Forever immortalised as Darrowby in the books of the world’s most famous vet and author, James Herriot, Thirsk has one of Herriot Country’s finest racecourses. James Herriot (Alf Wight OBE) often found himself recruited to work at the Racecourse on racedays!
Thirsk’s rich racing heritage and history can be traced back as far as 1612. The first race meeting on the current course was held in 1855 and the Thirsk Hunt Cup, run over one mile every spring, has been a feature of the Thirsk season for over 100 years.
Thirsk Racecourse is a flat, left-handed oval of about one mile two furlongs in circumference, with a run-in of just over three furlongs from the home bend to the Winning Post. There is also a six furlong chute, which is slightly undulating.
Thirsk Racecourse has a beautifully maintained paddock with outstanding facilities and friendly staff will make your visit a winning one whatever the outcome on the track. It has been popular for generations and a warm welcome awaits the first-time and most seasoned racegoers.
There are facilities to suit every racegoer from the informal tattersalls or Picnic Enclosure, The Grandstand and Paddock, Saddle Room Buffet, James Herriot Hall, 1967 Stand, Private Hospitality Marquees plus Private Boxes with breathtaking, panoramic views across the North Yorkshire countryside and a private box set opposite the winning post with a spectacular view of the racing, is a special way to enjoy fine dining, first class service and an exhilarating day at Thirsk races.
On Ladies Days, fashion meets the flat where champagne, competitions, hats, live music and fun bringing the social calendar one of the highlights of the year to Thirsk Racecourse.
As the home of the world-famous Yorkshire Vet, James Herriot Thirsk Racecourse celebrates the town’s heritage at an All Creatures Great and Small Family Day with a visit from a mini petting farm, everything from Llamas to ducks, to pigs to bunnies! Balloon modelling, inflatables, bouncy castles, face painting and a range of traditional fairground stalls.
James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon (Alf Wight and Donald Sinclair) were regulars at Thirsk Racecourse both working as duty vets and socially so what better way than to follow in their footsteps at this fine North Yorkshire’s Herriot Country racecourse.
Thirsk Racescourse Ladies Day
Thirsk Racecourse Weddings
Thirsk Racecourse Outdoor Events
Thirsk Racecourse Meeting and Conferences
Thirsk Racecourse Man in Hat and Sunglasses
Thirsk Racecourse Ladies at Railings
Thirsk Racecourse Horses
Thirsk Racecourse Heritage Image
Thirsk Racecourse Finish Straight
Thirsk Racecourse Family Days
Thirsk Racecourse Crowd at Railings
Thirsk Racecourse Celebrations and Dinners
Thirsk Racecourse Ariel
Thirsk Racecourse,
Station Road,
Thirsk, North Yorkshire
YO7 1QL
T: 01845 522276
