Leicester Racecourse is home to half-a-dozen feature race meetings during the calendar year. We’ve already had two of the six fixtures, the Carling Raceday and the Listed King Richard III Stakes, as well as the Family Bank Holiday Funday being enjoyed by the masses.
Racegoers across Leicestershire will be delighted to note there are plenty more opportunities to visit through the summer months, including one exciting wintry meeting over the festive period.
If you’re new to Leicester Racecourse, our first question to you is why on earth haven’t you visited sooner? This picturesque racecourse is one of the city’s best sporting venues. Set within 220 acres of magnificent Leicestershire countryside, it’s a beautiful place to watch thoroughbred horseracing.
Racegoers have plenty of options to bet on races during feature meetings at Leicester. There is a licenced William Hill betting shop on-site on the ground floor of the racecourse’s Grandstand. The iconic British bookmaker is also ranked second for offering the most competitive free horse racing bets online. Bettors, therefore, have the option to create a new account with William Hill online and place their wagers via their mobile straight from the paddock – or before they even travel to the racecourse.
There’s also the option to wager at the multiple Tote outlets with Britbet, as well as the betting ring that’s full of local bookmakers from across the East Midlands.
In terms of the racecourse’s location, it’s easiest to reach by road. It sits south of Leicester city centre off the A6, which means those travelling by train will need to catch a taxi to the racecourse or an Arriva bus service.
If you’re keen to get a feel for the atmosphere of a feature fixture at Leicester Racecourse before the end of the year, check out any of the four meetings below:
Summer Evening Meeting (11th June)
Leicester Racecourse hosts its Summer Evening Meeting, complete with live music and entertainment as the sun sets on Saturday night. Aside from a packed racecard, you’ll get to enjoy the Smooth Radio Party Night with iconic group Sister Sledge, featuring Kathy Sledge, as well as special guests and the immense ABBA tribute act Bjorn Again.
The first race begins at 5.45pm, with the racecourse doors opening two hours prior to the off. General admission tickets with access to the Grandstand cost £20 per person.
Smooth Radio Ladies’ Day (2nd July)
Leicester Racecourse is home to its own Ladies’ Day, which is usually a magnet for girlfriends and hen parties to get together and have fun in the summer sun. Doors open from 11.45am, with the daytime racing meeting running from 2.45pm until 6pm. Once the racing is over, Ladies’ Day continues with a live performance from former Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley, who is joined on-stage by special guest Mica Paris.
General admission tickets for all racegoers are £35 per person, with no additional packages available at the time of writing.
Family Funday (7th August)
Scheduled in the heart of the summer holiday season, Leicester Racecourse’s Family Funday is designed to offer fun for all ages. All those aged under 18 enter free with a fee-paying adult, with advance purchase general admission tickets starting from only £20, including Grandstand access.
Aside from the racing, there are plenty of attractions on-site, including a Giraffe Slide, Pirate Ship Assault Course, Rock-n-Roller, Farmyard Playzone and even soft play for the toddlers. You could even pair the trip with an overnight stay in the new Hotel Brooklyn, that’s launching adjacent to the Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road stadium in July.
Post-Christmas Family Raceday (28th December)
Leicester is not only a flat racecourse, it’s a National Hunt racecourse in the winter months, too. Its Post-Christmas Family Raceday is three days after Christmas and once again offers plenty of entertainment for all the family. Side stalls will be open with festive goodies, there’ll also be Snowboard Inflatables, a Rodeo Penguin and beverages including popcorn and waffles on a stick.
Grandstand advance purchase tickets start from £22 per adult. Those wanting to add an even greater sense of occasion to the day can book tickets with a three-course meal in the Nelson Restaurant, complete with panoramic views of the racecourse, for £75 per person (including racecourse entry).