Download - Wrexham County Borough Council

hold on to your hats
Horse racing at Bangor-on-Dee started more
than 150 years ago when a couple of chaps
from the local hunt galloped across the
meadows for a £50 prize.
And they still haven’t got around to putting in
a grandstand. Bangor is the only racecourse
in Britain without one. Because the views are
so stunning from the grass banks of this natural
amphitheatre overlooking the River Dee and
the Welsh hills, there really isn’t any need.
around the betting ring and adrenalin rush of
the race itself,” she says.
“At Bangor-on-Dee, the social side is important
too. For many ladies, dressing up is part of the
experience and with 16 meetings in 2011 we
provide plenty of excuses to don a new hat or
dress.”
So even if you lose your shirt, you’ll still end
up with a new outfit.
The place is so special that it was thriller
writer and ex-jockey Dick Francis’s favourite
course. Mind, things have changed a bit since
he rode his first ever winner here back in
1947. Not least the posh nosh available in the
Paddock and Wynnstay Restaurants.
“Over the last 20 years the racecourse has
progressed from being all wooden buildings
to having superb facilities not only for race
days but also for private parties, weddings
and conferences,” explains general manager,
Jeannie Chantler.
The course is so popular that it stages
National Hunt meetings 10 months of the year.
So what’s the attraction? Pure entertainment,
according to Jeannie, whether you’re an
inveterate punter or a complete novice.
“You can’t beat the spectacle and colour of
seeing horses and jockeys close up, the bustle
“You can’t beat the
spectacle and colour.”
Jeannie Chantler,
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk
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