5 Remote Racecourses: The Four Corners of the Earth

Horse racing is a sport enjoyed globally, but some racecourses are far removed from the bustling circuits of Ascot, Churchill Downs, and Flemington. From windswept islands to secluded deserts, these five remote racecourses span the far reaches of the Earth, offering unique racing experiences and stunning surroundings.

1. St. Moritz, Switzerland – White Turf on a Frozen Lake:

Nestled in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 1,822 meters, the racecourse on the frozen Lake St. Moritz is one of the most unique racing venues in the world. Every February, this winter wonderland hosts the White Turf event, where thoroughbred horses race on ice and snow. While Switzerland may not seem remote, the isolated alpine location and extreme conditions make this racecourse a standout. Horses wear special shoes with spikes for better grip, while spectators enjoy champagne in heated marquees with a backdrop of the towering Engadine mountains. The race draws elite participants and wealthy tourists, but the remote location and frozen track create a surreal racing experience.

2. Birdsville Racecourse, Australia – The Outback's Premier Event:

Deep in the Australian Outback lies the Birdsville Racecourse, a remote venue famous for hosting the annual Birdsville Races. This tiny town, with a population of fewer than 150 people, explodes with over 6,000 visitors during the two-day racing festival. Held in September, this iconic event has taken place since 1882, with locals and visitors enduring the harsh desert conditions for the thrill of the race. The red dirt track, combined with the blazing Australian sun, creates a rugged yet exhilarating atmosphere. Birdsville’s isolation, situated near the edge of the Simpson Desert, adds to its unique charm as one of the most remote racecourses in the world.

3. Kangiqsujuaq, Canada – Arctic Snowmobile Racing:

While not a traditional horse race, the Ivakkak dog sled race in Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik, Quebec, is an iconic remote racing event. Held across the harsh and isolated Canadian Arctic, this race involves mushers guiding dog teams over frozen tundra. Reaching Kangiqsujuaq, a remote Inuit village, involves a long trek through icy wilderness. The race is a cultural tradition, reflecting the deep connection between the Inuit people and their environment. Though different from traditional horse racing, it is a testament to how races in remote areas adapt to local conditions and customs.

4. Ljubičevski, Serbia – Historical Horse Racing in a Quiet Corner:

The Ljubičevski Horse Races in Požarevac, Serbia, are held at the Ljubičevo Stud Farm, one of Europe’s oldest horse breeding centers. Though Serbia may not seem as isolated, the racecourse’s location in a rural area, far from major cities, gives it a remote feel. The races are part of a festival celebrating Serbian heritage, including medieval-style competitions like horseback archery and jousting. The rural, countryside setting provides a picturesque backdrop, with races that carry deep historical significance, preserving centuries-old traditions.

5. Omak Stampede, USA – Extreme Racing in Washington's Wilderness:

The Omak Stampede, held in Omak, Washington, includes one of the most extreme horse races in the world: the Suicide Race. Riders charge down a steep, 200-foot hill, cross a river, and sprint to the finish. Omak’s rural location in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and the danger of the race create an adrenaline-fueled spectacle. Native American riders from the Colville Tribe participate, adding cultural significance to this remote, high-stakes race. The isolation of Omak adds to the intensity, as participants and spectators venture into the wilderness to witness this thrilling event.

Conclusion: These five racecourses, scattered across the world, are a testament to the global passion for racing, even in the most remote and challenging environments. From the icy landscapes of Switzerland to the blazing deserts of Australia, these unique venues offer not just a race, but an unforgettable adventure for both participants and spectators.

Photo: JC 

5 Abandoned Racecourses: Once Thriving, Now Forgotten

Throughout history, many racecourses around the world were once bustling with excitement, only to later fall into disrepair and abandonment. These venues were once the heart of local communities, drawing crowds of passionate racing fans and gamblers. Today, they lie eerily silent, overtaken by nature or repurposed for other uses. Below, we take a look at five notable abandoned racecourses and the stories behind their demise.

1. Hurst Park, England

Hurst Park was a prominent racecourse located near the River Thames in Surrey, England. Known for hosting both flat and jump racing, Hurst Park opened its gates in 1890 and quickly became a popular venue. It was famous for the Victoria Cup, a prestigious race that drew large crowds. Despite its popularity, the racecourse closed in 1962 due to rising land values, as developers eyed the site for housing. The land was eventually sold, and today, the Hurst Park estate stands where the racecourse once was.

