Go Racing at

Thirsk Racecourse

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Modern amenities in the idyllic countryside


Thirsk Racecourse is situated in the wonderful old cobbled market town of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, forever immortalised as ‘Darrowby’ in the literary works of the World’s most famous veterinary author James Herriot, who occasionally found himself working at the Racecourse on racedays!

The Racecourse facilities have benefited from huge and widespread investment over the past few years, the latest edition being the new Owners & Trainers facility, The Chestnut Room. Numerous options to partake in light (or not so light!) refreshments are spread far and wide around the Racecourse. Experience fine dining a la carte in the historic Hambleton Dining Room; or Dine & View in style in the luxuriously appointed Thomas Lord Restaurant. Savour a delicious seafood platter with fine champagne in their new bar ‘The Shrimp’. There really is something to suit every pallet and every pocket!

Renowned for its beautifully maintained paddock, Thirsk Racecourse has an idyllic country charm about it, yet it is a thoroughly modern venue with outstanding facilities; not least free Wi-Fi for everyone, making it ever popular across the generations, from the most seasoned racing fan to the first time racegoer.

In 2022, Thirsk stages 15 days of fabulous, competitive flat racing between April and September and the season gets off to a big start on Saturday 9th April.  With the first of its Saturday afternoon meetings launching proceedings, there are five more Saturday meetings to enjoy throughout the season, including The Thirsk Hunt Cup on Saturday 30th April; Thirsk’s most historic race dating back to 1859.

Another Saturday favourite is the popular Irish Day on Saturday 14th May along with the fantastic William Hill Thirsk Summer Cup on Saturday 30th July and of course – Ladies’ Day on Saturday 3rd September.

Race forward to the summer months where there are lots more opportunities to enjoy the exciting Thirsk action from among the charming and beautiful surrounds of one of the country’s prettiest racecourses. These include an evening in support of The ABF The Soldiers Charity on Saturday 7th May which coincides with the changed Bank Holiday in commemoration of VE Day. A fitting date! Tuesday 14th June, features all the Royal Ascot action (broadcast live in-between each of Thirsk’s races) the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival comes to Thirsk on Friday 22nd July and there are two Family Days with lots of free activities for the children to enjoy.

Make the most of the ‘kids go free’ value on offer, Family Days are filled with lots of fun to keep the children entertained through the summer holidays and include the James Herriot All Creatures Great & Small Family Day on Friday 26th August and Circus Family Day on Friday 5th August.

Finally, saving our best Saturday ’til last, a frenzy of fashion, fascinators and fun awaits with the famed annual Thirsk Ladies’ Day on Saturday 3rd September.

A warm welcome awaits you at Thirsk in 2022 – where the racing, facilities and friendly staff will make your visit a winning one, whatever the outcome on the track itself, you’ll enjoy your day with us at Thirsk Races.

Racing on the present site at Thirsk began on 15 March 1855 on what was then the Thirsk Hall Estate of Squire Frederick Bell, and indeed remains in the Bell Family to this day. Royal patronage was first welcomed at Thirsk in 1895 when the Prince of Wales – the future King Edward VII – attended the autumn meeting, for which a special grandstand was built as the Royal Pavilion, which stood on the Racecourse for some thirty years. Thirsk Racecourse is also a ‘Classic’ venue having staged the 1940 renewal of the St. Leger Stakes (the world’s oldest classic race) which was won by the Aga Khan’s Turkham and ridden by the greatest jockey of that era, Sir Gordon Richards.
Apart from James Herriot, Thirsk has another very accomplished son in Thomas Lord, who was born there in 1755. An accomplished cricketer himself, Lord founded the world’s most famous cricket ground, Lord’s. His old house in Thirsk is now the Town Museum.

Thirsk Racecourse Ltd., Station Road, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1QL
Saturday April 20
Saturday May 4
Saturday May 18
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thirsk Flat Race | Irish Day
Friday June 7
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thirsk Flat Race |
Sunday June 16
Monday June 24
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thirsk Flat Race |
Wednesday July 3
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thirsk Flat Race |
Wednesday July 17
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thirsk Flat Race |
Friday July 26
Saturday August 3
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thirsk Flat Race | Summer Cup
Friday August 9
Friday August 16
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Saturday 4th May Thirsk Hunt Cup Day
Saturday 16th June Sky Bet Sunday Series
Saturday 3rd August William Hill Thirsk Summer Cup Day
Friday 9th August Circus Family Day
Saturday 7th September. Ladies’ Day