Leicester Racecourse is a dual-race type track located in the small town of Oadby in Leicestershire County, East Midlands, England. It is owned by the Leicester Racecourse Company and has races televised on At The races.
History
The current course came into use in 1883, when it took over the races that were previously held for a century where the present day Victoria Park lies. In the 19th Century, Leicester hosted some of the most priced races in the British Classics category, among them the Portland Stakes and the acclaimed Prince of Wales Stakes.
The course
The track is oval shaped with an extending straight at the start. Its length is close to two miles. It is used both for flat and National Hunt competition, both right-handed. The flat is run on the straight when they are under a mile, and over the 1-mile 5-furlonds oval when they are longer.
The jump-races track is 1-mile six-furlongs in distance. It has ten obstacles in its course- seven fences, two open ditches and a water jump. The finishing kick is usually called upon in the last three furlongs where the gentle track empties out as an uphill. The open ditch previously fourth last in the line of obstacles was moved to the homestretch ahead of the 2009 season, upping the challenge further.
Besides racing, the course offers exquisite facilities for events like meetings and conferences. The Club Room is especially regarded a high quality facility. Access to Leicester is mostly by road or rail. A bus service operates between the course and Leicester train station during race days.
Races
The king Richard III Stakes run in April is the course’s headline race. The Bank Holidays in may are also a major attraction, albeit more as a family fun day than a viewing experience.
Famous horses
The course has seen some big names in its time, including legendary jumper Silver Buick, Zilzal, Corbiere, Time Charter and Seagram.