2. Agua Caliente Racetrack, Mexico

Located just across the border from California in Tijuana, Mexico, the Agua Caliente Racetrack was once a glamorous destination for wealthy Americans during Prohibition. Built in 1929, it was known for its lavish facilities and star-studded events, attracting Hollywood celebrities and even royalty. However, its fortunes declined after the legalization of horse racing in California, which drew crowds away. The racetrack was eventually abandoned in the 1990s, and much of the site has been demolished or left in ruins, though some parts of the original structure still stand.

3. Oriental Park, Cuba

Havana’s Oriental Park was one of the most famous racetracks in the Caribbean during the first half of the 20th century. Opened in 1915, it attracted both Cuban and international audiences, including American tourists, who would come to bet on thoroughbreds. The track’s glory days came to an abrupt end following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, when Fidel Castro’s government banned gambling. Oriental Park was abandoned and has since been reclaimed by nature, with no sign of the grandstands or racetrack that once stood proudly on the site.

4. Great Leighs, England

Great Leighs, located in Essex, England, was the first new racecourse to open in Britain in over 80 years when it launched in 2008. It was built with state-of-the-art facilities, but financial troubles plagued the venue almost immediately. After just a few months of operation, Great Leighs went into administration, and racing was suspended. The track remained unused and abandoned for several years before finally being revived under new ownership in 2015, now known as Chelmsford City Racecourse, though its troubled past still lingers.

5. Bowie Race Track, USA

The Bowie Race Track in Maryland, USA, opened in 1914 and was a major player in the Mid-Atlantic horse racing circuit. The track held many prestigious events and was home to many notable horses. However, its location in a less-populated area led to a gradual decline in attendance, and with competition from other nearby racecourses, Bowie finally closed its doors in 1985. Since then, the site has been repurposed, with much of the land now serving as a training facility for horses, but the grandstands and track remain abandoned.

Conclusion

Abandoned racecourses are relics of a once-thriving industry, where the thrill of the race was replaced by silence and decay. These five racecourses, from Cuba to England, each tell their own story of rise and fall, serving as reminders of how fleeting fame and success can be in the world of horse racing. While some have been repurposed or left to nature, they all remain part of the history of the sport.

The Toughest Horse Racing Tracks Around the World

One of the reasons that horse racing is such a popular sport is because of its unpredictability. You can think you have a sure-fire favourite, but until they finish first past the post, absolutely anything can happen.

Not all horse races and horse racing tracks are the same - and we don't just mean flat racing and jump racing, there are several other factors that can set them apart, making them tougher than the rest.

Each and every race, especially when you reach Grade I and Grade II event standards, will come with its own challenges - and pretty much all of these are simply the track on which they are running their race. However, although this is challenging for the horses and fun for the spectators, it makes it pretty tricky for the horse racing betting industry - as your winning bet could end up falling at any time.

Here, we will look at the toughest horse race tracks around the world and what makes them so challenging for the runners.

Aintree: Liverpool, UK

First, we will start with arguably the most famous racing track in the UK - however, this one is as challenging and difficult as it is iconic. 

Aintree has a magnificent history and first opened up in 1829. During almost 2 centuries in the business, it has been witness to some of the most incredible and nail-biting horse racing events ever. This is the home of the legendary Grand National, the biggest horse race in the country, famous for sapping the energy out of even the best and most respected of horses.

But why is that? What is it about the course that makes it so difficult to defeat? Well, the answer is simply the number of difficult jumps and obstacles that the horse and jockey need to clear.

Including the famous Bechers Brook, Canal Turn and The Chair. These, along with many others, work together to create one of the toughest and most demanding steeplechase races in the world, where only the best will prevail. In fact, in 1928, only 2 horses managed to complete the race out of 42 starters.

Flemington: Melbourne, Australia

Heading right over to the other side of the world, we have Flemington, in Melbourne Australia, which is home to the race that stops the nation, the famous 2-mile handicap Melbourne Cup.

This may be beautiful, sitting next to the breathtaking Maribyrnong River, but this pear-shaped track is filled with all sorts of difficult features that will trouble even the very best horses in the world.

