WINCANTON RACES

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: The Racecourse, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 8BJ Tel: 01963 32344 Fax: 01963 34668 Email: wincanton@jockeyclubracecourses.com Website: wincantonracecourse.co.uk

HOW TO GET TO WINCANTON RACES

By Car: Wincanton races is situated off the B3081 between Wincanton and Bruton, which is signposted from the A303. If travelling form the north, follow the A37 to Shepton Mallet, then the A371 to Wincanton. For those travelling from the south, Wincanton races is signposted off the A357. There is plenty of free parking at the course, with allocated spaces for disabled drivers. By Train: The nearest train station is Templecombe, four miles south of Wincanton. On racedays, a courtesy bus service meets trains from Waterloo, providing transport to Wincanton races and returning racegoers at the close of proceedings. Gillingham and Castle Cary stations are also within six miles of Wincanton races, with taxis available.

COURSE DETAILS

The Wincanton course is right-handed, i.e. horses race in a clockwise direction. It is predominantly flat, galloping and very fair track, with wide, easy turns. Races are often run at a frantic pace, and the course is considered an ideal venue for preparatory races in the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival.

FIXTURES

Wincanton races hosts 17 fixtures of quality National Hunt racing from October to May with an average of two meetings per month. Eight race days are on weekends or bank holidays. A full fixture list is available at the Wincanton races website (address above). The Saturday meetings provide some top-quality racing featuring some of the best horses. Sunday and Bank Holiday fixtures are family days providing value for a family day out. Children aged 16 and under gain free admission to all meetings and there is free children's entertainment including a crèche for 3-8 year olds and "Jolly Jumpers" amusements on Sunday meetings.

Principal Races

The Badger Ales Trophy, run over an extended 3m 1f, at the beginning of November, has been won by some very talented horses, while the ToteScoop6 Elite Hurdle, run on the same card, has provided excellent pointers for the future. The 2m Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle, run in February, has proved an important Champion Hurdle trial, with winners Kribensis (1990), Alderbrook (1995), Hors La Loi III (2002) and Katchit (2008) all going on to Cheltenham success in the same year. The 2005 winner, Inglis Drever, was also successful at the Cheltenham Festival, in the 3m World Hurdle.

Feature Racedays

"Countryside Day", in mid April, features terrier and ferret racing, while there is a Ladies' Day at the end of April. The evening meeting in early May offers spring entertainment, music and fun.

HOSPITALITY PACKAGES

A range of hospitality packages are available at Wincanton races, designed for entertaining clients. Such packages include Premier Enclosure admission, a private hospitality facility, the choice of silver service or informal dining and access to betting facilities.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

Both full and half-yearly memberships are available. Contact Wincanton races for full details. Such memberships include admission to the Premier Enclosure, free, privileged parking and a complimentary racecard. 11 reciprocal days at other courses are also offered, along with vouchers for use at Wincanton races, as well as local shops / events.

 TRAINER AND JOCKEY STATISTICS

Full, up-to-date statistics for all Wincanton races fixtures are available from www.racingpost.co.uk on racedays or from approximately 6 p.m. on the previous day.