There are 60 racecourses in the UK and if you are a racing enthusiast, there are good reasons to visit them all. However, some racecourses have features that set them apart from the others. We take a look at a handful that can claim to be truly unique including the highest, lowest, oldest, and newest venues in the UK.
The Highest Racecourse in the UK
The highest racecourse in the UK is Exeter racecourse which is located in the Haldon Hills just a few miles outside the city of Exeter in Devon. The track stands at 850 feet (260 meters) above sea level. Thanks to its elevated location, National Hunt racing fans can enjoy spectacular views while checking the latest horse racing odds and wagering on key races such as the Grade 2 Gold Cup race held in November each year.
The racecourse takes the honor of the highest in the UK by just 50 feet (15.25 meters) ahead of Hexham racecourse in Northumberland. The highest racecourse to host flat racing is also in the southwest of England in the county of Somerset. Bath racecourse stands at 780 feet (238 meters) above sea level on the Lansdown Plateau.
The Lowest Racecourse in the UK
At the opposite end of the scale is Huntingdon Racecourse in Brampton near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and Great Yarmouth Racecourse in Norfolk. Both of these courses have been measured at just 33 feet (10 meters) above sea level. Huntingdon hosts jump meetings, while Great Yarmouth is a flat racing course.
Oldest & Smallest UK Racecourse
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest racecourse in the UK is Chester racecourse. Records indicate that racing began there in 1539, although it is thought that some events were held more than 20 years earlier. Chester also has the honor of being the smallest of the UK’s major race tracks covering a distance of just 1 mile and 1 furlong (1.8 km). It is one of the most popular venues amongst race fans thanks to its excellent facilities and close proximity to the city center. The most popular event is the famous May Festival which features the historic Chester Cup.
Newest Racecourse in the UK
Ffos Las racecourse in Carmarthenshire, Wales is officially the newest in the UK, having opened its gates for the first time in 2009. The 10,000 capacity venue was built on the site of one of the region’s former coal mines and boasts some of the most spectacular views in racing.
As a result, it has become a popular destination venue for horse racing fans from all over the UK and beyond. To add to its appeal, the course was chosen as the venue for the Welsh Champion Hurdle in 2010 and has hosted the race ever since.
These are just a few of the racecourses in the UK that can boast unique claims to fame while also offering an excellent day for racing fans out in some of the country’s most spectacular settings.