Wolverhampton Racecourse facts for kids
| Location | Wolverhampton, West Midlands |
|---|---|
| Owned by | Arena Leisure Plc |
| Screened on | Sky Sports Racing |
| Course type | Flat |
Wolverhampton Racecourse is a fun place in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England, where thoroughbred horse racing happens. It was the very first race track in Britain to have bright floodlights. This means races can happen even in the evening!
The track has a special surface called Tapeta. It's about one mile (1,609 meters) long and has turns that go to the left. This makes it a bit more like race tracks you might find in the United States than other tracks in the UK.
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A Look at the Track
The race track at Wolverhampton is designed for speed and excitement. Its unique Tapeta surface is a mix of sand, wax, and fibers. This makes it a great all-weather track, so races can happen even when the weather isn't perfect.
Because the track has left-hand turns, it's a bit different from many other British racecourses. This design can sometimes change how horses race, making it an interesting challenge for jockeys and trainers.
What is Tapeta?
Tapeta is a type of artificial surface used for horse racing. It's known for being very consistent and safe for horses. It helps to reduce injuries because it's softer than traditional dirt tracks. This surface also drains well, which means races can go on even after rain.
How It All Started
Horse racing has been a part of Wolverhampton for a long time. The very first racecourse opened way back in 1825. It was located in what is now West Park, and you can still see where the track used to be if you follow Park Road.
Moving to Dunstall Park
The original racecourse was sold in 1878. After a short break of nine years, a brand new course was built at Dunstall Park. This is where Wolverhampton Racecourse is located today.
Modern Upgrades and Changes
In December 1993, the racecourse got a big makeover. They added those famous floodlights and a new all-weather track made of Fibresand. Along with the track, a new hotel, a grandstand for spectators, a restaurant, and special executive boxes were built.
In 1999, a company called Arena Leisure bought the racecourse. More changes came in 2004 when the Fibresand and turf tracks were replaced with a single Polytrack surface. The hotel and conference areas also got a fresh look. Since then, the course has only held flat races on its all-weather surface.
Switch to Tapeta
By 2014, the Polytrack surface wasn't working as well as hoped. So, the course closed for several months to lay down a brand new artificial surface: Tapeta. The racecourse reopened on August 11, 2014, ready for more exciting races.
Future Plans
Wolverhampton Racecourse has big plans for the future! The local council has given permission to expand the hotel from 54 rooms to 170 rooms. They also plan to pave the overflow car park. This huge project, costing about £26 million, also includes plans for a casino. If built, it would create the first "racino" in the UK – a place with both a racecourse and a casino!
Notable Races
Wolverhampton Racecourse hosts several important races throughout the year. These races attract top horses and jockeys. Some of the well-known races include:
- Lady Wulfruna Stakes
- Lincoln Trial Stakes
