One of the premier racecourses in the UK is Kempton Park. It’s located in Middlesex, just 13.9 miles away from Harrow and is easily accessible by train (Kempton Park Station) – less than an hour away by car.
The biggest meeting of the season at Kempton takes place between the 26th-27th December. The Desert Orchid Chase is one of the highlights across the two days. It was won in 2021 by Shishkin, a horse who is the 4/6 favourite for the Champion Chase betting at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022.
As well as a National Hunt track, Kempton has an all-weather floodlit course which allows them to stage evening Flat meetings across the year.
Windsor (18.9 miles)
Known as Royal Windsor, this Berkshire racecourse is located on the River Thames and close to Windsor Castle. It is a favourite for many, especially in the summer on their regular Monday evening slot.
Windsor Racecourse is 18.9 miles away from Harrow. A visit to the venue can be tied in with some sightseeing in Windsor. Their Flat fixtures begin in early April and run through to their final meeting in October.
Along with Fontwell Park, Windsor is one of just two courses whose track is a full figure of eight. It first held an official meeting at the current site in 1866, however the area does have links to the sport from all the way back to the times of Henry VIII.
The most prestigious race of the year at Windsor is the Winter Hill Stakes. This is a Grade Three contest, and it is run over the distance of one mile and two furlongs. It tends to attract horses from leading trainers.
Sandown Park (17.9 miles)
Sandown Park is a dual-purpose racecourse, which means they host both Flat and National Hunt fixtures. Racing takes place across the 12 months in the calendar, with major events taking place both on the Flat and over obstacles.
The Esher-based racecourse is just 17.9 miles away from Harrow, so again, it’s a short distance which is easily accessible by road and train. If you are heading by train, the station is right next to the track and you are able to walk across the racecourse to get to the grandstand when you arrive.
One of the biggest meetings of the year at Sandown comes in December when the Tingle Creek Chase takes centre stage. This features the leading 2m chasers in the sport and was won by Greaneteen in 2021.
Enjoy your day out if you are heading to one of the three courses this year. You will have a great time and hopefully you can back a few winners too!
