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.

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