Guide to Pontefract Racecourse
Pontefract Races News from Eclipse
Straight from the Horses' Mouth...
Pontefract Racecourse News
About Pontefract Racecourse
Flat
Long Course
Despite having its site reduced by first a railway line and then the M62, Pontefract Racecourse is one of the longest continuous circuits in Europe, at 2m and 125yds.
Oliver Cromwell
Horseracing has taken place in Pontefract since 1648 but after Oliver Cromwell banned the sport it didn’t restart in the town again until 1801.
Racing during WWII
It was one of the few courses to hold racing during WW2 resulting in many races being transferred to Pontefract for that period, including the Ebor Handicap in 1943 and 1944 – normally run at York.
Important Races/Festivals
- June – Pontefract Castle Stakes
- July – Pomfret Stakes
- August – Pipalong Stakes; Flying Fillies’ Stakes
- October – Silver Tankard Stakes
Directions
- Road: The course is half a mile from Junction 32 of the M62.
- Rail: Pontefract has three stations – Pontefract Tanshelf is a five-minute walk from the course. Pontefract Baghill and Pontefract Monkhill are located in the centre of Pontefract. They are five minutes away from the course by taxi.
- Website: www.pontefract-races.co.uk
The Pontefract Racecourse Directory - Local Services
Travelling to Pontefract Races? Want to know where to stay, where to eat, where to get your hair and nails done? How about where the best pubs are and the name of a reliable taxi? We can help. Check back frequently – this section is updated on a regular basis.
