Doncaster Racing Tips

The Doncaster Racecourse has 36 meetings annually, making it one of the busiest courses in Britain. It’s centrally located, meaning that you don’t have to travel far to catch a racing action.

The course has a long and interesting history. It also hosts the St. Leger Stakes, one of the oldest British Classic Races. Though the track is old and rich in history, its facilities are vibrant and modern. Moreover, it has a perfect mix of new and old, top-class and friendly local races.

Let’s see what the course offers and why it’s considered one of the best tracks in the UK.

Doncaster Horse Racing Tips

The following table will show our tips from Doncaster when there are scheduled races there.

Find all today’s latest free horse racing tips, including Doncaster horse racing tips from the most respected professional tipsters from the UK and Ireland.

Doncaster Fixture List 2024

Doncaster Racecourse history

There’s evidence of racing in Doncaster as early as the 16th century. Although numerous attempts were made to stop horse racing due to the high number of ruffians it attracted, plans for building a racecourse began in 1614, when the local Corporation took control of the space for three centuries. 

In the beginning, races were held at Cantley Common. However, in 1766, the races were moved to Town Moor to cope with the growing number of racing enthusiasts. During the course’s opening, Colonel Anthony organized and sponsored a new race, the St. Leger Stakes. 

Unfortunately, after the grand opening, two not-so-exciting centuries passed. A big break came when Doncaster received a big boost after Lincoln and Manchester racecourses were closed in 1964. Their closure not only helped to increase the number of spectators attending the races, but it also meant that the track was now the host for the Lincoln and November Handicap races.

A couple of years later, in 1992, it made history again by being the first course to hold a race on Sunday. Even though there weren’t on-site bookies to take bets, over 20,000 people attended the races, setting a precedent for Sunday races nationwide.

Fast-forward to 2006, when the racetrack underwent serious reconstruction worth £34 million. The improved features included a 5-tier Grandstand and new conference facilities with 3,000 m of space to hold events. The investment transformed the track into a modern racecourse, giving it a chance to compete with top-class tracks in the country. 

The Course

Flat course

Doncaster regularly hosts flat, chase, and hurdle action, keeping the staff busy. It’s preferred for many races because it has the lowest record of cancellations. The ground is well-drained, so the track is almost always in good shape. However, occasionally, the conditions become testing and heavy, favouring speed instead of stamina.

The flat course is considered fair. It’s flat and has only one mild uphill gradient at the top bend. Aside from this, the long straight is flat and perfect for races 5 furlongs, 1 mile long. However, the course can host 1-mile races starting from the small stem protruding from the round course.

Jumps Course

Doncaster has a 2-mile jumping course. Horses negotiate a tight corner as they get closer to the finishing post and a long and gradual bend towards the run-in. While the course is galloping, the ground is better suited for faster horses.

Doncaster Main Racing Events

Doncaster Cup

This is a Group 2 flat race open to horses over three years old. It is run over 2 miles 1 furlong and happens every September. The first time it was held was in 1766. At the time, it was called the Doncaster Gold Cup.

St Leger Stakes

This is a Group 1 flat race open to 3-year-old thoroughbred fillies and colts. It is run over 1 mile and 6 furlongs and takes place in September. The first time it was run was in 1766. It is considered one of the five British classics. Compared to the other five classic races, it’s the longest and is run yearly. 

Lincoln Handicap

This is a flat handicap race that’s open to horses above four years. It is run for a mile and is held between March and April. 

Vertem Futurity Trophy

This is a Group 1 flat race open to 2-year-old thoroughbred fillies and colts. It is run over 1 mile and takes place every year in late October. The event was established in 1961 and was initially called the Timeform Gold Cup. It was Phil Bull’s brainchild and was backed by Timeform until 1964, after which The Observer took over.

Great Yorkshire Chase

This is a National Hunt handicap chase open to horses aged five years and above. It’s run over 3 miles and is scheduled to occur in January every year. The first time it was run was in 1948, with Sky Bet as its sponsor.

Grimthorpe Handicap Chase

This is a National Hunt handicap steeplechase that’s open to horses over five years old. It’s run over 3 miles and 2 furlongs and has 19 fences. The race takes place between February and March. Before 1980, Grimthorpe was run over 2 miles.

Tips on Where to Bet on Doncaster Races

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You can place bets with betting shops around the racetrack or on online betting sites. However, we recommend using online betting sites for a couple of reasons. 

Online Betting Sites That Cover Racing

While traditional betting shops have their pros, online betting sites are better. Some of the benefits you get include:

•       Betting at any time and from any location
•       Horse statistics
•       Better odds
•       Lots of promotions and bonuses. However, you should be keen on the wagering requirements

How to Get to the Doncaster Racecourse

Self-drive

The racecourse has free parking on non-race days and paid parking on race days. It is connected to the M1, M62, and M18, making finding your way to the course easier.

Bus

Shuttle buses run to the track from Doncaster Interchange rail station on race days.

Train

The Doncaster train station is 32 minutes’ walk from the course.

Air

Doncaster-Sheffield Robin Hood Airport is the closest airport to the racetrack and has many internal flights.

The Doncaster Racecourse is spacious and accommodating. It’s a great place to get a taste of the adrenaline racing offers. The atmosphere is great, and you’ll have no problems getting your tickets. Even better, there are loads of race meetings all year round for you to plan around.