Pontefract Racecourse Guide

Welcome to our official guide to Pontefract Racecourse.

We explore this West Yorkshire horse racecourse in detail, looking at its history, a guide to the track, the major races, hotel picks, fixtures, travel information, and betting guides.

If you are looking for the latest betting tips for Pontefract, check out our full guide to Pontefract Racecourse tips.

Find out about Pontefract Racecourse:

Overview of Pontefract Racecourse

Pontefract Racecourse is an independently-owned flat, left-handed racecourse in West Yorkshire, just a kilometre out of the historic market town of Pontefract.

Pontefract hosts flat racing throughout the summer months. Next to Wetherby, Pontefract Racecourse is one of just two horseracing courses in the county of West Yorkshire.

Despite its small stature, Pontefract has sport running through its community veins. The town is home to the Featherstone Rovers, a professional rugby club, the Pontefract Collieries, a non-league football club, a well-patronised swimming pool, Pontefract Rugby Union Club; and previously, two local cricket clubs.

Pontefract Racecourse is truly the jewel in the sporting crown of the town, boasting the title of the ‘longest continuous horseracing circuit in Europe’.

The beautiful West Yorkshire circuit that has earned it the title of “the longest”, measures two miles and one hundred and twenty-five yards and is raced left-handed with considerable gradients and a stiff uphill finish.

Pontefract Racecourse is still owned by an independent company; Pontefract Park Race Company Ltd. The firm have invested heavily into the development of the course and as a result have brought it up to speed in terms of dining and hospitality options, accessibility, and facilities for jockeys and trainers.

Pontefract isn’t the best known of racecourses in the UK, but it’s technically solid and showcases some outstanding talent.

Pontefract Racing Tips

Pontefract Racecourse History

Historical documents record racing taking place in the Pontefract area as early as 1648 – but not much later than this, the local Castle was seized by Oliver Cromwell’s forces.

Races continue to be held through changes in power in the meadows just outside the town but these seemed to have ended around 1769.

Records show that horseracing then restarted in 1801 and by 1827, are described as ‘fashionably attended’ by townsfolk as well as though further afield.

Unlike most courses in the UK, Pontefract Racecourse remained open during World War II and hosted several substitute races that were unable to be raced elsewhere.

Pontefract continued to go from strength to strength and in 1952 installed a photo finish, hitting headlines alongside its introduction of the first dope testing facility in the country.

Pontefract’s course was originally a mile and a half horseshoe but closed briefly in 1983 to convert to a full circuit.

It was a long-term tradition for the course to start its afternoon races at 14:25 (later than most other courses in the country) to allow for miners at the colliery adjacent to finish their morning shift, but this tradition ended in 2002 when the colliery closed its doors for the final time.

Main Races and Events at Pontefract Racecourse

The Pontefract Castle Stakes is arguably the most prominent race held at the West Yorkshire course, held on a Sunday in June annually. The Stakes is open to fillies and mares aged four years or over and run over one mile, four furlongs and five yards. It’s still a fairly new race, having started to be run in 2005, and was originally open to horses of both genders before it was later restricted. It’s not uncommon for The Pontefract Castle Stakes to take place in front of a sell-out crowd. The most successful jockey at the Stakes thus far has been Harry Bentley, with two wins, and the most successful horse, Brown Panther, with two wins.

Pontefract Racecourse Map

Below is a map of Pontefract Racecourse:

The course is left-handed, hilly and has a stiff finish.

The emphasis is more on stamina than speed.

On testing going, runners often come wide in the straight in search of better ground and race towards the stand side.

Is there a draw bias at Pontefract Racecourse?

When it comes to the draw bias at Pontefract racecourse, over shorter distances of 5 and 6 furlongs, low drawn horses tend to be favoured as they have a straighter run to the first bend.

However, over 1 mile and further distances, high drawn horses have the advantage as they have a better position on the uphill finish.

In general, there is no significant bias in terms of the draw at Pontefract Racecourse, and the winner tends to be decided by the horse’s ability and running style rather than their starting position.

What is the Draw Bias at Pontefract 5 Furlongs?

There doesn’t seem to be any significant draw bias over 5 furlongs at Pontefract racecourse.

This can be attributed to the straight nature of the course, with no significant bends or turns that may favour certain positions.

It’s important to note that track conditions can still play a role in the race outcome, and soft ground may potentially favour the low drawn horses.

What is the Draw Bias at Pontefract 6 Furlongs?

Pontefract racecourse’s analysis shows no significant draw bias over 6 furlongs, with an even spread suggesting no bias towards high or low drawn horses.

