Racing first took place on Worcester Racecourse, at Pitchcroft, Worcestershire on the banks of the River Severn, since 1718. The racecourse has the distinction of being one of the oldest in the country but, although originally a dual-purpose course, became a National Hunt only venue in 1966.Since the turn of the century, Worcester Racecourse has operated under the auspices of the Arena Racing Company (ARC) and, today, plays host to 17 National Hunt fixtures throughout the season.
Course Characteristics
The course at Worcester consists of left-handed, flat, galloping oval, approximately a mile and five furlongs around. There are nine easy fences, or six flights of hurdles, per circuit and a run-in of 220 yards. The level racing surface and easy, sweeping bends mean that Worcester presents a fair test for all types of horses.
Track Facts
Worcester racecourse applied to the Jockey Club, now the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), for the reintroduction of Flat racing in 1984, but its application was rejected.
The high water table and the proximity of Worcester racecourse to the River Severn mean that the conditions can become extremely testing and flooding is commonplace.
The rather inelegantly named Ladbrokes Download The App Handicap Chase, run over an extended two miles in May, is the most valuable race on the Worcester calendar.