Stratford On Avon Racecourse & Betting Review: Favourite Events, Best Offers and Facts

For a total overview of the top features of some best UK betting sites for betting on races at the Stratford on Avon Racecourse, you can take a look at the table shown above. However, for a more in-depth insight, where you’ll find historical facts, general stats and figures, technical course info and lots more, continue scrolling down to the remainder of the article. By the time you’ve reached the end, you’ll have a comprehensive knowledge of the venue and all the top-rated races held there, so you’ll be able to place bets with more conviction.

The Turf Itself

Stratford on Avon Racecourse hosts jumps racing on its left-handed course. It’s known for its sharp turns and fast surface and, rather, unfortunately, the fairly high number of accidents that occur there due to the number of runners in the field. Its suits fast, nimble types that are able to execute hurdles accurately. This is not so much down to the difficulty of the hurdles themselves but more so because of the pace at which races are run – larger, galloping types are at a clear disadvantage here. Just so long as they are able to get up and over the fences quickly, ex-flat racing horses have also been known to find success here. The speed at which races tend to be run here is a lot more akin to what they are used to, so don’t be surprised to hear of a few ex-jumpers running away with winner’s honours here!

Most Popular Stratford on Avon Horse Racing Events

As previously mentioned, Stratford on Avon horse racing is best known for two events: the Stratford Summer Cup and the Foxhunters’ Champion Chase. The Stratford Summer Cup is run over two miles and one furlong and is traditionally held in July. It’s a Class 3 event reserved for horses aged four and above with a BHA rating between 0-140 and is worth around £8,000 – about £5,500 goes to the winner with the rest shared between the second, third and fourth-place runners.

The Stratford Foxhunters’ Champion Chase is held in May and is probably the third-biggest race of its kind behind the Cheltenham and Aintree Foxhunters. It is run over three-and-a-half-miles, it is reserved for horses aged five-years-old and above and is worth around £25,000. About £15,000 goes to the winner and the rest is shared between those that finish in second, third and fourth place.

Some Interesting Facts

Did you know that Stratford on Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, quite possibly the most famous British writer ever and author of Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing?! There is a race held every year in July in his honour at the Stratford on Avon horse racing track, the Shakespeare Media Novices’ Hurdle, that’s run over 2 miles and half a furlong. It’s a Class 3 race reserved for horses aged four-years-old and is worth just under £10,000. Just under £8000 normally goes to the winner, about £2200 goes to the second-place runner, just over £1000 to third and a little over £500 to fourth – there are definitely bigger prizes at other tracks we’ve reviewed.

Racecourse Information:
First Opened:	1775	Stratford on Avon Racecourse logo The Grandstand at Stratford on Avon Racecourse
Max. Race Distance:	3m 3f
Surface:	Turf
Event:	Stratford Summer Cup
Average Temperature:	1°/22°
Racecourse Capacity:	2500

Did you know that Peter Bowen is the most successful trainer to have featured at the Stratford on Avon Racecourse in the chase department in the last three years?! From 17 runners he’s registered 7 winners, 7 places, accumulated over £40,000 in prize money, meaning that he has an impressive track strike-rate of 41.18%. With 4 wins and 2 places from 8 runners, Greatrex is the most successful National Hunt Flat trainer; and over hurdles, with 11 wins and 28 places from 68 runners, Dan Skelton is the most successful. Just a few useful tips to assist with your Stratford on Avon betting!

Stratford on Avon Racecourse: The Story so Far

Although there is reason to believe that horse racing in Stratford-On-Avon first started at the beginning of the 18th century, the first officially-recorded race took place in 1755. One of the earliest, most-prestigious races paid homage to one David Garrick, a local actor and writer of the day. Not long after another race, the Jubilee Cup, was introduced but was soon after abandoned, as was all racing at the Stratford on Avon horse racing track right up until 1836. Racing returned a few decades later, during which time the famous horse, Lottery, won a race here before going on to find success in the Aintree Grand National. Racing was again abandoned during World War 1, however, Stratford on Avon horse racing betting really started to kick off in the mid-20th century.

Nowadays, the Stratford on Avon horse racing track is one of the most-popular small racecourses in the country. It has three enclosures: the Club Enclosure, Tattersall Enclosure and the Centre Course, a grandstand, restaurants, bars, conference and business suites and quality training facilities. It is also available for hire for weddings, workshops, trader fairs, dinner dances and more and offers quality catering and lots of parking space for a very reasonable daily fee.