|
Pontefract Racecourse: Europe's Longest Continuous Circuit!
Pontefract Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racecourse located in West Yorkshire, England. It is known to possess the longest continuous circuit of its kind in Europe.
Pontefract Racecourse typically hosts about sixteen flat race meetings in a year. The races are usually held between April and October of each year.
Pontefract Racecourse has always been a popular racecourse and never fails to attract a big crowd during race days.
Pontefract Racecourse Description:
Pontefract Racecourse has a left-handed, undulating 2-mile circuit, with a straight of just over 2 furlongs. It is oval in shape and the bends are quite tight. The last 6 furlongs of the racecourse is essentially uphill.
The draw favors the ones with the low numbers at sprint races.
Pontefract Racecourse Facilities:
There are 4 enclosures at Pontefract Racecourse:
- The Premier Enclosure
- The Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure
- The Silver Enclosure
- The Picnic Enclosure
There are a variety of bars and food outlets in all enclosures.
Pontefract Racecourse History:
-
On 5 October 1790, it is said that very first horse race at Pontefract occurred in the park in the rough confinements of the present racecourse.
-
In 1801, the second meeting at Pontefract was said to have taken place based on evidence discovered.
-
In 1802, Pontefract Racecourse introduced the 20-year badge that gave its holders 20-year entry to the racecourse. The revenues collected were used to build the first Grandstand.
-
In 1803, the Pontefract Cup was first held.
-
In 1879, Pontefract Racecourse had its second grandstand.
-
In 1922, a new Grandstand was opened.
-
In 1983, the shape of the racecourse was changed from that of a horseshoe to an oval.
-
From 1995 to 1999, there have been a lot of refurbishments that led to improvement in Pontefract Racecourse's facilities.
| 
UK
US
CAN
AUS
HK
