Very little can match the thrill of a night at the races, and thousands of spectators flock to their local tracks on a regular basis. Evening racing is particularly popular during the summer months, and these sun-soaked meetings provide the perfect opportunity to socialise, enjoy some top-class cuisine and potentially pick some winners along the way. We take a look at three of the racecourses that currently stage regular meetings in the Midlands.
Wolverhampton
Dunstall Park is one of five all-weather racecourses in the UK, and it can also claim to be the first floodlit track in Britain. It regularly stages evening cards, although afternoon racing is also commonplace. In 2014, they replaced the existing polytrack surface with tapeta and this move was well-received by a number of high-profile jockeys.
There is a 400-seat dining area, which is located adjacent to the parade ring enabling visitors to keep their eye on the action, whilst sampling the exceptional three-course menu. There are also three bars located within the stadium, making it quick and convenient to grab a pre-race beverage.
It’s not just the action on the track which keeps visitors suitably entertained with the course hosting regular live music events throughout the year. Ocean Colour Scene, Kaiser Chiefs and Madness have all performed at the venue over the last twelve years. 2019’s Ladies Day will also see Jess Glynne take to the stage post-racing.
Warwick
Warwick Racecourse hosts regular National Hunt meetings throughout the year, with 25 racedays pencilled in for 2019. Since being built in 1808, the track and grandstand have undergone a number of improvements and upgrades in the last decade.
Following an incident in 2014, the course opted to end its commitment to flat racing, and decided to solely focus on jumps action instead. There are a number of notable races taking place at this picturesque racecourse including the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase and the Leamington Novices’ Chase. The latter is seen as a decent warm-up event for the Cheltenham Festival with the 2019 winner Beakstown currently priced up at 33/1 in the betting tips for 2019 Gold Cup for the Ballymore Novice Hurdle.
Located close to Warwick Castle, the track is ideal for holiday-makers and tourists who are searching for an afternoon or evening packed full of entertainment, and it’s the perfect venue for some quality sporting entertainment.
Stratford
Stratford is one of the friendliest tracks in the UK and holds many summer race days between March and November. It is the ideal place to relax in the sunshine and enjoy some top-class action on the turf. It is a relatively small course and very popular with locals.
There are 19 meetings throughout the year and the track has upheld its reputation as one of the leading small jumps venues in the country.
Visitors are likely to relish the welcoming atmosphere and laid-back feel of Stratford racecourse, and all of the amenities are incredibly accessible. Ladies Day is always one of the most popular days of the year, and the course always manages to attract a number of top-class competitors throughout the summer months.
There are a number of tracks within commuting distance of Birmingham, and Midlands-based horse racing enthusiasts are certainly well-catered for. If you’re hoping for an adrenaline-fuelled night out or even a relaxing afternoon in the grandstand, there are a number of racecourses which will cater perfectly for this.