Bangor-on-Dee
Date of Review: 13th November 2024 (First review: 23rd August 2022)
RCA Reviewers: The Doctor, The Apprentice & Mr Shrewdy
Address: The Racecourse Overton Road, Wrexham LL13 0DA
Website: www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bangorraces/
Twitter: https://x.com/BangorRaces
Email: mail@bangorondeeraces.co.uk Phone: 01244 304600.
Accommodation: https://www.hotels.com/de1810203/hotels-bangor-on-dee-united-kingdom/
(Image acknowledged & credited to At The Races)
Course Information:
Course Information: Bangor-on-Dee is a picturesque, if not an idiosyncratic, racecourse, situated just across the border, on the banks of the river Dee. It is one of only three racecourses in Wales, and the only one that is based in the north of the country. It is a jumps-only, left-handed course about a mile and a half in circumference. Almost triangular in shape and mainly flat, it is generally regarded as a fast track with relatively stiff fences and three sharp bends, which means the horses are constantly on the turn.
The characteristics of the course lends itself to horses, which are fast, accurate jumpers who can travel at speed. It has nine fences per circuit, with the last two on the final straight, which is only one and a half furlongs in distance to the winning post. Due to this, a lot of the top trainers bring their juvenile horses to Bangor as part of their horse racing education.
* Note: On the 1st February 2023 Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse was awarded Gold Standard status for 2022 by the Racehorse Owners Association, as part of the ROA Accreditation scheme.
The Racecourse Advisor Guide to Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse:
The history of Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse goes back to 1858. When a match race was arranged across the country meadows of Bangor-on-Dee between Richard Myddleton Biddulph of the nearby Chirk Castle and the honourable Lloyd Keyon, for a prize of 50 guineas. The honourable Lloyd Keyon won the race easily while watched by a very large crowd. The meeting proved so popular, it became an annual event and was run on the very same course as racing is today.
History: The legendary Victorian jockey Fred Archer rode his very first winner here, as did the famous author and sometime Royal jockey Dick Francis when he partnered Wrenbury Tiger in 1947. It was also during this year that a hurdle course was constructed and used for the first time. A company was formed in 1953, called the Bangor-on-Dee Steeplechases Ltd, and a stable block and accommodation for staff was built opposite the racecourse the following year.
The famous horse Amberleigh House trained by Ginger McCain won the Bryan Williams Handicap Chase at Bangor in 2002 and went on to win the Grand National two years later. Ginger’s son: Donald McCain won the AMS Novices chase at the course in 2008 with Ballabriggs, who then went on to win the 2011 Grand National. The meeting proved so popular, it became an annual event and was run on the very same course as racing is today.
In 2006, Denman, trained by Paul Nicholls, won the JPCS Novice Hurdle race and went on to win the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Also in 2006, a right-handed point-to-point course was constructed on the inner of the main racecourse, and two meetings a year are staged by the Wynnstay and the Flint and Denbigh hunts, to which Bangor-on-Dee racecourse has a close association.
Course Access:
Location Map of Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
By Road: From the north take the M6 onto the M56 and then onto the M53, following the signs for Wrexham. Take the A525 to Whitchurch. From the South and Midlands, take the M6 and the M54 (junction 3) and then the A41 to Whitchurch and the A525 towards Wrexham. The village of Bangor-on-Dee itself is not very well signed, and signs for the racecourse only appear when you are very close to the track. There are various ways to approach the racecourse which include taking numerous backroads or a magical mystery tour through the Wrexham industrial estate, depending on which satnav system you use.
Please be aware that for some unknown reason, the racecourse only opens 85 minutes before the first race. In our experience, most other racecourses open at least two hours before the first race. This meant that cars were queuing on the road in both directions, at the main gate well before the 11.00 am opening time. It’s both dangerous and unnecessary. By all means, open up the turnstiles to the racecourse at whatever time is deemed appropriate, but at least open the car park and allow cars to park up beforehand. If you have not purchased a ticket in advance, you must purchase one as you enter the car park and not at the turnstiles. This obviously takes time, so the queues back up further again.
By Rail: The nearest train station is Wrexham, which is four miles from the course. A free bus service will take racegoers to the course from the station on race days. The bus leaves the station 90 minutes before the first race.
By Air: The nearest major airports to Bangor-on-Dee are Liverpool (LPL) 23.4 miles. Manchester (MAN) 36.5 miles. Birmingham (BHX) 62.7 miles and Bristol (BRS) which is 112.6 miles. Helicopter landings are available on the racecourse, contact them on 01978 782 081 for further information. Rating 5/10.
