York Racecourse Guide

York Racecourse is one of the oldest racecourses in the country and is home to some of racing's biggest festivals. Since the 16th century, York has been home to horse racing and in the modern day, it produces some of the biggest prizes in the country. In fact, only Ascot offers more prize money per meeting than at York. To help you out ahead of a day at the races, Bet UK have put together a complete York racecourse guide with everything you need to know.

Bet on Racing at York

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Where is York Racecourse?

York Racecourse is one of the few courses that is actually within walking distance of the city centre. Found in the south west of the city, it is also known as the Knavesmire, a name dating back to medieval times. Transport to the racecourse is straightforward, with shuttle buses and car parking both readily available.

The track at York racecourse

York racecourse is one where a lot of punters still haven't quite figured out who this track suits best. Do top jockeys want to be at the front of the pack or does being the last to challenge give you an advantage here? Generally, from our experience at York, those that start at the front, more often than not, end up closer towards the back.

The track itself is left-handed and is ideal for horses that are excellent over long distances, if conditions lead to the ground being soft, Knavesmire could turn into a nightmare, particularly with a 6f straight.

What famous races take place at York?

If you're looking to visit York, you may be interested in York races where a world class horseracing experience comes from the first race of the day to the last. The most famous races at the racecourse can be found during the flat racing season, with three group one races in August, 10 group two races between May and August and six group three races during the same period. The highlights of York races come in the group one races, which are:

• International Stakes
• Yorkshire Oaks
• Nunthorpe Stakes

How To Get To York Racecourse

Driving to York Racecourse

Although there are a few different ways to get to York racecourse, it is advised that on race days, you should enter through the south entrance at the A64. Regardless of where you are driving from, this makes driving to the racecourse more straightforward. Simply drive along the A1 until you reach exit 44. From there, head towards York on the A64, where you will see the racecourse on your left-hand side. On race days, there will be plenty of traffic signs telling you where to go, so just stick on the A64 until you are directed elsewhere.

Car Parking At York Racecourse

Car Parking at York Racecourse is free to all spectators, although it will be a first come first served. If you are unable to get parking at the racecourse, then there is paid parking at York Station which isn’t far away, as well as plenty of options in York City Centre. With transport around York easy to get by on, don’t worry if you can’t get a space at the racecourse.

Getting The Train To York Racecourse

York racecourse is luckily just 1.5 miles away from York train station, so getting there by train is a viable option. York is one of the more popular stations in the UK, so regular trains will be running from all major stations across the country. From the station, you can get the number 197 Shuttle Bus which runs regularly on race days, taking you directly to the racecourse. If you fancy the walk, then head out the station and turn right onto Station Road. Turn right again onto Blossom Street before heading along Knavesmire Road to take you direct to the racecourse.

What Is The Course Like At York?

York racecourse is one of the most popular racecourses for jockeys and fans alike. York is a very fair and even course throughout the track, unlike Cheltenham for example, which has the famous hill at the end of its course. The course is left handed, flat throughout and wide enough for a huge field of runners.

York racecourse oozes sporting excellence with award winning facilities that match-up to the fabulous days of racing across the flat season

Racing Meetings At York Racecourse

York hosts some of the highlights of the summer racing schedule. The season gets underway in May with the Dante Festival. Throughout the Dante are two trials for the Epsom Derby and Epsom Oaks - the Dante Stakes and the Musidora Stakes respectively. The highlight however is the famous Ebor Festival in August. It doesn’t get bigger than the Ebor at York, with plenty of Group 1 races and the Ebor Stakes offering some of the biggest prizes in horse racing. Get today on Horse Racing at York.

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