This includes the ‘Straight Six’, the six-furling straight which requires an incredible amount of stamina from the horses and a whole lot of nerve, who have to ride their hearts out in front of 120,000 anxious spectators. 

Tokyo Racecourse: Fuchu, Japan

Next, we have the Tokyo Racecourse, situated in Fuchu in Japan. This was opened back in 1933 and hosts numerous races throughout the year including the famous Japanese Derby and the Japan Cup.

This is described by locals as the ‘Racecourse of Racecourse and it can hold a massive 223,000 spectators. It also has one of the biggest video screens in the world.

As well as this, it also offers five very different but all very difficult track options. There are alternative grass courses as well as a jump course and a dirt track. In just one year, it plays host to 8 Grade 1 stake races.

It may not be as famous or well-reputed as some of the others, but it definitely deserves a mention.

Belmont Park: New York, USA

This may only be 2400m, but this can be gruelling - and has earned the nickname of Big Sandy, as this dirt track can be incredibly tiring for the horses. It’s full of sweeping turns with a long home stretch and although it’s a fair course, it’s one of the most tiring for the horses and is a track for only the fittest.

Graphic: Canva (free)  

Detailed Info about Newcastle Racecourse

Newcastle is a horse racing facility that is found at Gosforth Park, around Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England. Owned by the Arena Racing Company, it is one of the most notable racing venues in the United Kingdom. The sporting site hosts both jump and flat races. Newcastle’s biggest meeting, the Northumberland Plate, is held every year in June.  

The racecourse has been in existence for more than two centuries. The very first Northumberland Plate was staged at the facility in 1883. Despite the early date of its founding, the event nevertheless drew a great deal of publicity and attendants from the entire Northumberland and beyond. With tens of racers and horse owners, the inaugural occasion was an unprecedented success.

In 2002, Newcastle Racecourse hired David Williamson as the managing director. The Scottish entrepreneur vastly improved services at the horse riding venue and gave it it's present coveted ranking as one of the most important racecourses in Britain and Europe at large. Williamson held the prime position for six years until his honourable exit in 2008. Here's an opportunity to visit this site for the latest casino action.  Under his six-year stewardship, the Newcastle turnover nearly tripled from £2.5m to £6.5m. Due to its prestigious position, Newcastle’s social and hospitality services are highly looked for throughout the country.

Newcastle Racecourse is one of the most highly rated racing spots, with the Northumberland weekend bringing up to 30 million sterling pounds to the regional economy. The widely popular racecourse also has an auspicious Lady’s Day that currently attracts more than 15,000 attendees and sporting enthusiasts from various parts of the region. Even after Williamson’s succession by Mark Spincer, who I'm sure would have enjoyed real pokie machines, visited the racing grounds have continued to enjoy great esteem and reputation in the horse racing fraternity. It is among the top racing venues in the United Kingdom that attract ceaseless media attention, even when there are no notable track events taking place on the grounds.  

The state-of-the-art facilities at the racecourse have made it a preferred racing destination for professional trainers as well as amateur jockeys. Despite the already distinguished infrastructural amenities, the Newcastle Racecourse administration has never stopped implementing continuous structural and aesthetic enhancements. For instance, the management recently announced that the flat track is going to be transformed into an all-weather track. However, the mega facelift that was announced in 2013 will not affect the turf course that has remained one of the most admired in the whole of Europe. The ongoing plans and developmental improvisations are expected to create greater crowd capacity and also see the construction of an increasingly consumer-customized hospitality section at Newcastle Racecourse.

Besides having wonderful racing space and supportive infrastructural facilities, Newcastle Racecourse has outstanding hospitality amenities that meet a wide range of consumer needs. For those that look forward to holding important meetings and conferences, Newcastle conferencing and meeting services are worth everyone’s serious consideration. 

The racecourse’s highly skilled staff members perfectly understand that every company or individual have their unique requirements and are thus willing to tailor their packages to ensure that everyone is well-served and fully satisfied. Newcastle is a leading choice for thousands of clients and attracts hundreds of social and corporate functions every month. It is simply the ideal place in the region for companies and individuals who would want to hold their business or private meetings in a grand colourful style.

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Contact details: Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 5HP

Tel: 0191 236 2020 



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