Parking: Parking and access to the course is excellent. There are two free car parks, one at either end of the racecourse. Both are on large flat, grassy fields, directly opposite the main racecourse entrance(s). When departing the racecourse, the exit at the rear of the field can be used also. Rating: Rating: 10/10.
Pricing: The day of our visit was “Countryside Day,” a National Hunt eight-race card featuring one Class 1 Listed race, two Class 2 races, one Class 3 race, and four Class 4 races. The racecourse has two separate enclosures: the Paddock Enclosure and the Open Course.
The Open Course is a large open space ideal for families wishing to have a picnic or BBQ (alcohol is allowed). Gazebos and parasols are permitted within a specific area of the Open Course at the bottom of the car park, against the side of the track in this area. However, an additional cost of £10 per gazebo is required to be paid.
The Paddock Enclosure is the main area of the racecourse, which allows access to the pre-parade ring, the parade ring, and the winner's enclosure, along with all of the bars and food concessions. On the day, entrance into the Open Course was £13.00 per person. If you booked in advance, online tickets could be had for £9.00. Entrance to the Paddock enclosure was £23.00, or £19.00, if once again booked in advance. If you are quick, then there is also an 'early bird' price of £7 and £17. This needs to be booked well in advance, however, it is fantastic value.
Please be aware that when booking online, a sneaky and, in our opinion, unjustifiable £0.75p “transaction fee” is administered by the owners of the racecourse, The Chester Race Company Ltd, who also own and operate Chester Racecourse. The “transaction fee” is applied to all transactions. So if you book 3 tickets, you get hit with three £0.75p transaction charges. Why does the Chester Race Company persist with these rip-off “transaction charges”? Why not be upfront and simply make the headline price of the ticket you see online the price you actually pay? And why do they need to charge a “transaction fee” at all? The booking is done online; there is no administration or additional work to be done. It’s a rip-off. Pure and simple, and they need to be called out over it.
Be aware that if booking tickets online, you will need to create and set up a Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse ticket account before purchasing tickets (the same as Chester Racecourse). Children under the age of 17 are admitted free if accompanied by a full-paying adult. Unfortunately, no concessions are available for OAPs or students. Also, be aware, that Bangor-on-Dee is the only racecourse in Britain that does not have a grandstand of any description, so there is no cover or shelter for the general public when outside watching the racing.
There were a couple of hospitality-up-grade options available, which are required to be pre-booked, such as the Wynnstay Restaurant. For £77 +VAT (£92.40), you get to be in the 170-seater restaurant, which is located in the main area, adjacent to the racecourse, next to the bookmakers' ring. A two-course carvery lunch is served, with tea and coffee. There is a cash bar, and a complimentary racecard is thrown in also. There is a dress code of no jeans or trainers allowed.
For £119 +VAT (£142.80), you get a ticket into the Paddock Restaurant. This is a 150-seater, glass-fronted affair, which is directly opposite the parade ring and the pre-parade ring. Here a three-course meal is served up with full waitress service, along with tea and coffee. A racecard is included, and table service betting is also offered. Once again, no jeans or trainers are allowed.
In our opinion, the ticket pricing is somewhat of a mixed bag. If booked online in advance, they are more than reasonable (except for the sneaky “transaction charges”). However, the on-the-day gate prices are a tad expensive for a racecourse that has no grandstand or shelter whatsoever, and you are completely open to the elements. We are not joking when we say check the weather forecast before you go. Because if it's raining, then you are going to need a decent brolly or umbrella, or you are going to get very, very wet. The hospitality upgrades are also expensive, relative to many other tracks of similar size and stature we have visited while on our travels.
Racecard: The Racecard was expensive at £4.00 but was a relatively bulky item with 47 pages, but it was an 8 Race card for the day. If you took away the full-page adverts you would be left with just 28 pages and then for some reason, there were 2 races with the runners and riders for Ayr, under a section called Away Racing. We did find this strange as there were only 2 races from Ayr when they had a full meeting of 7 races slotted between the races at Bangor, it just left us scratching our heads but one day somebody may explain. (we are pleased to report that the racecourse did get back to us on this and gave us the following feedback: "You wondered why we had two races from Ayr in the racecard. This is to improve the experience for guests on a quiet Wednesday to enjoy and bet on the two main races from the away fixture as these two races were shown on the big screen.)
On the plus side, the day's racecard was a fantastic full-page picture map layout of the course and facilities and also something that we do need to praise Weatherby’s for, in that before the two races that they sponsored they gave a full-page review of the strengths of weaknesses of the runners for each race, which was a good, informative read. It had the useful facts page and also the Best Selections, with which they had a 50% win-hit rate which was much better than we fared. Overall a decent printed guide but a little too heavily priced at £4.00. Rating: 6/10.
