Monday, 18 March 2013

Red nosebands raise £10,500 for Comic Relief

Red Nose Day was celebrated in style at Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton Racecourse on Friday (15th March) when 42 horses competed in Red Nosebands in a bid to raise money for Comic Relief. 

Owners and trainers at the two tracks were invited to kit out their runners in specially dyed red nosebands with course owners Arena Racing Company (ARC) donating £250 to Comic Relief for every horse that wore one. 

At Lingfield Park, 17 horses went to post in red nosebands, including first race winner Devout, while at Wolverhampton 25 runners competed with red nosebands. The 42 runners together raised £10,500 for Comic Relief. 

Kate Hills, Director of PR & Communications, commented “Huge thanks must go to all the owners and trainers who supported the Red Noseband initiative. It was great to raise so much money for Comic Relief, and to see so many winners wearing red noses.” 

The charity challenge was promoted jointly by ARC and Lovetheraces.com as a fun way that racing could support such an important fund-raising occasion. 

Nick Attenborough, Director of Consumer PR at Great British Racing, said “We were delighted with the outcome and would like to thank all the individuals who helped with the project. I dare say that we’ll be looking to support Red Nose Day again when it reoccurs in 2015.”


Friday, 8 March 2013

‘World’s greatest’ darts champ at prestigious Wolverhampton race


Two prestigious races will stage their annual renewal at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Saturday 9th March, along with guest star appearances from five-times world champion darts player Eric Bristow, MBE, and fellow darts legend Keith Deller.

The William Hill.com EBF Lady Wulfruna Stakes race - a class-1 handicap run over seven furlongs - and the prestigious one-mile William Hill Lincoln Trial will both offer an impressive £45,000 in prize money. Last year’s race was a nail-bitingly close call between winner Nazreef (trained by Hughie Morrison), second placed Kingscroft, and Mia’s Boy in third. 

And from horses to bulls-eyes, Eric Bristow and Keith Deller will also be at the racecourse in a Pro/Am challenge. The two, who’ve met countless times throughout the years, but most notably in the 1983 BDO World Championship Final, will be on-hand to partner the two highest scoring amateurs throughout the day.  Darts fans, who can enter the challenge for free, simply have to step up to the oche in Ringside and throw nine darts between races to be in with a chance of a partnering the two ex-world champions.

Managing Director David Roberts said: “Racing enthusiasts will undoubtedly see some of the best horses, trainers and jockeys at the racecourse during this Saturday afternoon fixture. Two previous winners of the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton Racecourse have gone on to win the Lincoln race held at Doncaster Racecourse.

“The Lincoln Trial Raceday really does showcase some fantastic racing and that combined with two darts legends, will make for a great day out for the darts and horse fans alike”.


Photo of 2012 Lincoln Trial winner Nazreef, ridden by Robert Winston.

Keith Deller, Freddie Furlong and Eric Bristow

Friday, 1 February 2013

Guest Blog Post - Vicki Power on behalf of ASOS


The Beginners Guide to Horse Racing Attire

The Horses is a daunting experience for someone who is new to the sport. Many places focus on understanding the Jargon and terminology in order to make your experience at the races at good one. Where I would start if I was embarking on a Horse Racing adventure is Wolverhampton’s Beginners Guide to Horse Racing that can be found here. This easy to understand guide will give you tips and pointers to make you confident enough to pick a winner.

When it comes to planning a day at the races, it is important to think about clothing.

Wolverhampton hosts more than 101 race fixture’s each year, day and night. It was Britain’s first floodlit racecourse and it continues to be one of the busiest racecourses in the country. The reason Wolverhampton Racecourse is so popular is its relaxed and inviting approach towards the sport of Horse Racing and as such, there is no strict dress code for visitors to Wolverhampton Racecourse.

For the Stallions

At Wolverhampton there are two enclosure levels, the Premier Enclosure and General Admission. The Premier enclose requests that entrants refrain from wearing Shorts, T-shirts and Trainers but other than that, smart casual clothing is appropriate in all areas of the Racecourse.



A smart suit is always an acceptable choice at the race course and you will be surprised at the number of men that choose this option. It is simple and smart and covers all bases. It is appropriate for winter and summer and if you wear a suit to work, it requires very little thought and effort.



For a more casual approach to race day, a pair of jeans or trousers paired with a comfortable pair of shoes is a good choice. Our lovely British weather means that it can change from a sunny day to a windy rainy evening in the space of a view hours, so whatever you choose, ensure it is weather appropriate and you have pockets big enough to store all your winnings.

For the Fillies

Ladiesis in September, this is the chance for the ladies to show off their true style with the chance to win a prize for Best Dressed Lady, Best Hat and Best shoes. Sadly on the other race days you will not receive a prize for teetering around in your highest heels, so my advice to you would be, have a look outside before choosing your footwear and attire.



