Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-419208485_864539915680530_5689856096114163901_n.jpg" alt="horse racing wincanton racecourse somerset" class="wp-image-101484" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-419208485_864539915680530_5689856096114163901_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-419208485_864539915680530_5689856096114163901_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-419208485_864539915680530_5689856096114163901_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-419208485_864539915680530_5689856096114163901_n-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-419208485_864539915680530_5689856096114163901_n-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT, WHERE?</h2>



<p>Part of the Jockey Club, the largest commercial horse racing organisation in the UK, <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wincanton Racecourse</a> is located between Wincanton and Bruton, just off the A303. It&#8217;s the best place in the West Country to watch jump racing – that&#8217;s where horses leap over hurdles rather than gallop down a flat track. The season starts with the <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/season-opener/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fitzdares Season Opener</a> on Sat 17 Oct, with racedays then running through to May. They include the <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/badger-chase-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Badger Beer Chase Day</a> on Sat 9 Nov, <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/charity-raceday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keagen Kirkby Race Day</a> in aid of charity on Sun 27 Oct, family favourite the <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/boxing-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boxing Day Racing</a> on Thurs 26 Dec and the <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/kingwell-hurdle-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingwell Hurdle</a> on Sat 15 Feb. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-438097442_937560351711819_3094970537161592819_n.jpg" alt="horse racing wincanton racecourse somerset" class="wp-image-101489" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-438097442_937560351711819_3094970537161592819_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-438097442_937560351711819_3094970537161592819_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-438097442_937560351711819_3094970537161592819_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-438097442_937560351711819_3094970537161592819_n-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-438097442_937560351711819_3094970537161592819_n-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Honestly, the atmosphere can be electric! The sight and sound of sleek and superbly muscled racehorses thundering down the track to the winning post and the buzz in the crowd cheering them on, can be a truly thrilling experience. Surrounded by jump racing heritage, and with champion trainer Paul Nicholls on the doorstep, Wincanton racedays always feature potential superstars, which inevitably adds an extra frissson. And there&#8217;s always the possibility of winning a little dosh. You certainly won&#8217;t be bored. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>Aim to arrive just after midday to give yourself time to find your way around, have a drink or something to eat and soak up the atmos before the first race starts roughly two hours later. (Check individual racedays for exact times.) The downloadable <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/plan-your-day/our-raceday-app/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Jockey Club app</a> is super useful, with an interactive racecourse map and a digital race card giving live up-to-date info on horses and riders, and lots of race tips.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="561" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-badger-beers-wincanton-439080206_937560128378508_5545278239326381910_n-1000x561.jpg" alt="horse racing wincanton racecourse somerset" class="wp-image-101488" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-badger-beers-wincanton-439080206_937560128378508_5545278239326381910_n-1000x561.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-badger-beers-wincanton-439080206_937560128378508_5545278239326381910_n-800x449.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-badger-beers-wincanton-439080206_937560128378508_5545278239326381910_n-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-badger-beers-wincanton-439080206_937560128378508_5545278239326381910_n-768x431.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-badger-beers-wincanton-439080206_937560128378508_5545278239326381910_n.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You can&#8217;t come to the races without having a flutter, can you? Place your bet with an on-course bookies, via the Tote, at a high street betting shop on the track, or online. On-course bookies will take cash but everywhere else – bars, restaurants, other betting – is cashless. Bring the cash you need – there aren&#8217;t any cashpoints at the track.</p>



<p>Head over to the Parade Ring about 20 minutes before each race. The horses will be alert, sleek and shiny; jockeys, wearing the silks or colours of the horses’ owners, might be discussing last-minute race tactics with the trainers. Then it&#8217;s time to watch the race! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="1365" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-320089734_547647183592548_2540052159623616951_n.jpg" alt="horse racing wincanton racecourse somerset" class="wp-image-101491" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-320089734_547647183592548_2540052159623616951_n.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-320089734_547647183592548_2540052159623616951_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-320089734_547647183592548_2540052159623616951_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-320089734_547647183592548_2540052159623616951_n-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-320089734_547647183592548_2540052159623616951_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-320089734_547647183592548_2540052159623616951_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></figure>



<p>Afterwards, the winning horses and three runners up are reunited with their owners and presented with prizes in the Winners’ Enclosure – a jubilant occasion (especially if you bet on one of them).</p>



<p>Then get ready to do it all over again. There are around seven races per meet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-459011410_1039465854854601_5580841143564964455_n.jpg" alt="restaurant food wincanton racecourse somerset" class="wp-image-101481" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-459011410_1039465854854601_5580841143564964455_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-459011410_1039465854854601_5580841143564964455_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-459011410_1039465854854601_5580841143564964455_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-459011410_1039465854854601_5580841143564964455_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-459011410_1039465854854601_5580841143564964455_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-459011410_1039465854854601_5580841143564964455_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-wincanton-racecourse-459011410_1039465854854601_5580841143564964455_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There are lots of options, from a tea, coffee and pastry at Potter&#8217;s Corner Coffee Shop to a three-course a la carte in <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/hospitality/chasers-restaurant-package/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chasers</a> restaurant. </p>



<p>Eat on the hoof with fish &amp; chips, hog roasts, burgers, pizza and sarnies from mobile stands in the grounds. Enjoy a drink, with bangers &amp; mash or a roast dinner, in the Badger Bar. Take your time over your la carte in Chasers, on the ground floor of the Hatherleigh Stand, with –&nbsp;very handily – a great view of the winning post. On Boxing Day, you can dine in the <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/hospitality/paddock-pavilion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paddock Pavilion</a>, with a view of the Parade Ring or bring your own picnic. Restaurant packages – which must be booked beforehand &#8211; include race day admission, car parking, official race card, TV racing coverage, betting service, cash bar – and the table for the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-fixtures">UPCOMING FIXTURES</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/season-opener/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fitzdares Season Opener</a> – the very first race of the season, Thurs 17 Oct.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/charity-raceday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keagen Kirkby Race Day</a> – a race day in aid of charity,  Sun 27 Oct.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/badger-chase-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Badger Beer Chase Day</a> – day two of the West Country Weekend (Exeter’s Haldon Gold Cup Day is on day one), with a rodeo bull, show ponies, stalls, prizes and the Fat Cat Brass Band, Sat 9 Nov.</li>



<li>Afternoon racing on <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/afternoon-racing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thurs 21 Nov</a> and <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/afternoon-racing-december/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thurs 5 Dec</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/boxing-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boxing Day Racing</a> &#8211; the most popular race day of the year, with mince pies on arrival; bring dogs and picnics if you wish, Thurs 26 Dec.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/newcomers-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saver Saturday</a> – the first race of the New Year, with tickets from £9, Sat 4 Jan.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/kingwell-hurdle-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingwell Hurdle</a> – one of the biggest fixtures of the year, on Sat 15 Feb.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> A get together with your mates, work colleagues or family – for a celebration (birthday perhaps?) – or just an exhilarating day out in the open air.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> It can be a high octane experience so might not be best for anyone who finds it hard to cope with sensory overload. On <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/charity-raceday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keagen Kirkby Race Day</a>, 27 Oct, there will be calm sensory spaces with supportive staff, if it all gets a bit much. </p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Buy individual tickets from £18 (cheaper if you’re a group of 10+) and kids under 18 go free with a paying adult. Restaurant packages at Chaser’s restaurant and the Winning Post suite, and private box packages  start from £130, which include meals, betting service, spectacular views of the course and winning post.</p>



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Preview: Raceday at Wincanton Racecourse

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