Ever since 1755 the Stratford Races has been home to exciting steeple chasing events. Today, they host 18 race meetings a year, with most of these events taking place within the summer months, although special meetings are planned in the winter and spring. Although the course is compact, without the sprawling vast enclosures of the bigger racecourses, the Stratford Races have grown in popularity over the years, and a great deal of funding has been invested into the course, with a brand-new glass-fronted grandstand opened in 1997 and an update of all the facilities to a top of the range, modern standard. In addition to this, the track itself at the Stratford Races is immaculately maintained, and they have recently won a major award for its high standard of care - making the Stratford Races one of the top smaller courses in Britain today. Unlike some major courses, a great characteristic that the Stratford racecourse boasts has always been the friendly way in which it draws its many race goers into all the aspects of going to the races - and the pleasures they bring, as well a the unique Club spirit the course offers, having been the first in the country to form a Racecourse Entertainments Committee.

Stratford Races Information

The course at Stratford is a left-handed National Hunt, flat and sharp and has a short finishing straight. In total, the circuit is 1m 2f. There is no cash point at the racecourse itself, with the nearest cash point to be found in Stratford-upon-Avon Town Centre. All children under the age of 16 are admitted to all enclosures at the Stratford Races completely free of charge, when accompanied by an adult. Private boxes are available, with even the option to spend an entire race day enjoying the view and the excellent hospitality. Race goers are encouraged to dress up for important race days - such as the Pertemps Cup Meeting and the Stratford Races Ladies Day. Otherwise, the code is smart casual in most enclosures and ties and jackets are not obligatory in the Club Enclosure, with the most relaxed enclosure permitting jeans as long as they are not ripped. Clothing that is strictly not permitted include ripped and scruffy denim, beachwear and bare tops, trainers or any extreme type of attire, and race goers who dress in this manner will be refused entry. In addition to this, it is important to remember that the Stratford Races course is mostly grass, and race goers must dress for the weather, and sturdy or flat heeled shoes are important.

Getting There

If travelling by road, the Stratford Races course can be found approximately 15 minutes from Junction 15 of the M40 and 40 minutes from Junction 7 of the M5. Major cities such as Birmingham are only 40 minutes away and London, Cardiff, Bristol and Manchester are all within two hours drive, which makes the town of Stratford, is easily accessible. There is free car parking available at the course itself, but also parking closer to the racing action available which comes with a charge of £3.00 per car. If travelling by rail, from the railway station in Stratford, the Stratford Races can be found a five minute drive away by taxi, or a 25 minute walk through Stratford-upon-Avon.