I have seen many designer shoes destroyed at a race course. When the going is heavy and the ground has a bit of cut, a sensible choice would be wellies or flat shoes. If there is no prize to be won, why put yourself through the misery of painful feet and ruined heels. Pair up your wellies with a pair of skinny jeans and a warm jacket and you will be ready for anything the weather throws at you.



Alternatively, if it is a nice day, the races is the perfect occasion to dress to impress. A lovely dress, teamed with a pair of heels will be just the ticket, and you will definitely get the attention for the punters when you sashay up to collect your winnings. For some, a day at the races turns into a night on the town so this outfit will be perfect to take you on into the night.

This Guest Post was written by Vicki Power on behalf of ASOS, retailer of Men’s and Ladies fashion including Watches, Jewellery and Accessories. 

Tuesday, 8 January 2013

A month of Free Racing!

With January now a week old, and with 6 fixtures behind us, there is still plenty of time for you to get your hands on FREE grandstand tickets for racing in January, thanks to bookmakers.co.uk.


The offer, available for all January fixtures at Wolverhampton Racecourse gives you entrance to the racecourse for FREE in the Grandstand enclosure, or at a discounted rate of £5.00 in the Premier enclosure. The offer is a great chance for seasoned racegoers or complete novices to come along and experience a day at the races! Our Horizons restaurant is also being sold at a discounted rate in January. Visit our panoramic viewing restaurant for £33.95 per person and receive racecourse entrance, race card, 3 course choice meal and also tea and coffee. This option is a great way to watch the racing in style! For more information on our fixtures in January, visit our website at http://wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk/horse-racing/freeracing.

Live music evenings are back with a bang at the racecourse on February 9th! A Bee Gees tribute kicks off our live music evenings in 2013, and with 14 dates throughout the year, visit us for a great evening out! Restaurant from £29.95 per person including racecourse entrance, racecard and 3 course meal. Our line up in 2013 sees racecourse regulars and also new bands performing live, and with two Hipster and Re-Take That evenings (both sold out in 2013), we are looking forward to a great year of music! http://www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk/horse-racing/livemusicevenings.

Friday, 28 December 2012

Boxing Day Fun!

With Christmas and Boxing Day now behind us, we'd just like to thank everyone who came along to a very wet racecourse on the 26th. Just under 3500 people came to the racecourse, and although the wind and rain were against us, everyone seemed in high spirits! 


Now that we are past the crazy period, we are looking forward to January and beyond! If you would like to come along to the racecourse in January, Grandstand tickets are totally free of charge, thanks to sponsorship from www.Bookmakers.co.uk. To get your tickets, simply do one of the following - 

  • Call 01902 390000 - Choose from any of the fixtures on our website http://www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk/horse-racing/fixtures. Tell us the fixture date you would like to come along to and the amount of tickets needed.
  • Email info@wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk with your full name, address, telephone number, fixture date (s) and number of tickets required.
  • Order tickets online - simply visit the website http://www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk/horse-racing/freeracing.

If you are looking forward to our Saturday Live Music Schedule, fear not, music is back with a bang on February 9th with a live Bee Gees tribute! Ringside and Horizons bookings are now being taken, call 01902 390000 or visit the live music page to view all of our bands in 2013 http://www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk/horse-racing/livemusicevenings

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Limited Availability...

With Boxing Day racing just over 1 week away, and with another record crowd expected, here is a quick update for ticket availability-

Grandstand Enclosure - Good Availability - £15.00 per person.
Premier Enclosure - Good Availability, £25.00 per person.
Ringside Restaurant - Good Availability - £49.50 includes racecourse admission, racecards, a three course carvery meal and guaranteed seating for the live band and disco.
Horizons Restaurant - SOLD OUT

As always under 18's are admitted FREE into the racecourse! Timings for the day are - gates open at 11.30pm, with the first race at 1.40pm. These times are subject to change so check back on the website.

We've got live music throughout the day and after racing, face painting for kids and of course exciting racing! We hope to see you on Boxing Day!

P.S...If you can't make it on Boxing Day, don't forget that racing is FREE in January for all racegoers! Book tickets online as usual, or email info@wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk with the fixture date and the amount of tickets you would like. See you in January!

Thursday, 13 December 2012

Record Breaking Saturday!

If your coming along to the racecourse this Saturday you are in for a treat! We now have 14 races on Saturday 15th December, gates open at 12.05pm, first race is 2.05pm with the last race at 9.20pm.  If you are coming along on the day - best of all you only have to pay once! Grandstand tickets for the whole day are £10.00pp, Premier Admission for the whole day is £20.00pp!


If you are already booked into one of our Restaurants or Hospitality Suites, you will have the option to come earlier into either the Premier or Grandstand enclosures. Ringside, Horizons and the Hospitality Suites will open as usual at 4.20pm. For more information call 01902 390000.

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

FREE tickets and Christmas Countdown....