Catering: The main bar area is the Wynnstay Bar, which is located towards the left-hand side of the racecourse on the main concourse. It is a relatively large, open area, carpeted with tables and bar stools.
The Wynnstay Bar – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
A pint of Becks or Boddingtons was £6.40 each. Guinness and Magners was £6.90. 330ml Bottles of Corona and Camden Hells were £6.50 each, and Magners cider was £7.00 (ouch!). All spirits of whiskey, gin, rum, etc. were £4.60 each (25ml) and house wines of red, white, and rose were £8.00 a glass each (187ml). A bottle of Prosecco will set you back £41.50, and if you want to get “fizzicle” with the real bubbly, then a bottle of champagne ranges from £80.00 to £100.00 depending on your choice. All mixers of lemonade, Pepsi, etc. are £2.00 each (125ml). The bar is warm, and it has a roof, which is not to be underestimated at Bangor.
There was another small bar area to the right called the Maelor bar. However, this appeared to be closed on the day of our visit.
Close by is a small but smart-looking bar called “Silks,” which the marketing blurb says is “a new private entertaining space for groups.”
The Silks Bar – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
We discovered this is a private bar area that can be hired out for a measly £400.00 a day. This seems more than a tad expensive, as you will be lucky to get more than a dozen people in there at a push. Needless to say, on one of the busiest fixtures of the year at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, there were no takers and the place was empty. If they had opened this up to the public, the place would have been rammed. You really do have to wonder, just who is coming up with ideas and pricing schedules such as this.
Unfortunately, we have to report that the food and catering options at Bangor on the day of our visit were not good, in both options and quality. The food available at the racecourse was from the “street food” vendors in a small food court, which is located on the main concourse near the Wynnstay Bar. It has outside tables and chairs and several wooden cabins that you can sit in. The food court itself has no cover, and like everything else at Bangor, is open to the elements.
The Food Court – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
It consisted of three basic options: a pie shop, a burger van, and a fish & chip shop. One of the busiest days in the Bangor racing calendar had clearly taken the vendors of the pie shop by surprise, and they had a very restricted menu of only steak or cheese pies, served with mushy peas and gravy for £6.50 each. Two of the Racecourse Advisor reviewers did partake in a steak pie and reported back that they were pretty good.
The fish and chip shop had a menu of fish and chips for £9.50 and a side of mushy peas, curry sauce, or gravy for £1.50 per portion. One of our reviewers did go for the fish and chips with curry sauce, and it has to be said, he was less than impressed.
Fish & Chips from The Food Court – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Not a lot of fish, but lots of overcooked fried batter. Hardly the largest portion of chips we have ever seen on a racecourse and weird-tasting curry sauce. The majority of the £11.00 serving went straight into the bin.
Luckily, we didn’t get a chance to sample the burgers, which was probably a saving grace, as we saw one disgruntled racegoer return his burger to the vendor and explain that it was “red raw in the middle.” Not good. The only other catering outlet available on the racecourse was an old horsebox situated at the back of the bookmakers, serving teas and coffees cryptically called “Meet Me In The Morning.”
Meet Me In The Morning Coffee Outlet – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
An Americano was £3.30. A Cappuccino, Latte, or Flat White was £3.40. A mocha was £3.50. A Dirty Chai Latte (whatever that is) was £4.00 and a double espresso was £2.60. For an extra £1.00, you could “go large” on all of the above. Breakfast tea was £2.40 a cup. Teapigs tea £2.50. The hot chocolate was £3.50, and the luxury hot chocolate was £4.40. They also had a small selection of cakes and brownies at various prices. We did indulge, and the drinks were piping hot and more than decent.
Our advice when it comes to the catering at Bangor-on-Dee is to make sure you have had a hearty breakfast before you arrive or bring some sandwiches with you. Rating: 4/10.
Guinness Standard: £6.90 per pint. One of the lowest prices of a pint of Guinness so far, and it has to be said it is one of the best pints of Guinness we have had so far. Cold and creamy, served in a thick plastic pint pot with a nice head. Genuinely excellent. Rating: 10/10.
Viewing: The viewing at Bangor-on-Dee, is in our opinion, something of a Curate's egg. Please allow us to explain
The Viewing Area – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
As already mentioned, there is no grandstand of any description at Bangor, so racegoers watch the races while standing on top of an elevated grassy bank. However, the grassy bank is not situated in line with the winning post. It is nowhere near the winning post. You are effectively watching the race from a head-on viewpoint.
