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Wetherby Racecourse invests in its future with new facilities

Wetherby Racecourse invests in its future with new facilities
Illustrative image: Pexels

On the edge of the market town, Wetherby Racecourse has been a fixture of the Yorkshire racing calendar for generations. Today it is combining that heritage with a steady programme of investment in its facilities. It is a course that matters a great deal to local racegoers, owners and trainers alike.

The most visible change has been a £3.2 million redevelopment project. The Yorkshire Post reported that the Old Members' Stand was demolished to make way for a new, modern grandstand, with plans including a public bar with a betting shop, dedicated areas for owners and trainers, and a stewards' room.

The work behind the scenes continues, too. The racecourse's own history page notes that upgrades and additions to the weighing room facilities were planned to start in 2025 to 2026, improving conditions for the jockeys and officials who make every race day happen.

Wetherby is well known for jump racing, and its feature days include the Charlie Hall Chase, which has a long and distinguished roll of honour that draws top horses to West Yorkshire each autumn.

Racing continues through the winter months. In January 2026, for example, the racecourse staged a seven-race card on Thursday 22 January, with the first race moved forward to 12.20pm.

Local partnerships are part of the picture as well. Boyle Sports sponsored the 2025 Peak Cap and Pearls Raceday, supporting its new shop in Wetherby town and linking the course with the community around it.

For racegoers, Wetherby offers a friendly, welcoming day out, whether you are a seasoned punter or simply enjoy the spectacle of horses thundering past the stands. There is plenty of space to watch the action, and the close-up view of the horses in the paddock is always a highlight for families.

With new facilities taking shape and racing scheduled across the seasons, it is an exciting time for one of Yorkshire's best-loved courses, and a good moment to rediscover a day at the races close to Leeds.

Fixtures, raceday information and tickets are available on the Wetherby Racecourse website, where visitors can plan their next day at the races.

Find out more: wetherbyracing.co.uk