Whether you are a first-time visitor to Lingfield or a seasoned racegoer, our guide has something for everyone. We will provide tips on how to get the most out of your race day experience, including advice on local hotel picks, travel information, and betting guides. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the exciting world of Lingfield Races.
Overview of Lingfield Races
Lingfield Races is the only racecourse in the UK to host all three race types: flat turf, flat all-weather, and National Hunt. Our racecourse was established in 1890 and is located close to the borders of Surrey, Sussex, and Kent. It is situated in the beautiful Lingfield Park Resort, which is an estate that spans over 450 acres.
The location makes it a popular venue for horse racing enthusiasts from all over the UK. They offer a unique racing experience with a diverse range of racing types and tracks. The flat turf track is used for the Lingfield Derby and Oaks Trials in May, which are two of the most prestigious fixtures. They also have a jumps racing track on the turf that is used throughout the year.
The all-weather track is one of the best in the country and is used for racing during the winter months. It is a Polytrack surface, which provides a consistent and fair racing surface for all horses. There is a number of fixtures throughout the year on this track, including our popular Winter Derby Day.
Overall, Lingfield Races is a unique and exciting racecourse that offers a diverse range of racing types and tracks. We are proud to be the only racecourse in the UK to host all three race types, and we are committed to providing a high-quality racing experience for all of our visitors.
Understanding the Tracks
At Lingfield, there are three different tracks that are used for racing: the Turf Track, the All-Weather Track, and the Jumps Course. Each track has its own unique features that make it suitable for different types of racing.
Turf Track
The Turf Track at Lingfield is a flat, left-handed course that is just over a mile in length. It is used for Flat Turf racing, which takes place during the summer months. The track is undulating, with a sharp bend and a downhill turn leading into the home straight. The course is known for its testing conditions, particularly when the ground is soft or heavy. Some of the major races on the Turf Track include the Lingfield Derby and Oaks Trials.
All-Weather Track
Lingfield is the only racecourse in the UK to have a Polytrack All-Weather Track, which is used for racing during the winter months. The track is just under a mile in length and is left-handed and flat. The surface is made up of a mixture of recycled rubber, carpets, glue, and sand, and is designed to provide a consistent racing surface in all weather conditions. The All-Weather Track is used for both Flat All-Weather and National Hunt racing.
Jumps Course
The Jumps Course at Lingfield is a right-handed track that is just over a mile in length. It is used for National Hunt racing, which takes place during the winter months. The course features straightforward fences and has a low casualty rate for fallers. The track is sharp and flat, with a long home straight that allows horses to build up a good speed.
Track Features
One of the unique features of Lingfield Racecourse is its location close to the borders of Surrey, Sussex, and Kent. The track is set in the beautiful Surrey countryside and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The course is left-handed and undulating, with a sharp bend leading into the home straight.
Impact of Weather
The weather can have a significant impact on racing at Lingfield. When the ground is soft or heavy, the Turf Track can become very testing, favoring horses with stamina rather than turn of foot. On the All-Weather Track, the surface remains consistent in all weather conditions, but horses that are suited to running on turf may not perform as well on the artificial surface.
Racecourse Facilities
Lingfield Racecourse offers a range of facilities for visitors, including a grandstand and several enclosures. There is ample parking available on site, and visitors can also book accommodation at the Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club through booking.com.
Visiting Lingfield
Lingfield Racecourse is easily accessible by train, with regular services from London Victoria and London Bridge. Visitors can also reach the racecourse by car, with ample parking available on site.
Major Races at Lingfield
Some of the major races that take place at Lingfield include the Lingfield Derby and Oaks Trials, the Winter Derby, and the All-Weather Championships.
Comparisons to Other Racecourses
Lingfield is a unique UK race course for its ability to offer racing on all three types of track – Flat Turf, Flat All-Weather, and National Hunt. Other racecourses that offer similar facilities include Chelmsford City.
Lingfield Race Fixtures
Lingfield Racecourse hosts fixtures throughout the year, with racing taking place on the Turf Track during the summer months and on the All-Weather Track and Jumps Course during the winter months. A full course map and fixture list can be found on the racecourse’s website.
History of Lingfield Races
Lingfield Races has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The first recorded race meeting at Lingfield took place in 1890, and the course has been in operation ever since. Over the years, Lingfield has become one of the most popular racecourses in the UK, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
One of the most significant events in the history of Lingfield Races was the opening of the all-weather track in 1989. This made Lingfield one of the first racecourses in the UK to have an all-weather track, and it has since become a popular venue for all-weather racing.
In recent years, Lingfield Races has continued to innovate and modernize. One notable example of this was the decision to hold racing on Good Friday, a day that had previously been reserved for religious observance. Lingfield made history on April 5th, 2014, by becoming the first English course to stage racing on Good Friday. This decision was controversial at the time, but it has since become an established part of the racing calendar.
Lingfield Races has also hosted some notable races over the years, including the Prince of Wales Stakes. This race was first run at Lingfield in 2001 and has since become one of the most prestigious races on the all-weather circuit. The race is open to horses aged four and over and is run over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs.
Overall, the history of Lingfield Races is a fascinating one, full of innovation, controversy, and high-quality racing. As we continue to look forward to the future of this iconic racecourse, we can be sure that Lingfield will continue to play an important role in the world of horse racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top trainers for Lingfield turf racing?
At Lingfield, the top trainers for turf racing are William Haggas, John Gosden, and Sir Michael Stoute. They have a great track record and have consistently produced top-performing horses.
What is the draw bias for 6f races at Lingfield?
The draw bias for 6f races at Lingfield is towards the low-numbered stalls. This means that horses with a lower stall number have a higher chance of winning. However, the draw bias is not as significant as it used to be, and horses can still win from higher stalls with the right conditions.
What is the draw bias for 7f races at Lingfield?
The draw bias for 7f races at Lingfield is less significant than for 6f races. However, there is still a slight bias towards the low-numbered stalls. As with 6f races, horses can still win from higher stalls with the right conditions.
How much does it cost to attend Lingfield races?
The cost of attending Lingfield races varies depending on the day and the type of ticket you purchase. General admission tickets start at £10, while hospitality packages can cost upwards of £100 per person. It is best to check the Lingfield Park website for up-to-date pricing information.
What is the dress code for Lingfield races?
The dress code for Lingfield races varies depending on the enclosure you are in. In the Premier Enclosure, the dress code is smart casual, with no sportswear allowed. In the Grandstand Enclosure, the dress code is more relaxed, but still no sportswear is allowed. It is always best to check the Lingfield Park website for the specific dress code for the day you plan to attend.