Wincanton Racecourse
 Main Buildings and Parade ring | |
| Location | Wincanton, Somerset, England |
|---|---|
| Owned by | Jockey Club Racecourses |
| Screened on | Racing UK |
| Course type | National Hunt |
| Notable races | Kingwell Hurdle |
| Official website | |
Wincanton Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue located in Wincanton, Somerset, England.
The steeplechase fences are large, making it a good test of a chaser. Three fences in quick succession in the second half of the home-straight make for exciting racing and often change the complexion of a finish dramatically; resulting in a great many close finishes.[1]
The track stages several big races, including the Kingwell Hurdle in February. The CGA Chase (previously the Jim Ford Challenge Cup, last run in 2012) was run on the same day; these races were significant trials for the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup respectively. Several of the races at the course were shown on Channel 4.[2]
The track is located near to the yard of the trainer, Paul Nicholls and as such many of his young horses run here.[3]
During the year to 2008, the course had the second highest casualty rate in the country, with 9 deaths. [4]
Notable races
| Month | DOW | Race Name | Type | Grade | Distance | Age/Sex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February | Saturday | Kingwell Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m | 4yo + |
| November | Friday | Badger Ales Trophy | Chase | Handicap | 3m 1f 110y | 4yo+ |
| November | Saturday | Elite Hurdle | Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m | 4yo + |
| November | Saturday | Rising Stars Novices' Chase | Chase | Grade 2 | 2m 5f | 4yo + |
References
- ^ "Wincanton". GG.com. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
- ^ Snowden, Steve (4 October 2009). "Racing returns to Wincanton Racecourse this week". This is the Westcountry. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ "Wincanton". At the races. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
- ^ "New report names Britain's most lethal racecourses" (Press release). Animal Aid. 19 March 2008.