Sandown Park Racecourse is located in Esher town in the Surrey County of England. It is a dual-race type track owned by the Jockey Club Racehorses, with race meetings televised on Racing UK.
History
The course opened in 1895, over a 3-day Grand National Hunt Chase, which has since moved to Cheltenham. During this race, viewers had to part with half a crown to watch, pitting Sandown among the foremost the first race venues to charge attendance. The Steeplechase run on the Saturday after that firs hunt carried a £2,130 winning prize, the highest paid for a race of the type that season. The construction of a grandstand prior to the 1875 opening made gave it one of the best unobstructed viewing areas, a factor that greatly increased its popularity.
The course
The track is roughly oval, narrow on one side and wide on the other. It has a long straight cutting the oval through the center along its length. It is a gently sloping circuit, with a not-too-steep climb towards the finish. The track hosts both flat and jump races.
The course has retained a modern look at all times, staying ahead of some courses that have done more recent upgrades. A 1972 viewing stand of 76, 000 capacity is to date regarded one of the best place to be on race days.
Access to the course is by car, rail or you can make a helicopter landing on the helipad within the ourse with prior arrangement with the management. The Esher railway station is close nearby, just ten minutes’ walking distance. Dress code is not strict at Sandown, although extreme wear like rugged jeans may be restricted in some areas. Smart casual is the safest bet.
Races
Sandown has a busy calendar, with racing activity held throughout the year. Some of the biggest races, famous jockeys and horses have been here. Think of eight-time champion Desert Orchid, or Arkle.
The Gold Cup, usually run in April, is the course’s main race. The Eclipse Stakes and the Tote Masters are also popular within Sandown’s 29-day fixtures.