Stratford-Upon-Avon and surrounding area

This whole area is beautiful. Set in Warwickshire, Stratford is just under 40 miles from the centre of Birmingham and 100 miles from Central London. It well served by road and rail.

Within an hour or so drive from Stratford, you can find Warwick, Worcester, Henley in Arden, The Malverns and The Cotswolds and all they have to offer. But make no mistake, Stratford has plenty of it’s own to offer. This piece of Olde England is the birthplace and residence of William Shakespeare. Among the many places worth visiting are:

Shakespeare’s Birthplace – https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/

Ann Hathaways Cottage – https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/

Mary Ardens Farm – https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/

Holy Trinity Church – http://www.stratford-upon-avon.org/

Royal Shakespeare Theatre – https://www.rsc.org.uk/

There is lots to see and do in Stratford and it’s equally nice to stroll around a few shops or spend a bit of time sitting by the river. Beautiful!

I didn’t stay in Stratford and nor did I have anything to eat in town. But the whole area caters well for visitors and I have no doubt that Trip Advisor or any of the local guides can set you on the right path.

The Racecourse

The racecourse is situated a couple of miles from the centre of Stratford on the Evesham Road. It’s well signposted. Sat Nav CV37 9SE. 

Stratford hosts only NH (Jumps) racing. Racing left-handed, it is triangular in shape with very tight bends. It is a 1m2f circuit with a short run in. There is a water jump close to the winning post which is a good spectacle for racegoers. It’s not jumped on the final circuit though. It’s not unusual for jockeys to strike for home early because of the short straight.

Racecourse Facilities

Car parking is free and includes two disabled car parks. I have to say that I thought disabled access seemed pretty good all round.

There are three enclosures to choose from, Club Enclosure (£21), Tattersalls (£17) and Centre Course (£10). Dress code is pretty relaxed but smart casual is expected in the Club Enclosure. Entry tickets can be ordered in advance a little bit cheaper which is well worth doing if there are a few of you going.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants in all enclosures. The food did look very nice but I didn’t sample any so can’t really comment much more than that. I did have a sausage roll in the Bridge Bar which was very nice. 

The Bridge bar is situated in the Club Enclosure and gives a really good view of the course and of the big screen in front of the stands. The parade ring being situated in front of the stand can also be viewed from here though I think those wanting a closer look will stand at the ring itself.

Further down the course is the glass fronted Paddock Pavilion. This is quite a big bar with a large area outside and an exceptional view of the runners approaching and jumping the last fence. The racecourse sell a meal and entry package for this. Details are on their website.

http://stratfordracecourse.net/

My Day

Today was such a beautiful day weather wise though not conducive to the walk out of the town centre. This isn’t my first visit to Stratford Racecourse and nor will it be my last, I really like it here.

Just one winner at a decent price and a placed horse in an each way bet saw me make more than enough to cover the days expenses. I’m always happy with that.

My winner was a horse called ‘Mr Mafia’ about whom I took 5/1 and who was returned at 4/1. Annoyingly when reading the card last night and deciding on him, I could have backed him at 9/1 and should have. You see, there isn’t much to lose except if there is  dramatic going change or something which inhibits the horses chance. All the top bookmakers give guaranteed prices so if the horse ends up a bigger price then you will get it.

The only other horse I fancied and didn’t back was ‘Miss Adventure’. I had decided that I would take 8/11 and she opened at 4/6 and was then backed down to 1/3F. Won easily.