Pontefract Racecourse Guide

With meetings taking place between April and October, Pontefract Racecourse is one of the most popular tracks to visit in the summer in the north of England, with visitors able to watch an array of Flat meetings.

The Yorkshire track is a great place for the family, with three Family Sunday meetings every year in their limited season.

Pontefract Racecourse Location

Where is Pontefract Racecourse?

Pontefract is located in the West Yorkshire town bearing the same name, an historic market town in the recognised district of the City of Wakefield, sitting to the east of Wakefield and south of Castleford.

Pontefract Racecourse is situated just half a mile from Junction 32 of the M62 on the outskirts of Pontefract.

How to get to Pontefract Racecourse

By Train

There are three rail stations in Pontefract – Monkhill, Baghill and Tanshelf. Pontefract Tanshelf is more or less opposite the entrance to Pontefract Park, home of the racecourse, whereas Monkhill and Baghill stations are fairly centrally located in Pontefract and are around two to three miles from the course.

By Bus

There is a bus stop just outside Pontefract Park and it is easy to walk to the Racecourse from this stop, which is serviced by West Yorkshire Metro. 

By Car

Leave the M62 at Junction 32 and follow the signs for the Racecourse towards Pontefract town centre.

As you follow the road towards the Town Centre, the Racecourse is situated on the right hand side in Pontefract Park.

Pontefract Racecourse Layout

Pontefract Racecourse is a left-handed track which is known for its sharp and testing oval.

The track is just over two miles in full, while the finishing post comes after a short, two-furlong straight.

The final three furlongs are all uphill, including the turn for home, so it makes positioning crucial. There are undulations throughout the track, and horses have to overcome a stiff climb before they reach the finishing stretch.

Due to the uneven ground, jockeys have often described Pontefract as one of the toughest challenges and riders that go for home too early can often be reeled in late.

Enclosures and Viewing Areas

Pontefract offers a variety of packages for a truly unique and memorable raceday experience.

• Restaurants - There are several different dining options at Pontefract Racecourse including The Park Suite or Dine & View, as well as casual options such as the Premier Sports Cafe Bar and the 'Pizza In The Paddock' Bar.
• Bars - There are a number of bars throughout the Racecourse including the Grandstand & Paddock Riders Bar, Furlong Bar, Balcony Bar and Premier Sports Cafe Bar.
• Premier Enclosure – Offers a mix of eating and drinking including the Champagne Bar with a full bar service and a selection of seafood sandwiches.
• Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure – A self-service dining room, Lounge Bar, Kiosk Bar, Tea Bar and Fast food mobile units including Burgers, Ice Creams etc.

Key Races at Pontefract

Pontefract may not host any Group races, but their main five races per year all take place at Listed level.

The Pontefract Castle Stakes is the pick of the bunch, and it has taken place at the Yorkshire track since 2005. The one-and-a-half-mile contest was once open to all horses but is now strictly for fillies and mares.

Pontefract is part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire initiative along with the wider county's other eight racecourses - Beverley, Catterick, Doncaster, Redcar, Ripon, Thirsk, Wetherby and York.

It is well supported by jockeys and trainers from around the country and due to the fact it hosts plenty of novice and maiden races, it can help unearth some stars of the future.

Pontefract Racecourse History

While some tracks are suited to the most dedicated racing fan, Pontefract prides itself on the family atmosphere, with people of all ages and backgrounds able to enjoy the action.

There is a relaxed atmosphere at Pontefract, and it is a great way to introduce newcomers without them being overwhelmed.

Pontefract Racecourse Opening Date

Racing is recorded as having taken place in Pontefract as early as 1648, just before the local Castle was taken by the forces of Oliver Cromwell, while the townsfolk restarted the sport in 1801 and it has continued since.

During the Second World War, Pontefract stepped in to stage races such as the Lincoln and the November Handicap.