Thirsk Races

One of the most beautiful country courses in Yorkshire, the Thirsk Races are held between the North Yorkshire Moors and the Dales, and offers easy access from both road and rail. The course at Thirsk is quite compact, giving it a more cosy friendly feeling - but still maintains excellent facilities throughout. The Thirsk Races took places in the year 1740, but it wasn't until the northern rail links to the area were developed that the Thirsk Races became a popular spectator sport and drew in the larger crowds. The permanent racecourse at Thirsk was opened on March 15th 1855 on Station Road, and allows excellent access to the rail links then ensured its success. Over the years, the standard and the competitors at the Thirsk races have improved steadily, and today the Thirsk Races offer a great deal of prize money, which attracts a good class of horse from all over the country. In 2009 there are 14 meetings to be held between the Thirsk Races season of April to September.

Thirsk Races Information

Between April to September, the course at Thirsk is used solely for flat racing, with the course itself made up of two sections. The first section is a straight course covering 6 furlongs, which runs parallel to Station Road, the start being close to Thirsk Railway Station, with the Winning Post in front of the Thirsk Races grandstand. In addition to this, there is also a left hand circuit, which joins the straight course around three furlongs from home, and is around and a quarter miles in length. There are three enclosures at Thirsk, with all of them offering Tote betting points, these are: Members - Offering two bars, a buffet and the premier restaurant Hambleton Rooms. Paddock - With hot and cold meals available in four bars and two cafes. Family - The Family Enclosure is ideal for picnickers and, as the name suggests, who can park their cars close by and make use of the space beside the course. There is also children's entertainment at the family enclosure.

Getting There

By car, the town of Thirsk is 24 miles north-west of York, with the course itself on the west of the town, on the A61 Thirsk to Ripon road. This road also connects to the A1 and the A19. Car parking is available on the opposite side of Station Road where the course is located, which is a short walk from all the enclosures entrances. A couch park is also available nearby. Unlike some courses, the town of Thirsk is only a short walk from the entrances, and provides many local amenities such as a cash machine. If travelling by rail, Thirsk Station is around half a mile from the Thirsk Races course, which is a 10 minute walk. Regular services run directly from Manchester, Leeds, York and Middlesbrough. If using the East Coast Main Line services, passengers should change at York if arriving from the south, or Darlington and Northallerton from the north. Prior arrangements can be made for helicopters to land on the cricket pitch by the race course. In addition to this, fixed wing aircraft can land at RAF Leeming, which is 12 miles from Thirsk, and light aircraft may land at Bagby, which is 3 miles from the course.