Last Updated on November 19, 2025
Situated just a stone’s throw from the A525 and tucked away in a natural hollow, the tiny Welsh village of Bangor-on-Dee enjoys shelter from the wind and stunning views across the River Dee. It’s a picturesque, peaceful place — one rich in history.
The Romans called it Bovinium, while the Saxons named it Bancornaburg. Before the Cambrian Railway arrived in 1895 with its branch line from Wrexham to Ellesmere, the village was known as Bangor-Is-y-Coed, meaning “Bangor below the wood”. The railway station, however, bore the anglicised name Bangor-on-Dee — and it stuck. The line was closed in 1962 as part of the Beeching cuts, and today, the village remains largely undisturbed by tourism… except on race days.
The Unlikely Birth of a Racecourse
With a population of around 1,200, Bangor-on-Dee might seem an unlikely setting for a racecourse. Yet the races are as central to village life as its two pubs.
It all began in 1858, when the Hon. Lloyd Kenyon raced his friend and rival Richard Myddelton Biddulph of Chirk Castle across the countryside. Both were members of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn’s Hunt, and each wanted to prove themselves the better rider. The race drew a large crowd, and while Kenyon’s horse Skip Jack dawdled, Biddulph’s horse Grayling sped to an easy win — taking home the £50 prize.
The informal event was such a success that they decided to make it an annual fixture. On 25th February 1859, the first official Steeplechase meeting took place, using a route remarkably similar to today’s course.
The feature race — the Grand Wynnstay Steeplechase — was run over three miles and attracted 12 runners, mostly local farmers. The winner was a six-year-old called Charley, ridden on behalf of a Mr Jones by a jockey named Gaff.
Future Legends Start Here
In 1868, a ten-year-old boy named Fred Archer won the village’s annual two-mile pony race aboard Maid of Trent. He would go on to become one of the most successful jockeys in British racing history, winning 2,748 races from 8,084 rides.
A century later, Bangor-on-Dee provided another first — this time for Dick Francis, the champion National Hunt jockey turned bestselling author. It was the first proper racecourse he ever rode at. Though unplaced on debut, he later returned to win by over 200 yards aboard Wrenbury Tiger on 3rd May 1947. That day, Francis began a winning streak that would include over 350 career victories, as well as his first treble — three wins in a single day — right here at Bangor.
Racing at Bangor-on-Dee Today
The racecourse remains a favourite with top trainers and jockeys, particularly for bringing on novice horses. You’ll regularly see runners from the yards of Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, Alan King, Donald McCain, Jonjo O’Neill, and Philip Hobbs.
Bangor-on-Dee is also Britain’s only racecourse without a grandstand. Spectators watch from grassy banks, enjoying head-on views of the action. The left-handed triangular course measures about 1 mile 4 furlongs, with seven jumps, two open ditches, and a 1-furlong run-in.
Since 2006, it has also hosted amateur Point-to-Point races run by local hunts. These take place on a separate course within the main track and are run right-handed.
Fixtures, Fashion and Facilities
There are around 15 fixtures a year, spread across all four seasons. Highlights include Ladies Day, an August Bank Holiday meeting, and two winter events in December.
The atmosphere is famously relaxed, and while there’s no formal dress code, most racegoers opt for smart or smart-casual attire. Dressing up is part of the fun, and more ladies are now choosing to wear hats, though they’re not required.
Admission is straightforward. Entry to the Paddock (which includes the Parade Ring and Weighing Room) is £18, and entry to the Course enclosure is £8. Depending on your ticket, you’ll either receive a paper pass or a metal badge, which should be clearly visible to officials.
On-site, you’ll find everything from restaurant dining to ice creams and snacks. Whether you want a sit-down meal or just something quick, there’s a good variety of food and drink options.
Getting There
Bangor-on-Dee is about 25 minutes from Chester and well signposted from the A483. From the South and Midlands, the best route is via the M6 and M54 (Junction 3), then the A41 to Whitchurch and finally the A525 towards Wrexham.
The racecourse postcode is LL13 0DA. For those arriving by train, the nearest station is Wrexham General, and on race days, a free bus service runs to and from the course.
A Day Out Worth Remembering
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just looking for a fun family outing, Bangor-on-Dee Races delivers. The friendly vibe, well-kept course, and top-quality racing ensure a memorable day out in the Welsh countryside.
Children under 16 go free, as does the car parking, making it one of the most accessible and family-friendly racecourses in the UK. For newcomers and racing regulars alike, Bangor-on-Dee offers a racing experience like no other.
