Pontefract Racecourse
📍 Pontefract Park, Park Rd, Pontefract WF8 4QD, UK
About Pontefract Racecourse
Racing is recorded to have taken place in Pontefract as early as 1648. The course is run left handed over an undulating circuit two miles in circumference, with a two furlong home straight. That makes it the longest continuous flat racing circuit in Europe!
Here at Pontefract we have 16 meetings a year and there is something for everyone to enjoy!
We host two music nights on our Friday Evening Meetings in May and July where we welcome some fantastic performers to take to the stage following racing. We also have three Sunday Meetings each year, the popular Family Days are a calendar highlight, with superb racing and great family entertainment.
We also have our annual Ladies Day and the Best Dressed Lady will take home a holiday for two courtesy of RIU Hotels and Resorts!
There are also a number of different options for eating and drinking at the Racecourse, from the exclusivity and luxury of a private box to Yorkshire’s famous Fish & Chips from one of the mobile units around the Racecourse.
You will find us just half a mile from Junction 32 of the M62.
Pricing info
Advance admission prices range from £5 - £26.
On the day admission prices range from £7 - £28.
Under 18’s go free.
Opening hours
Our Admin Offices are open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
On racedays, the gates will open from 12pm for Midweek Fixtures, 11:30am on Sundays and 4:30pm for Evening Fixtures.
Racedays & Fixtures
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📍 Pontefract Park, Park Rd, Pontefract WF8 4QD, UK
from 1,877 reviews
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Showing 5 of 1,877 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
What a lovely racecourse! It was like stepping in to a little village with a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. Having never been to a racecourse before, I was impressed by the intimacy of the place where you could see the horses in the paddock both before and after the race. Staff were on hand to offer help and were genuinely pleased to see you. I can only highly recommend a visit and look forward to coming again very soon.
It was great out, but thought it would be more fancy. After it was a concert.
Went here to celebrate 25 yrs since our first date and we were looked after by all the staff who couldn't have done any more for us if they tried. When we arrived there was a card and bottle of prosecco on our table from the staff which was a lovely gesture. Food was spot on on arrival you got tea and biscuits then a 3 course meal to have as and when you wanted it then afternoon tea was served. All other staff that took us and looked after us in the parade and winners enclosures were so friendly and made you feel special. If you want to have a great day at the races with wonderful staff I highly recommend Pontefract Racecourse.
First time at Pontefract racecourse today, I was in the grandstand & paddock area, which was good value for money. Really enjoyable day, helped by good weather and a few winners. It is very easy to find the course, park, and exit the car park. Will definitely be making another visit.
A quiet place (so long there are no races happening) to walk, either by yourself, with children, or with dogs, or to jog, around the racecourse, and close to the park. I love how you can easily park and get away from the busy town centre and the noisy jammed roads just in the nearby. Talking about jammed roads, if you get there by car the traffic may not be too good, especially in rush hour.