Sedgefield Races

The Sedgefield Racecourse, home of the Sedgefield Races can be found in the beautiful County Durham countryside, and is well known for having a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Claiming to be "The Friendly Racecourse", the Sedgefield Races provide high quality facilities with views closer to the horse racing action that in more larger courses. Ever since 1732 there has been races held here, with the first recorded Sedgefield races in 1846, with the course at that time part of the Sands Hall Estate, home of the wealthy and well-regarded Ord family and regarded as "the Melton of the North." Many improvements have been made to the Sedgefield Races site over the years, with 1991 seeing the opening of the new Sedgefield Pavilion - which boasts Tote facilities, a public bar, a restaurant and seven private suites for entertaining. In addition to these, corporate facilities were also added to meet public demand, with the Theakston Suite opening in 1995, which also hosts a public bar, three entertaining suites and Tote facilities. Later, in 1996, the whole of the Sedgefield racecourse was given a make-over and a thorough modernisation, with changes in all areas including a new Betting Ring, a re-furbished Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure and a state-of-the-art Weighing Room Complex, which provides the best n facilities for Jockeys and staff. As well as providing medical care, the Complex also hosts the Foster's Stand Public bar with two private suites and an eating area. With all these improvements, its no wonder that Sedgefield is not only known for the Sedgefield Races, but also for its conference, Christmas party, wedding, banqueting and outdoor facilities. Around 19 jump meetings are held at Sedgefield, which span their season of 11 months of the year. Despite the Sedgefield Races only running for 11 months a year, the sports venue centre and it's facilities are available all year round.

Sedgefield Races Information

The course at Sedgefield is designed for National Hunt races, and is a left-handed undulating oval with sharp bends. The chase course is known for its easy fences. In total the circuit spans 1m2f. At one point the course boasted a long run-in, but this was shortened to only 250 yards when a water jump was replaced for the 1992/3 season. Children under the age of 16 are admitted free to the Sedgefield Races, with children's entertainment provided on selected days. There is also an outdoor play area available. Sedgefield Racecourse offers the use of two Enclosures, the Grandstand enclosure and the Course Enclosure. Although there is no strict dress code at Sedgefield, smart/casual wear is recommended, with some smart jeans and trainers permitted. On special race days they encourage members to "dress up", with ladies in hats and men in formal jackets, although high heels are not recommended as much of the course is grassy.

Getting There

Finding the Sedgefield Races by car is simple, and visitors approaching from the north or south are advised to take the A1 motorway and follow the brown Tourist Board signs labelled for the race to the course. If coming from Middlesbrough and the east, it is advised to take the A177 off the A19 and follow the aforementioned signs. The closest railway stations to Sedgefield are Durham at 12 miles away, Stockton-on-Tees at 9 miles and Darlington at 8 miles