Worcester Racecourse is a great day out for all of the family. With top-class National Hunt racing and themed days, it is known as the course of Summer Jumps. Yet it has not always been a spot reserved for racing alone. Below, we discuss the history of the course and why you should visit.
The Early Days of Worcester Racecourse
It is believed that racing on the site of Worcester Racecourse dates back as far as 1718. The area was, and still is, known to the locals as Pitchcroft. Since that time it has had more than its fair share of action. In 1824 it held a series of bare-knuckle boxing bouts.
In 1893 Worcester Rugby Club took up part of the grounds as their residence. This continued for several years afterward. When Berwick Rangers football club was liquidated, they joined forces with Worcester Rovers and combined into Worcester City FC. Their first home was Severn Terrace. Today, this is the section of the course behind the Swan Theatre. They played there until 1905, which was also the year they reached the first round of the FA Cup for a short while.
The National Hunt Era
In 1966 the track changed from a flat racing course to a National Hunt. This may have had something to do with its previous year when an 8-race card somehow managed to feature 229 runners in January of 1965. It now holds 20 National Hunt races a year, starting in April and ending in October. When summer jumping was introduced it was chosen as one of the first courses where this took place. The track has even seen royalty ride a winner when Princess Anne rode her horse Cnoc Na Cuille to a win here.
Many of these days are also themed. Annual events include Ladies Day in June and the Pershore Plum Festival in August. Events can often change each year with new and exciting themes. For example, this August a Rum and Reggae night will take place. For family-orientated events, a Dino Fun Day will be held on the 1st of September just before the children go back to school.
People attend the course for different reasons. Many come to make a bet and see if they can win some money. Others come for the hospitality on offer. With the shift to a digital society, racing has become more accessible to the public. It is now even possible to become part of a syndicate in racehorse ownership for a low entry price. With access to all the information in a handy app, it is an easy way to add even more excitement to a race day, especially if your horse manages to come to Worcester to race.
The Layout of Worcester Racecourse
The course itself is a left-handed oval. It has a distance of around 13 furlongs. There are five fences down the back straight and four in the home straight.
Worcester is made even more beautiful by its geography. The bank of the River Severn lies on one side and you can see Worcester Bridge from certain sections. Unfortunately, this has also caused problems. In 2007 the river flooded, causing the cancellation of many races.
It is now owned by the Arena Racing Company. They own 39% of the country’s racing fixtures so it is in safe hands. If you haven’t visited before, then check the website for upcoming events, set a bankroll, and head down to Worcester Races for a fun-filled day out.
