Doncaster Racecourse

Doncaster Racecourse, sometimes referred to as the Town Moor, is a racecourse located in South Yorkshire in the United Kingdom. The racecourse is best known for hosting the fifth Classic, the St Leger Stakes, and also hosts the group one Racing Post Trophy.

Doncaster Racecourse is one of the oldest racing facilities in England, and boasts a history of racing stretching as far back as the 16th century. The racecourse is the most significant racing centre in the North of England, and is England’s largest racecourse in terms of crowd capacity.

Course Layout

Doncaster Racecourse features a tear-shaped, left-handed, 2 mile flat course, which surrounds a national hunt course. Races over a mile can be run either on the straight track that intersects with the main course, or on the round section of the course.

The draw has no significant impact on the longer races run at Doncaster Racecourse, however, high numbers are an advantage for those races which are under a mile and run on the straight course. The turf is level with a minimum of undulations, providing an even footing for races.

Doncaster Racecourse Facilities

Doncaster Racecourse provides facilities for over 50,000 spectators, and is frequently packed to capacity for group one races. The racecourse offers a member’s enclosure, grandstand and family enclosure. Each enclosure offers catering outlets and bars.

Doncaster Racecourse History

Horseracing has been taking place on the Town Moors since the 16th century, making it one of the oldest racing facilities in the United Kingdom. During its early years Doncaster Racecourse had a reputation for attracting troublemakers, and racing at the venue was briefly banned during the 17th century.

The ban on racing proved to be short-lived, with informal races rapidly replacing the formal race meetings. As a result the government decided to reinstitute racing, and started taking a closer interest in proceedings at Doncaster, going so far as to start developing permanent racecourse facilities on the Town Moor.

For decades the Doncaster Cup was the most prestigious race run at Doncaster Racecourse. However, in 1779 the St Leger Stakes was introduced to Doncaster and soon thereafter evolved into the most prestigious and important race held at the racecourse.