on the same line. Warwick Parkway is on the other side of town from the racecourse and would require a taxi, whilst Warwick station is located in the centre of town. It should take around 15 minutes to walk to the racecourse from Warwick Station.
By Bus
Stagecoach run various services (the X17, 16/18, 66 or 68) which run near to the racecourse. Details of these can be found here.
By Air
The racecourse is within 20 miles of both Coventry and Birmingham airports. You can find a route from Coventry airport here. and from Birmingham Airport here.
Contact Information
Warwick Racecourse
Hampton Street
Warwick
CV34 6HN
Tel: 01926 491553
Fax: 01926 403223
Email: [email protected]
For any further information and a more detailed look at the course visit their website.