However, there is a popular belief that in the early season when the ground is soft, the far side of the track is more favourable for low drawn runners, while the stand side is the place to be in the back end of the season when the track has been watered in the summer, favouring high drawn runners.

It’s worth noting that Pontefract is a right-handed course with a stiff uphill finish, making it challenging for horses to make up ground.

This could be a contributing factor to the lack of any significant draw bias. The layout of the track allows for fair racing, and jockeys need to ride a smart race to win at Pontefract, regardless of their starting position.

What is the Draw Bias at Pontefract 1 Mile?

The analysis of Pontefract Racecourse indicates that there is a slight draw bias over 1 mile, favouring low drawn runners when the ground is good or better, particularly in larger fields.

This bias is likely due to the tight left-handed turn at the start of the race. However, it is important to note that the bias is not significant and can be overcome by a horse’s individual ability and running style.

On the other hand, when the ground is soft, there is a clear advantage for low drawn runners at Pontefract over 1 mile. This can be explained by the fact that the inside rail is likely to be the quickest ground in such conditions.

As with any draw bias, it is important to take into account other factors such as the horse’s form, the jockey’s skills, and the race conditions before making a betting decision.

Pontefract Racecourse Address

The address of Pontefract Racecourse is:

Pontefract Racecourse
Pontefract Park
Park Road
Pontefract
West Yorkshire
WF8 4QD

How To Get To Pontefract Racecourse

The ways to get to Pontefract Racecourse are:

• By road – car parking at Pontefract is free, with some spaces available to book in the Picnic Enclosure for £20 per vehicle. The course is situated just half a mile from Junction 32 of the M62, although connections from the A1, M1 and M18 are all within ten miles. Follow signs from Pontefract Park and turn left once there. Details for your sat nav are WF8 4QD.
• Bus – local Metroline buses run to a stop just outside the course.
• By train – rail connections can be made to one of Pontefract’s three local stations – Monkhill, Baghill and Tanshelf. A further few miles away is the station at Glasshoughton, next to the Xscape Yorkshire complex. All are easily accessible by taxi from the course and run across several different mainlines.

Hotels near Pontefract Racecourse

Pontefract itself isn’t a large town but there are plenty of accommodation options locally for those looking to stay in the area.

Closest to the course are The Barley Mow Hotel, The Kings Croft Hotel, The Premier Inn Castleford and The Tower House Executive Guest House.

For those looking for more chain name hotels, these can be found in nearby Wakefield, Barnsley, Leeds and Bradford.

What Are The Best Online Pontefract Betting Sites?

If you are looking to bet online we recommend the great deals on this page.

All of the betting sites are fantastic and made it into our list of the best betting sites, for more information simply follow the links or compare bookmakers for yourself.

Betting Shops Local to Pontefract Racecourse

Pontefract Racecourse has Tote kiosks throughout the venue, as well as several designated areas for independent bookmakers.

Mobile signal is fine throughout the racecourse, so betting can be done online or via betting apps, as required if preferred.

Betting shops in Pontefract town itself are perhaps surprisingly prevalent (and popular!) and include branches of William Hill, Betfred, Megabet and the independent Stan James Bookmakers.

Pontefract Races 2024

Here is the horse racing calendar for Pontefract Races in 2024:

Check out our guide for the full list of UK horse racing calendar fixtures for 2024.

Pontefract Racecard

The racecards for Pontefract races will be released the day before the races are set to happen. You can view full racecards in advance, check out  – horse racing tomorrow and horse racing today. In these, you will get an advance look at all the runners, trainers, form and riders for Pontefract races today and tomorrow.

You can also of course purchase a racecard from the track which carries much of the same useful information. Many like to keep these as souvenirs, especially from major UK horse races.

Other Events Held Pontefract Racecourse

Pontefract Racecourse, despite being considered a tough and technical course, knows a thing or two about putting on a big show to attract a large crowd.

Themed events catering for the community and those visiting the area include a Pensioners Pay Nothing Day, Disco Nights, Rugby League Takeovers, Family Days and a Beer Festival.

Summary of Pontefract Racecourse

Another fab track located in West Yorkshire, Pontefract Racecourse is a great left-handed course with a long history of racing.

Whilst maybe not as fashionable as some of its neighbours – such as York – this should not diminish from either the quality of racing, the great customer service and lots of Yorkshire charm that it certainly has.

Stamina is required in racing and the track is admired by locals and also those in the industry.

If you are looking for a charming, fun and relaxed day at the races, Pontefract is a superb option. It’s a bit of a hidden gem.

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