Archive for the ‘Racecourses’ Category
Thirsk Racecourse
In the Northern Yorkshire area, a real passion for racing exists. As the premium racecourse in the region, then, Thirsk Racecourse is one of the most popular of its kind. Located in Thirsk itself, this small racecourse is relatively straightforward. For many, it’s that simplicity that makes it stand out so much.
The left-handed oval nature makes it stand out as a more Americanized design. Around 1 mile in length, it has 2 furlongs with a 3-furlong finishing straight, and a 6-curlong chute. This makes for exciting races that, while simple, are often deeply competitive and can be incredible fun to watch.
The course has stood in a version of its present self for close a century. Opened in 1923, it’s the legacy of more than two centuries of prior racing before it was finally built as a primary spot to race in.
For this year, the area has a rich history of horse training, long established before even Thirsk Racecourse was opened. This means that many trainers use the excellent course, making the most of the road which takes you from Thirsk to Ripon.
While it’s a race short on much history in the way of unique races, it’s got a rather sombre tale to tell. It was the substitute for the St. Leger race for the 1940 edition. As the edition held during the Second World War, it holds a rather sombre reputation. That aside, though, this is a racecourse with plenty of charm and spectacle.
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is, without doubt, one of the most enjoyable and exciting locations to come and visit. Having been around since 1829, it’s established itself as one of the most mainstream racecourses. As part of the Grand National experience, this is where the world renowned event always takes place. It draws crowds of all kinds, and gets even people who have no interest in racing involved!
From picking wild names to just going for what sounds lucky, Aintree Racecourse plays host to some exceptionally enjoyable forms of racing. It’s one of the reasons why the Grand National is so famous though. While the race has a fantastic reputation, the venue itself is one of the big parts in why it is allowed to be such a uniquely enjoyable racing experience.
From that point of that view, then, you can enjoy coming to an exceptional part of world that makes everything so much more enjoyable for all.
The Grand National, though, is not the only race that is held at this fantastic venue. It also is home to the Old Roan Chase, the Grand Sefton Steeplechase and the Becher Chase, all big races in their own right. There’s so much history here, that’s it’s a pleasure to place a but with one of the on course bookmakers, or of course online with a site such as NetBet if you have your phone handy!
Each race held here, though, is special. If you have ever wondered why horseracing has such a fervent and passionate following, then simply make your way down to Aintree any given April. You will find a truly exceptional racecourse waiting for you complete with world-class facilities, alongside some of the most bombastic racing that you will find anywhere!
Race Courses with Casinos
Casinos are often regarded as the face of gambling and the online casino industry alone is expected to be valued at $67 billion by 2020 from Research & Markets. The popularity of casinos has skyrocketed in recent years with online casino sites now not just offering a single product but an array such as live casino gaming, sports betting, poker, bingo and more recently Esports betting. It would not be surprising if the industry grows at an even greater pace. Yet, the physical casinos continue to occupy a significant position in the industry. Even though Las Vegas is probably the first name that would come to the mind when thinking about associations, there are several hundred casinos dotted around the world.
Horse racing is a sport that enjoys tremendous popularity. In fact, the gambling side of horse racing is probably one that interests a large section of fans. Apart from being hugely rewarding, the prospect of betting on horses also increases the excitement and entertainment value in the race. Gambling and horse racing, thereby, can be interweaved within each other. A growing number of horse racing tracks around the world seem to be arriving at the same conclusion.
The casinos found in Las Vegas primarily have two major attractions – sightseeing and gambling. In order to facilitate both, the casinos often come with swanky hotels. In other parts of the world, casinos bring in other forms of entertainment. In Europe, it is possible to come across casinos that have other facilities for dog racing or horse racing. The occurrence of horse racing tracks within casinos are especially prevalent in the United States. Here are some of the top horse racing courses which have casinos and other entertainment facilities:
Aqueduct Racetrack, New York
This is a facility for thoroughbred horses and it was opened in 1894. Some of the popular races at this track include Wood Memorial Stakes, Cigar Mile Handicap, and Carter Handicap. It primarily hosts races from October to April. Aside from being a destination for some of the top racing events which will bring in the top jockeys, it also comes with a casino. Apart from being the only casino in the five boroughs, this gambling location offers the opportunity to try out some serious table games like blackjack and Baccarat. There are the usual slot machines that make up this casino. Overall, there are about 5000 games available across the casino.
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment, Ohio
Regarded as one of the top racing venues in Cincinnati, Ohio, this property was previously known as the River Downs. The majority of the racing action takes place between May and October. Apart from the horse races that are available in plenty, Belterra Park Gaming also has a live entertainment option and no less than six restaurants. However, the standout element of this venue is the ability to experience casino gaming through slots. The venue has invested more than $300 million in order to make it an all-purpose facility that hosts casino games. It also happens to be the only Ohio casino that allows players to smoke in the slot section.
Casino at Ocean Downs, Maryland
One of the oldest racing venues in the United States, the Ocean Downs was opened in 1949. The casino at this facility is a much newer one, as it was opened only in 2011. The Ocean Downs racetrack manages to host some important races like the Maryland Sire Stakes. Aside from horse racing, a major attraction at this facility is the casino which is spread over 34,000 sq/ft. It is open 24 x 7 and there are more than 800 gaming machines. A handful of table games are also present at this location.
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, Oklahoma
This is a horse racing facility that is open 24 x 7. Apart from being able to bet on the horse racing events that take place throughout September to March, this place also happens to be a great place to experience casino gaming. The destination comes with a space for parking 400+ RVs and it is open throughout the year. In terms of casino gaming, there are more than 250 gaming machines to entertain the visitors and the minimum betting range is from as low as $0.01. The casino is just under 30,000 sq/ft and it makes for a comprehensive destination for casino lovers.
York Racecourse
As one of the most prestigious racecourses in the United Kingdom, York Racecourse is renowned with good reason. As the third most prestigious racecourse in the whole Union, given the level of money that it’s taken in, it’s a location with a massive amount of history within the world of the sport. With over 350,000 visitors per year, too, it takes a huge number of the top races, with the likes of the Yorkshire Oaks and the Nunthorpe Stakes being held here/
What makes York so special for some people, though, is the location. Based near the old Terry’s Chocolate factory, this classic racecourse has stood in an area of ground which, for centuries, has been known only as the Knavesmire. While rarely used as often these days as it once was, the name remains in use.
The actual racecourse itself has existed in some form or another for as long as people can remember. Indeed, it stretches to the Roman times – perhaps even further back. While not in its current state, the ground was a common racing areas and, eventually, the actual track was put together sometime in the 1730s.
Today, the old horseshoe look that was so impressive for so long has been replaced. Now, the home straight goes around the course fully.
Outside of a rich racing history, it also has a more gruesome past. This was the very location used to hang the infamous Dick Turpin in 1739! This is more than just your average race-course: it’s something special.
In terms of its most famous race, many would point to the Ebor Festival, held every August. It’s also the time when the Ebor Handicap race takes place, one of the finest of its kind on the continent.
For various reasons, then, York holds a place in many a heart.