For sheer spectacle, atmosphere and excitement, a day at Doncaster Racecourse is a tradition that is hard to beat. Race days at Town Moor have been drawing appreciative crowds for centuries, and Doncaster has long been regarded as one of the finest racecourses in Europe and the best place for horse racing in Yorkshire.
Doncaster is among the oldest and most historic centres for horse racing in Britain, with records of regular meetings dating back to the 16th century. In 1600, the town's corporation attempted to halt the races due to the unruly crowds they drew. However, by 1614, the effort was abandoned, and a dedicated racecourse was officially established instead.
More history was made at Doncaster in 1992 when it staged the first-ever Sunday meeting on a British racecourse. A crowd of 23,000 turned up despite there being no betting. Doncaster Racecourse has thrived ever since and is now owned by Arena Racing Company, the largest racecourse operator in the UK.
Recently seeing a £34 million redevelopment, the racecourse is a world-class venue for racegoers to enjoy during race days. At the heart of this new development is an impressive five-storey grandstand. The main stand includes stunning new private hospitality suites, a wide range of places to eat and drink, plus luxury dining experiences.
Doncaster holds the unique honour of both opening and closing the flat turf racing season. Each September, it stages the renowned four-day St Leger Festival, widely regarded as the highlight of the autumn sporting calendar. The racecourse has also become home to historic fixtures from other venues, such as the Lincoln Handicap, which moved to Doncaster in 1965 after its original course closed.
