Cartmel Races

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The Cartmel Races have a rich history, with the first recorded races at Cartmel held in 1865, but, races are rumoured to have begun unofficially in Cartmel long before that when monks in a nearby priory raced their mules - right back in the middle of the 15th century! The grounds of Cartmel can be found on the Holker Estate, a historic and beautiful area, which is enhanced by the course and it's facilities being less bulky and sprawling than many other racecourse in Britain today. This gives the Cartmel Races a unique charm, and a more warmer and community feel from racing. The horse racing, of course, is the major attraction at Cartmel, but other Cartmel Races include competitive Summer Jump Racing as well as a whole host of entertainment and family friendly events boasting a variety of trade stands, bars and cafes - including the unique Cartmel Fun Fair, well-loved by the younger race-goers. Over it's history, and more significantly in recent years, the course has been improved substantially - with a new irrigation system installed on the track to keep it in tip-top condition.

Other improvements include the demolishing of the old grandstand in 2004, replaced by a new grandstand with a whole host of first class facilities for both race goers and jockeys and officials, including grander hospitality facilities and restaurants. The Estate at Cartmel recently took more direct control of how the Cartmel Races are managed, and are keen not only to have Cartmel expand and draw even more race goers and visitors, but also retain the historical essence of Cartmel itself.

Cartmel Races Information

The Cartmel Races are solely National Hunt races, with the course running left-handed in a sharp and narrow oval shape. What makes the Cartmel course so different is the home straight - as it veers off and dissects the main oval. The circuit covers just over 1 mile 1 furlong, and boasts the longest run-in in the country at just over 4 furlongs. The steeplechase course at Cartmel has 6 fences including a water jump and an open ditch, while the hurdle course has four obstacles. The course is so narrow around the last hurdle that it is often removed during steeplechase races and rebuilt again just for the hurdle events. Children under the age of 16 are admitted to the Cartmel Races free of charge. There are two enclosures at Cartmel, the Paddock Enclosure and the Course Enclosure.

Getting There

If arriving by car, leave the M6 at Junction 36 then follow the A591 then A590 towards Barrow in Furness. There will be AA signs directing visitors to the course on race days from the motorway - well in advance of the often-missed local turn-off to the last few miles to the Cartmel Racecourse, as it does follow quite narrow country lanes. Be aware these lands often can get congested, and it is advised you arrive early or allow extra time to get to the course on major race-days. Upon arrive, there is free car parking available in the Paddock Enclosure. The nearest railway station is the Cark-in-Cartmel or the Grange-over-Sands Station, and there is a race day bus service provided to the racecourse. Prior arrangements can also be made to land helicopters at the racecourse.