As stated previously, the racecourse is in the shape of a triangle. You are standing at the base of the triangle, while the winning post is close to the bottom of the left-hand side of the triangle.
The Viewing Area – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
The racecourse itself is a natural amphitheatre, so the overall views of the racecourse and the surrounding countryside are genuinely spectacular. However, the actual viewing of the horses while racing is very poor. There is a large TV screen situated immediately in front of you, which is needed, as without this, or a pair of binoculars, you really wouldn’t have any real idea how the horses are travelling during the race. For this reason, we feel we have no choice but to mark the viewing accordingly. Rating: 4/10.
Parade Ring / Winners Enclosure: This is the focal point of the racecourse. Positioned between the racecourse itself and the main concourse, above the elevated grassy bank. It is large in size, with full access around the perimeter, which we always like. There are several stools along the rail and numerous wooden raised viewing platforms placed at both ends and the sides of the ring. The inside of the parade ring is nicely turfed, and on the left-hand side is the winner's enclosure.
The Parade Ring & Winners Enclosure – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Due to its size and full access, the viewing of the horses is excellent. The jockeys get to the ring by walking along a small pathway from the weighing room, which is immediately behind it. This means you also get to see the jockeys close up and personal as well, which we also like.
The pre-parade ring is at the left-hand side of the weighing room and is also relatively large, and nicely turfed in the centre. The saddling enclosures are positioned at the very back of the ring.
The Pre-Parade Ring – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Viewing is restricted to around 40% of the perimeter, as one full side is reserved for the annual members of the racecourse. There is a small seating area to the right, which has a number of plastic tables and chairs. Both the parade ring and pre-parade ring are very well tended, and it shows. Rating: 10/10.
Bookmakers / Betting Facilities: The majority of the on-course bookmakers are situated on a large pitch to the left of the parade ring and in front of the Wynnstay Bar. However, bookies seem to be everywhere at Bangor Racecourse. A shortage of them there isn’t.
Bookmakers & Betting Shop – Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
We counted around 25 on the main pitch, with others dotted around various other places. There is also a decent-sized Bangor Bet betting shop at the very back of the course and plenty of Tote facilities in the bars. Getting a bet on will be the least of your problems at Bangor. Rating: 10/10.
Friendliness of Course Staff: The staff were very friendly and helpful, located at numerous points around the track, and always seemed to have time for a chat or to offer information and advice. We also saw a good number of litter pickers on the day, and the course is spotlessly clean. Rating: 10/10.
Pros & Cons: Bangor Racecourse is not that well located, and it is some distance from the motorway(s). On the route we travelled, via Google Maps, it took us around and through Wrexham industrial estate. There was no racecourse signage from leaving the motorway until arriving at the course itself. The free parking is good, and there is plenty of it.
The price of tickets was good if purchased online in advance, but we feel £23.00 on the day for entrance into the Paddock was on the high side. We also need to mention the unnecessary, unjustifiable, and unwarranted “transaction charges.” They really do need to be knocked on the head ASAP.
The viewing of the horses when racing is poor. Yes, the overall views of the course and the surrounding countryside are superb, but it is a racecourse, where people come and pay good money to watch horses race. Why some type of stand cannot be erected along the side of the course where the winning post is situated is a bit of a head-scratcher for us. There is more than enough room, and it would improve the overall racecourse experience immeasurably. Not having any type of grandstand or cover anywhere on the racecourse leaves racegoers at the mercy of the weather. On a wet, rainy day, it isn’t really the type of place you would want to be. As Bangor-on-Dee is a National Hunt, jumps-only course, the majority of the fixtures are held in the winter months. We mentioned previously, and we are serious, check the weather forecast before you go.
The catering on the day was poor, and Bangor Racecourse needs to seriously up its game in this department, in our opinion. The range and quality of the food need serious improvement and quickly.
The parade ring is the highlight of the course for us. The whole racecourse is very well looked after, and it is a credit to the staff at Bangor.
There are more than enough bookmakers on course and plenty of friendly and helpful staff, should they be required. Rating: 5/10.
As always with our reviews, the question is, would we return to Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse? The answer is no. We did have an enjoyable day of racing, but for us, the cons more than outweighed the pros.
VIP Watch: No VIPs of any note were seen on the day.
Wi-Fi / Internet Connection: We had no problem getting online via the Bangor Racecourse App, and it worked perfectly.
Overall Racecourse Advisor Rating: 7.4/10.
The full day's racing results can be found here: https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/meeting/2022-08-23/bangor-on-dee/92734
Facilities Map & Layout of Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse (Image: credited & acknowledged to ARC Ltd.)
Aerial View of Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse: (Image: credited & acknowledged to Google Earth)
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