Uttoxeter Racecourse
Introduction
Situated in Staffordshire between Stoke-on-Trent and Derby, Uttoxeter racecourse offers 24 jump race meetings throughout the year. It has been voted on numerous occasions as Racecourse of the Year and Regional Racecourse of the Year. It is a left handed course of one mile, three furlongs and has some undulation.
History
The race course at Uttoxeter was opened in 1907 as a replacement for Keele racecourse which had recently ceased its activities. There were five meetings held that first year and contemporary
Uttoxeter Racecourse
records show that the course was patronised largely by “the nobility, gentry and sportsmen in the county”. Seven years later on the outbreak of the First World War, racing was suspended throughout the UK, not resuming at Uttoxeter until 1921.
In the inter-war period large crowds enjoyed good quality racing. In 1939 racing was again suspended due to the War and the course was requisitioned by the War Department. Four years later when racing had still not resumed, a committee was set up to investigate the reasons. The problem lay with a farmer who owned a four acre field which formed part of the course. He was not willing to renew the lease to the Racecourse company or to sell it at an affordable price. It looked as though the end had come for Uttoxeter Races.
After much debate, Uttoxeter Urban Council stepped in and funded the purchase of the farmer’s field and three years later racing resumed, much to the delight of the 12,000 people who attended the first meeting. By the mid-sixties it was clear that the course, whilst still very popular, needed a large injection of cash in order to modernise. This was eventually funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board and £167,000 was earmarked for the programme of rebuilding.
In 1988 the course was acquired by Northern Racing and huge investments made, including two new grandstands and a new paddock development. By early in the new millennium, prize money at Uttoxeter had reached the million mark, ensuring that race goers would continue to enjoy some of the finest racing in the country.
Meetings and Tickets
For details of all fixtures see the official website
Tickets normally range from £8 to £32 with the exception of the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National, held each March, when they cost between £12 and £27. The £32 option, the Classic Raceday Package, (not available for the Midlands Grand National) includes admission to the Premier Enclosure, a programme, a welcome drink and afternoon tea, a £5 tote betting voucher, free parking and, subject to availability, a tour of the racecourse. A cheaper package (Fancy a Flutter?) is available at just £25 and aimed at those new to horse racing.
For keen race goers the Annual Badge makes financial sense at £170 and £150 for Seniors. Not only do these badges allow access to all fixtures at Uttoxeter plus many discounts but also give admission to reciprocal events at 33 racecourses and other sporting events in the local area.
Eating and Drinking
There is a wide variety of options for eating and drinking at Uttoxeter, from bars serving hot and cold food, fast food outlets and a good value carvery (2 courses from £11.50) at The Railway Restaurant, to some rather more upmarket alternatives. If you fancy something special, the Hoops Bistro and Champagne Bar serves seafood and light snacks whilst a four course silver service meal is available at Silks Restaurant in the Premier Enclosure for £45.
Dress Code
For all enclosures smart casual is the dress code with further restrictions applying for the Premier Enclosure (no vests, football or rugby shirts, torn or ripped jeans or shorts). Tops must be kept on at all times in all areas.
Contact Details
Wood Lane
Uttoxeter
Staffordshire
ST14 8BD
Tel: 01889 562561
Fax: 01889 562786
E-mail: [email protected]
Directions
By Road
The racecourse is just off the A50 between Burton-on-Trent and Stoke-on-Trent and clearly signposted from the A50, A515 and A518 and the town centre.
By Rail
Direct services link Crewe and Uttoxeter. If you are coming from further afield, take the Intercity train to Derby or Stoke-on-Trent, both of which have connections to Uttoxeter. The railway station at Uttoxeter is adjacent to the racecourse.
By Air
Helicopters can land on the course, provided prior arrangements have been made with the course management.