DONCASTER RACECOURSE Yorkshire
Home of the St Leger Classic Flat Horse Race
Doncaster Racecourse is possibly the best horse racing venue in all of Yorkshire. Racedays at ‘Town Moor’ have been drawing crowds for centuries and Doncaster is widely regarded as one of the finest racecourses in Europe and the best horse racing course in Yorkshire.
Following a recent £34 million redevelopment, racegoers can enjoy an amazing race-day experience at a world-class venue. At the heart of the redevelopment is an impressive new 4-storey Grandstand with spectacular views of all the racing action on the racecourse and stunning new private hospitality suites and a range of places to eat & drink, including luxury dining experiences.
For sheer spectacle, atmosphere and excitement a day’s racing at Doncaster Racecourse is hard to beat. For many it’s an excuse to dress up, especially on Ladies Day when best outfits and hats are de rigueur. Doncaster’s first class facilities offer racegoers a thoroughly modern sporting day out. Comfortable Grandstands provide great viewing, while the paddock allows racegoers to see the runners close up.
Doncaster Racecourse hosts 2 of the UK’s 31 Group 1 Flat races, the St Leger Stakes and the Racing Post Trophy. Doncaster is also home to the world’s oldest race, the Doncaster Cup first run in 1766. With the St Leger, inaugurated 10 years later and the first Classic ever run, the racecourse at Town Moor in the heart of Doncaster in South Yorkshire
Convenient for nearby Sheffield and Leeds, with links to the A1, M1, M18 and M62, Doncaster Racecourse is also easily accessible for most areas of the UK.
St Leger Festival
In 2015 Simple Verse was the first filly to win the Doncaster race for 23 years but was demoted after a stewards’ inquiry into interference during the closing stages. Sensationally she was reinstated as winner of the St Leger after a successful appeal. It was the first time a horse had been disqualified from first place in the race since 1789, and Simple Verse is the first horse to win a British Classic, be disqualified from victory, and then reinstated on appeal.
In 2016 the fairer sex triumphed again when Laura Mongan became the first woman to train a St Leger winner as Harbour Law won the St Leger, as favourite Idaho stumbled and unseated his rider.
The 4-day St Leger Festival is one of the most popular horse racing festivals with the Yorkshire public and where you can enjoy a unique blend of history, top-class horse racing and live entertainment during a 4-day racing extravaganza.
Considered the showpiece ‘jewel in the crown’ of Yorkshire racing, the St Leger Festival is an excuse to dress up, especially on Ladies Day at Doncaster Racecourse, when best outfits and hats are de rigueur.
St Leger Day is the Festival’s flagship race day; when the excitement builds for the Festival’s signature race and the world’s oldest Flat racing Classic, the Ladbrokes St Leger Stakes, bringing the four day racing extravaganza to a dramatic climax.
The St Leger Stakes is open to both 3 year-old colts and fillies. Run over 1m 6f 132 yds, the St Leger provides a stiff test of a horse’s determination and staying power. Like Epsom on Derby Day, the atmosphere on St Leger Day at Doncaster Racecourse is electric.
The St Leger is the last Classic of the year and final race in the British Triple Crown (2000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger). Triple Crown winners are like hens’s teeth. Bahram won it in 1935. 40 years later in 1970, Nijinksy and Lester Piggott win the Crown to make racing history.
Nijinsky + Lester Piggott claim a historic Triple Crown triumph in the 1970 St Leger
It is said: “The fastest horse wins the Guineas, the luckiest horse wins the Derby, but the BEST horse wins the St Leger”.
Racecourse Enclosures & Stands
Click image to enlarge
Doncaster Racecourse has 4 basic ticket types:
- Family
- Grandstand
- County
- Premier
Families are welcome and accompanied children under 18 enter all enclosures FREE (except hospitality suites). Most of the new Grandstand facilities are at ground level, with wheelchair access to all main public areas and lifts to all floors + a disabled viewing area overlooking the track and designated disabled parking close to the main entrance.
FAMILY ENCLOSURE
Facilities include free children’s entertainment on race-days, family lawn and picnic area, outdoor dining outlets, Silver Patriarch Bar, ATM, Tote betting facility and on course bookmakers. No dress code.
GRANDSTAND ENCLOSURE
Grandstand ticket holders can access most racecourse facilities including (unreserved) Grandstand seating, al-fresco seated terrace overlooking the course, Ground Floor Exhibition hall with Ladbrokes Betting Shop, betting ring, bars and places to eat & drink, including the Earl Champagne Bar and food to enjoy ‘on the go’ from the Food Court situated on the ground floor of the Lazarus Stand, plus close-up access to the Parade Ring, Saddling Boxes, Winners Enclosure and Family Enclosure. No dress code.
COUNTY ENCLOSURE
County Enclosure ticket holders enjoy the ultimate social experience with access to modern, comfortable facilities on 3 floors of the Lazarus Stand with a choice of bars and places to eat, the Capital FM Champagne Lawn, Silks Champagne Bar & Restaurant, Hallam FM Champagne Lawn, The Old Weighing Room Restaurant & Champagne Bar, viewing access to the Saddling Boxes, Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure. Dress code is smart attire, (no jeans, sportswear or trainers). Gentlemen must wear a collared shirt. Applies to under 18’s. County Enclosure tickets sell out quick! Book online in advance.