We've got a massive January for you! Now in its fourth year, January racing at Wolverhampton Racecourse, sponsored by bookmakers.co.uk will be FREE again! Grandstand admission is free to all racegoers, all you have to do to get your tickets is - 

  • Call 01902 390000 - Choose from any of our January fixtures (click here). Tell us the fixture date you would like to come along to and the amount of tickets needed.
  • Email info@wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk with your full name, address, telephone number, fixture date (s) and number of tickets required.
  • Order tickets online - simply click on the desired fixture here.
We are also offering discounted tickets for the Premier Enclosure, £5.00 per person, and also a discounted rate in the Horizons Restaurant - just £33.95 per person. The Horizons package includes:-
  • Racecourse entrance
  • Race card
  • Three course lunch or dinner
Set high in the main grandstand, Horizons is one of the most stylish venues in racing. Guests can enjoy an afternoon or evening of fine food, wine and live racing in this contemporary designed restaurant. For excitement and atmosphere Horizons is the perfect dining option.

See you in January!!!

With just 15 days to go until one of our biggest fixtures of the year, Boxing Day Racing, we thought we'd give you an update for availability for remaining fixtures in December!

We still have availability for our Elvis Christmas Party on Friday 21st December, priced at £37.95 per person. An Elvis tribute act will be performing live with classic dance tracks from our resident DJ till late! This is a great evening for last minute work parties or family get-togethers. http://www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk/christmas-2012/elvis-christmas-party-nights.html

We are expecting a massive crowd for our fixture that gets bigger every year, Boxing Day Racing! Racecourse mascot Freddie Furlong will be out and about for the kids and we have racing, merriment and a live singer after racing for the adults, Boxing Day really is a fun day for the whole family. Grandstand Enclosure is £15.00 per person, Premier Enclosure £25.00 per person, all under 18's are admitted free.

Celebrate 2013 with us! For over 18's only, our New Year's Eve party is a great evening of excellent food, great live entertainment and an electric party atmosphere, making us the perfect venue for your New Year celebration. Enjoy a delicious four course meal followed by entertainment from superb live band Capital Groove. The band will be followed by a lively disco to welcome in 2013! The package, priced at £48.50 per person includes:
  • Four course dinner
  • Live entertainment from Capital Groove
  • Lively music until late
  • The dress code is smart, evening wear for the ladies and suits for gentlemen. We regret that no children may be admitted to the New Year's Eve Party. Vegetarian options are available.

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Saturday 15th December

We have the latest info for Super Saturday 15th December. We now have 14 races, gates open at 12.05pm, first race is 2.05pm with the last race at 9.20pm. Best of all you only have to pay once! Grandstand tickets for the whole day are £10.00pp, Premier Admission for the whole day is £20.00pp! Race times will be - 

Afternoon
  • 2.05
  • 2.40
  • 3.15
  • 3.50
  • 4.20
  • 4.50
  • 5.20

Evening
  • 6.20
  • 6.50
  • 7.20
  • 7.50
  • 8.20
  • 8.50
  • 9.20

Gates will open at 12.05pm and it is one ticket price for the whole day. 

Restaurants/hospitality suites will open from 4.20pm, all guests who are booked in for the evening will be contacted and advised of the additional races. If you are booked into the restaurants or hospitality suites - you will have the option to come earlier in the Premier and Grandstand enclosures but you will not have access to Horizons/Ringside/Hospitality Suites until 4.20pm. 

All bars/enclosures/public food offerings will remain open all day!

For further information call 01902 390000.

Monday, 12 November 2012

Live Music and Beyond

With just two live music evening dates left on 17th November - a Michael Jackson Tribute & 24th November - Black Eyed Peaz Tribute, our sights have started to shift towards our Christmas Evenings and also Boxing Day racing. We do still have availability for some of the evenings but tickets are selling fast, with work colleagues and friends and family snapping up tickets. Below is our availability over the coming festive month, 1st December is a great date for larger parties as we still have availability!

17th November 
Horizons – Good availability
Ringside - FULL

24th November 
Horizons – LIMITED - 7 x 6s and 1 x 2 available
Ringside - FULL

1st December 
Horizons – Good availability
Ringside – Good availability

8th December 
Horizons – Good availability
Ringside - FULL

15th December 
Horizons – LIMITED - 8 x 6s, 2 x 4s and 1 x 2
Ringside - FULL

Boxing Day 
Horizons - FULL
Ringside – Good availability
Premier Restaurant - FULL

Now is also a great time to purchase tickets to one of our biggest fixtures of the year, Boxing Day Racing. Over 3000 racegoers enjoyed the fresh air and a break from the kitchen to watch a great day of thrilling races in 2011 - so why not come along with your family! Tickets start from just £15.00 pp, with under 18's getting in for free! For more information visit our website or call 01902 390000 http://www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk/christmas-2012/boxing-day-racing.html.