HORSE racing has enjoyed a stellar year in 2024. On British soil, the Cheltenham Festival continued to generate massive attention, especially the sensational Galopin Des Champs.
The French horse romped to his second straight Gold Cup triumph, and now he has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Best Mate and Arkle, both of whom romped to hat trick triumphs in the showcase race.
Following investment from countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, racing has reached all-time high levels of both viewership and funding. That has prompted bookies to look for new and innovative ways to appeal to clients, while courses themselves are doing all they can to entice supporters through the turnstiles
Racings Continued Growth
Horse racing has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to its deep history and exciting atmosphere. This surge has prompted bookmakers to innovate, leading to the creation of virtual racing—a high-tech alternative designed to captivate racing fans round the clock, including during live event downtimes.
Advancements in digital graphics and simulation technology have made it possible to recreate the excitement of live horse racing in a vibrant, animated format. The precision of these simulations has aided in the new genre being seen as extremely trustworthy, with each randomized outcome available to view anytime by flicking through the virtual horse racing results, which are available on-site 24/7.
The virtual arena is indeed thriving at present, and that momentum will only grow while technology such as VR continues to get huge investment from tech companies. But still, nothing quite compares to going to the races themselves. So, let’s have a look at the courses closest to Tameside.
Haydock Park
Nestled in Merseyside’s scenic parklands, Haydock Park is a premier destination for both flat and jump racing. Opened in 1899, the course has a rich racing heritage and offers a diverse yearly calendar. It hosts many a huge meeting throughout the year, but the highlight is probably the Grand National Trial.
Held in February, the meet attracts top jump racing talent as part of the build-up to Aintree’s famous race. Flat racing fans flock to The Temple Stakes in May, a sprint race known for its speed and excitement. Finally, in November, the Lancashire Chase is a key event in the jump racing season.
Getting There
By Car: From Denton, Tameside, Haydock is just shy of a 30-mile drive, taking roughly 35 minutes via the M60 and M6 motorways. Parking at the racecourse is free and plentiful.
By Train: Take a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Newton-le-Willows station, which has regular services. From there, a bus or taxi can complete the five-minute journey to the racecourse. With connections, this route typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Chester
Known as the oldest continuously operated racecourse in Britain, Chester Racecourse combines history with unparalleled charm. Its standout event is the Boodles May Festival, a three-day extravaganza in May celebrating flat racing. It kicks off the summer season and features prestigious races such as the Chester Cup and the Ormonde Stakes.
Getting There
By Car: Chester is about almost a 50-mile drive, taking around 50 minutes via the M60, M56, and A483. On race days, follow yellow temporary signage for parking directions near the racecourse.
By Train: From Tameside, board a train from Manchester Victoria to Chester. The train ride takes around 55 minutes. From Chester station, you can either walk 20 minutes to the course or take a quick taxi ride.