Sedgefield Racecourse

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Welcome to our guide to Sedgefield Racecourse.

We explore this racecourse in detail, looking at its history, a guide to the track which sits in the stunning Durham countryside, the major races, the top hotel picks in the area, racing fixtures, travel information, and betting guides.

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

Find out more about Sedgefield Racecourse now:

Sedgefield Racecourse

Overview of Sedgefield Racecourse

Sedgefield is a jumps course situated just 1km south of the village of Sedgefield, in the picturesque County Durham countryside.

Sedgefield Racecourse isn’t a name those not into their regular racing will necessarily have on the tip of their tongue, but it is a solid specialist jumps course and one that hosts racing all year round.

The track at Sedgefield is left-handed and undulating, almost rectangular in shape. The fences are easy and very irregularly claim casualties. The finish is uphill and favours fast and accurate jumpers – although in good summer conditions, even horses that aren’t the best of jumpers can do well here.

Jump racing takes place at Sedgefield throughout the year, with an average of 20 fixtures per annum of varying prominence in the industry calendar. It is not the case every year, but for many, June and July are left race-free and instead, the venue is used for weddings, occasions and private events.

Sedgefield Racecourse is well known throughout County Durham for being a great day out – hosting not just serious racing fixtures but also lots of themed and fun events.

Ticket prices are frequently offered at discounted rates and dress codes relaxed to welcome families and groups of people who wouldn’t usually consider attending ‘the races’.

The facilities at Sedgefield Racecourse are competitive and remain a staple amongst those looking to stage private parties and events in the area. The hospitality options are unrivalled around the little town of Sedgefield and so it remains particularly popular for weddings and wedding receptions.

It is unlike any other venue in the County and with several unique photo opportunities and settings, it is no surprise it remains a favourite amongst couples in the area and further afield!

Sedgefield Racecourse History

Sedgefield Racecourse has a chequered history and despite having long been a venue for horseracing, it has almost been closed down on several occasions in the last century alone.

Racing is documented at having taken place at Sedgefield Racecourse from 1732, although detail from these times is scarce. In 1804, a formal race club was formed, known as the Ralph Lambton Hunt, but it wasn’t until 1846 that ‘proper’ formalised race meets were held.

Until World War 1, Sedgefield played host to two race meetings a year, but when it re-opened after the war, the fixtures increased. However, all was not plain sailing thereafter.

In 1977, the death of a club member meant that the course was close to going into administration and closing, but Frank Scotto took over and implemented a series of improvements and investments. These included building a proper grandstand and hospitality facilities, as well as improving stable facilities for trainers and racers. Scotto passed away in 1996 and the course’s future again looked unstable – and then in 1999, a horrific incident in a novices’ chase saw three horses become riderless and run the track the wrong way; all were killed. For the third time in a century, Sedgefield Racecourse narrowly avoided closure.

Northern Racing purchased Sedgefield Racecourse in 2001 and began immediately investing in refurbishments.

Northern Racing continue to own the course to this day and have so far managed to avoid any undue controversy or threats of closure.

The Main Races and Events Held at Sedgefield

The biggest event of the annual racing schedule at Sedgefield Racecourse is undoubtedly The Durham National Handicap Chase, a steeplechase run every October across the unusual distance of three and three-quarter miles.

This was notably won in recent years by Fatehalkhair, who went on to win 20 races – 13 of them over jumps at Sedgefield! Fatehalkhair was a cast-off from one of the major (but as such unnamed) flat racing tables.

Sedgefield Racecourse Map

Below is a map of Sedgefield Racecourse:

Sedgefield Racecourse Map
Courtesy of At The Races

The course is left-handed and undulating in nature.

It is known for having easy fences and a low number of fallers.

It is a pretty fair track and positions don’t tend to change much after the final jump as the run-in is short. Conditions can get testing in the winter months.

Sedgefield Racecourse Address

The official address of Sedgefield racecourse:

Sedgefield Racecourse
Racecourse Road
Sedgefield
Stockton-on-Tees
TS21 2HW

How To Get To Sedgefield Racecourse

The ways to get to Sedgefield races are:

  • By road – the racecourse is a five-minute drive from Junction 60 off the A1 and is well signposted from there.
  • By train – the nearest train stations are Darlington and Durham, both about a 20-minute drive away from the course and well-served by local taxis.
  • By air – helicopter landing facilities at Sedgefield Racecourse are available by prior arrangement but are rarely used. Durham Teeside International Airport is also about a 20-minute drive from the course.

