Lingfield Park Racecourse
Introduction
Known as “leafy” or “lovely” Lingfield because of its attractive surroundings, Lingfield Park racecourse is situated in the Surrey countryside, just 21 miles from central London. It is the only polytrack in Britain, allowing for year round flat racing, and jump meetings between December and late March. With over 90 meetings a year, it is one of the busiest racecourses in Europe.
The flat turf course is a left-handed undulating triangle, 1 mile 4 furlongs in length, with a 3.5 furlong run-in, while the straight turf course is 7 furlongs 140 yards in length. The £3 million all-weather polytrack is 1 mile 2 furlongs in length and is a left handed triangle with a gradual bend into the back straight. The jumps course is left handed, undulating and sharp. Finally, the chase circuit is 1 mile 5 furlongs long, whilst the hurdles course is slightly shorter.
History
Lingfield Park Racecourse
Lingfield Park estate dates back to the 19th century and there are records going even further back, to the 15th century, proving that the area has been used for recreational purposes for hundreds of years. The new railway arrived in the area in the 1880s, making it a popular haunt for both London socialites and royalty alike. In 1890, the course was opened by the Prince of Wales, who would later become Edward VII. It was initially a jumps course but, four years later in 1894, it became a flat racing course as well.
Racing has taken place at Lingfield ever since, except during World War II when the course was requisitioned by the War Office. In the years after racing resumed, flooding was a big problem, meaning that Lingfield’s previously high reputation was damaged. In 1982, however, after the course had been sold to Ladbrokes, the owners invested in flood defences and, following the replacement in 2001 of the Equitrack all weather course with Polytrack, the new owners, Arena Leisure PLC, are justifiably proud to have one of the best surfaces in the world.
Fixtures
For full details of all fixtures see the appropriate page of the official website.
Tickets
Tickets can be bought online, by telephone or on the gate at the following prices
Winter meetings(1st Oct to 30th April)
This list excludes Winter Derby Trials and International Trials:
- Pre paid - £13 (including a free race card)
- Pre paid for groups of 10 or more - £11 (including a free race card)
- On the Gate - £13
Summer Weekday (1st May to 30th September)
- Pre paid - £15 (including a free race card)
- Pre paid for groups of 10 or more - £13 (including a free race card)
- On the gate - £15
Summer Weekends (1st May to 1st September)
- Pre paid - £15 (including a free race card)
- Pre paid for groups of 10 or more - £13 (including a free race card)
- On the gate - £20
National Hunt Race Meetings
- Pre paid - £15 (including a free race card)
- Pre paid for groups of 10 or more - £13 (including a free race card)
- On the gate - £15
Winter Derby Trial and International Trial
- Pre paid - £15 (including a free race card)
- Pre paid for groups of 10 or more - £13 (including a free race card)
- On the gate - £20
- Parking - Free
- Children under 16 - Free if accompanied by an adult (max of 2 children per adult)
If you attend Lingfield regularly then an Annual badge makes financial sense. For further information, including prices, phone 01342 834 800. This is also the number for finding out more about the dual membership packages available for Lingfield and Folkestone racecourses. Membership benefits include admission to other racecourses on a reciprocal basis, four guest passes per year, exclusive use of a bar, discounts for golf and free parking.
Eating and Drinking
There is a good variety of places to eat and drink at Lingfield, varying from the Trackside Restaurant, which serves a four course carvery meal, the Champagne and Seafood Courtyard, traditional fish and chips at the Fish and Chip bar, and various outlets which sell snacks, soups and sandwiches.
Dress Code
Shirts must be worn at all times and t-shirts, casual shorts and ripped jeans are not allowed. Smart jeans are permissible, as are tailored shorts on particularly hot days.
Travel
By Road
The racecourse is easily accessible from Junction 6 of the M25 or Junction 10 of the M23. For more details, including a map, click here.
By Rail
Lingfield station is served by a direct service from London Victoria and London Bridge, both of which take 45 minutes. The racecourse is a five minute walk from the station.
By Air
Gatwick Airport is 20 minutes from Lingfield and helicopters can land at the course by prior arrangement.
Contacts
Lingfield Park Racecourse & Golf Club
Racecourse Road
Lingfield
Surrey
RH7 6PQ
Tel: 01342 834800
Fax: 01342 835874
Email: [email protected]