PREMIER SUITE
Experience a day’s racing from the exclusive glass-fronted Premier Suite & Private Bar located on the 3rd floor of the Lazarus Stand (in the main Grandstand) with an uninterrupted ‘bird’s eye’ view of the racecourse. Guest numbers are limited to ensure exclusivity, maximum comfort and first class service. Early booking is advisable. Premier Enclosure guests can access ALL Racecourse Enclosures. Dress code is smart attire, (no jeans, sportswear or trainers). Gentlemen must wear a collared shirt. Also applies to under 18’s.
The Racetrack
Doncaster Racecourse is the busiest dual turf racetrack in the UK. With both Flat & Jumps racks it hosts a mix of 35 National Hunt and Flat race meetings each year.
JUMPS COURSE: Left-hand pear shaped track almost perfectly flat with a run-in of just over 240yds. 11 very easy fences and 7 hurdles per circuit.
FLAT COURSE: Left-hand almost perfectly flat track with a run-in of just over 4f. High numbers best on the straight course.
Doncaster Racecourse Hospitality
St Leger Festival restaurants & hospitality are popular and receive top ratings and TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
LINCOLN RESTAURANT
The Lincoln Restaurant in the Premier Suite on the 3rd floor of the Lazarus Stand, is the Racecourse’s most prestigious dining experience, with uninterrupted views of the racecourse from your designated seated viewing terrace and table reserved for the day. Totepool betting facilities let you place your bets from the comfort of your seat. Optional priority parking. Capacity is strictly limited to ensure exclusivity. Early booking is strongly advised for the St. Leger. Dress code is smart attire, (no jeans, sportswear or trainers). Gentlemen must wear a collared shirt. Also applies to under 18’s.
CHAMPAGNE PAVILION RESTAURANT
The Champagne Pavilion Restaurant specially designed marquee + Champagne Lawn is set in manicured gardens spreading out towards the track.
CONDUIT BISTRO
Located on the 2nd level of the Lazarus Stand the glass-fronted Conduit Restaurant offers a stylish yet relaxed Bistro style dining atmosphere. Floor to ceiling glass windows offer fantastic views of the Racecourse and plasma screens ensure you’ll never miss any of the racing action.
CLUB 1766 MARQUEE
Club 1776 Restaurants & Private Chalets in the center of the course let you choose either the Minster track-side or Triple Crown restaurant positioned opposite the Winning Post for action packed views. Club 1776 guests have exclusive car park access, a private bar, Tote pool betting, dedicated race-day host and programme, racing newspapers, + access to the County and Grandstand Enclosures. Dress code is smart attire, (no jeans, sportswear or trainers). Gentlemen must wear a collared shirt. Also applies to under 18’s.
RACECOURSE SUITES & BOXES
A private box at the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival is the best way to enjoy complete exclusivity if your party size exceeds 20 guests. A private box offers superb views of the racecourse both through the glass and when you step out on to your own private balcony.
Day 3 of the St Leger Festival is traditionally a corporate affair and Doncaster Racecourse private boxes and hospitality suites offers plenty of choice for businesses to enjoy and offer their guests corporate hospitality whilst watching the very best racing action.
LAZARUS STAND BOXES
The entire 4th floor of the Lazarus Stand is devoted exclusively to hospitality. Offering an impressive array of luxurious, modern and fully equipped private boxes and suites for groups of between 20 and 120 racegoers. With unrivalled views across the course, a box in the spectacular Lazarus Stand will afford you a fabulous raceday experience in the most sumptuous surroundings. Choice of private box packages available.
ST LEGER STAND BOXES
The St. Leger Stand boxes offer stunning views over the Racecourse. Based on four levels with a single box accommodating a minimum of 20 guests, with the boxes on the first level having sliding internal walls offering flexible accommodation for a maximum of 120 guests. All the boxes have private viewing balcony and are conveniently serviced with Tote and toilet facilities. Choice of private box packages available.
PRIVATE SUITE / BOX PACKAGE OPTIONS
- Entrance Ticket and Private Box Badge
- Reserved Car parking (1 per 2 guests)
- Morning Coffee and Biscuits on arrival
- Grande Marque Champagne reception with Canapés
- Luxury Four Course Plated Luncheon
- Bar Facility with Account or Pre-paid Options
- Traditional afternoon tea
- Race-card
- Racing newspapers
- Corporate signage
- Services of Racecourse Hospitality staff
- Tote facility
- Closed circuit television with full race coverage
- Full complimentary bar or cash bar (Pay As You Go)
Racecourse Map + Contact Details
| Address | The Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ |
| Phone | 01635 40015 |
| Website | http://newburyracecourse.co.uk |
| [email protected] | |
| Tickets | newburyracecourse.co.uk/tickets |
| Rail | Station (service from London Paddington) adjoins course |
| Driving | Free Parking. SE of Newbury near A34. Signposted from M4 + A34 |
Don’t rush off after racing ends each day during the St Leger Festival. Doncaster Racecourse has some great live entertainment for you after the last race each day. Check out our local services Directory for more great places to go and things to do near the racecourse.
LOCAL SERVICES DIRECTORY
Find all you need to go racing: ticket offers, travel, hotels, hospitality, entertainment after racing, what to wear, tipping, racehorse syndicate opportunities & more here:
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