Hotels Near Sedgefield Racecourse

The village of Sedgefield packs a punch accommodation wise for its size, with several options on offer for those visiting the racecourse and looking to stay over.

The Travelodge Sedgefield is an easy budget option with rooms starting at less than £30, and in the village itself, you’ll find two brilliant bistro pubs who both offer rooms – The Pickled Parson of Sedgefield and The Impeccable Pig.

If you’re really looking to blow the budget and go all out, the nearby Hardwick Hall Hotel has rooms at around the £400-500 mark and is truly a beautiful place to stay.

If you’re already travelling to Sedgefield from Durham or Darlington, you’ll find plenty of hotel options in both towns.

Best Sedgefield Betting Sites

At British Racecourses, we often recommend betting online and via apps. This is because you can often get the best odds guaranteed, great offers when signing up, horse racing live streaming and you can place bets quickly and safely without having to queue.

If you are looking to bet online we recommend the following great deals on this page, with some amazing offers for new customers. They all made our best betting app list as well as our standard best betting sites listings.

Betting Shops Local to Sedgefield Racecourse

Sedgefield Racecourse has Totesport betting facilities in all of its bars and restaurants, and a tarmac betting ring situated outside of the Paxton Stand for independent bookmakers.

Due to the rural nature of the course’s location, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue to allow for online betting.

The nearest traditional bookies shop to Sedgefield Racecourse is Chisholm Bookmakers, a local independent family-run company in Sedgefield village itself. There are, however, plenty of big-name brand betting shops in nearby Darlington and Durham.

Sedgefield Races 2024

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

DateRacecourseWeekday
12/1/2024SedgefieldFriday
26/1/2024SedgefieldFriday
7/2/2024SedgefieldWednesday
23/2/2024SedgefieldFriday
12/3/2024SedgefieldTuesday
22/3/2024SedgefieldFriday
3/4/2024SedgefieldWednesday
12/4/2024SedgefieldFriday
10/5/2024SedgefieldFriday
23/9/2024SedgefieldMonday
1/10/2024SedgefieldTuesday
9/10/2024SedgefieldWednesday
20/10/2024SedgefieldSunday
5/11/2024SedgefieldTuesday
14/11/2024SedgefieldThursday
26/11/2024SedgefieldTuesday
6/12/2024SedgefieldFriday
26/12/2024SedgefieldThursday

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

Sedgefield Racecard

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

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 big horse racing events.

Other Events Held at Sedgefield Racecourse

Sedgefield is home to many other smaller races as well as non-racing events, but part of the fun forming its reputation is its themed race days.

In the past, these have included 1920s themed race days, which saw everyone attend dressed in retro clothing and accessories, with themed menus from the on-site restaurants to match and an annual Oktoberfest day which attracted many lederhosen and lots of European beer tasting!

Upcoming plans include a Christmas Jumper themed day and traditional Boxing Day racing.

Sedgefield Races

Popular Questions

✅Who owns Sedgefield Racecourse?

Sedgefield Racecourse is independently owned by Northern Racing.

✅What is the address of Sedgefield racecourse?

The address of Sedgefield Racecourse is:

Sedgefield Racecourse
Racecourse Road
Sedgefield
Stockton-on-Tees
TS21 2HW

✅What is the main race held at Sedgefield racecourse?

The main race held at Sedgefield Racecourse is the Durham National run every October over three and three-quarter miles.

✅How long is Sedgefield Racecourse?

Sedgefield Racecourse is approximately two miles around with a 3 furlong home straight.

✅Is there a Dress Code at Sedgefield Races?

There is no dress code in the Centre Course at Sedgefield.

Fancy dress is permitted.

The dress code in Grandstand & Paddock is described as smart casual.

✅How far is it from Newcastle upon Tyne to Sedgefield Racecourse?

It is 36  miles from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Sedgefield, that’s 52 minutes by car!

Summary of Sedgefield Racecourse

A fab small northern racecourse, Sedgefield packs a punch with competitive racing and a reputation as a great day out.

The highlight of their season is undoubtedly the Durham National but this track is worth a visit at any time of year.

Popular with locals and a part of the community, you’ll be made to feel welcome with good food, hospitality and cheap entry fees.

It’s a course we like a lot and definitely worth a visit – possibly a long weekend break there? Enjoy!

Other Racecourses in the UK and Ireland

Our team as of March 2024 have reviewed the other following UK and Irish racecourses, all of them definitely worth a visit: