As the race season leaps into action we select eight great equestrian events - and you don’t need to be horse-mad to enjoy them
Aintree Racecourse
April-December
Home of The Crabbie’s Grand National, Aintree is one of the world’s most famous racecourses. However the racecourse also holds five other racedays outside of the festival, proving there’s more to Aintree than the glamour and glitz. Liven up your Friday night with evening racing on May 16 or June 13, or make a weekend of it and take the whole family down to the two mile racetrack for the Old Roan Chase Day and Family Fun Day on October 25-26.
Tickets: From £18-£33
Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS
http://www.aintree.co.uk/
Chester Racecourse Boodles May Festival
May 7-9
The first race of the season, Boodles May Festival is a popular event and the for racegoers. The stage is set for the ladies to show off their outfits, and of course for the jockeys and horses to display their skills. Visit on the Wednesday to watch the historic Stan James Chester Cup or perhaps the final race on Friday’s City Day will get your pulse racing.
Tickets: Prices vary per day
Chester Racecourse, the Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY
http://www.chester-races.co.uk/
Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials
May 16-18
The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials is three days of thrilling equestrian sport combined with family entertainment for all the family in the beautiful surroundings of the Chatsworth Park. Spectators can enjoy elegant dressage, show jumping and cross country. Afterwards, you can browse the shopping village with trade stands offering country wear and crafts. Chatsworth House, gardens and , farmyard will be open as usual.armyard and adventure playground are also open as usual during the Horse Trials.
Price: Tickets from £10 - £36
Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP
http://www.chatsworth.org
Warrington Horse Show
May 26
The Warrington Horse Show is a packed day of four-legged fun, with a host of showing classes to be judged, a programme of showjumping beginning at 8.30am, and arena shows involving heavy horses, falconry, protection dogs, a strongman competition and a parade by the hounds fromof the Cheshire Forest Hunt.
Tickets: £20 per car, £10 single occupant
Tabley Park, Nr Knutsford, Warrington, WA16 0HB
http://www.warringtonhorseshow.co.uk/index.html
Cheshire Polo Club
May-September
The Cheshire Polo Club datesDating back to 1952. Their , the Cheshire Polo Club 2014 season includes over 40 tournaments played every weekend from May through September at all levels and a of polo. A variety of functions and parties are also available to attend. Don’t miss the Wirral Ladies’ Cup Lunch & Finals on June 8th, sponsored by Cheshire Life.
Tickets: On sale soon
Cheshire Polo Club, Little Budworth, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9EJ
http://www.cheshirepoloclub.com/home.aspx
Bolesworth International
June 12-15
This event has now attained three star international status, placing it on a par with other prestigious equestrian events likes in the country such as Hickstead and Olympia. It’s
Spectators can enjoy four days of showjumping fun and entertainment, including a performance from boyband Blue, gun dog displays and a food and drink marquee.
Tickets: £10 online, £12 on the gate. Children under 12 are free.
The Bolesworth International, Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9HQ
bolesworthinternational.com
Bangor on Dee
April-December
Overlooked by the Welsh hills, Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is a perfectly picturesque day out. There are 15 fixtures spread throughout the year, meaning all have a chance to enjoy the racing action. Visit in the peak of summer for Corbett Sports Ladies Day on August 1, or Town and County Countryside day on August 22.
Tickets: From £7 - £20, Children under 16 go free.
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, Bangor Is-Y-Coed, Wrexham, LL13 0DA
http://www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk/
Haydock Racecourse
August 7-9
Take Haydock Racecourse has something for everyone over these three racedays. Bring the whole family to Haydock down on August 7 for a fantastic day of out featuring racing and some lots of free entertainment, ranging from bouncy castles to funfair rides. Children 17 and under go free. Gather the girls, gather your friends for and have a glamourous day out on August 8 to watch the horseracing and an open-air performance from Jessie J. There’s, or enjoy an afternoon of top-class racing on August 9 featuring ‘The Rose of Lancaster ‘ and live music from Tom Jones.
Tickets: Family Fun: From £11.50-£32.50, Jessie J: Adult from £30-£60, Child from £15-£30, Tom Jones: Adult from £25-£37.50, Child from £12.50-£18.25
Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, WA12 0HQ
http://www.haydock-park.co.uk/
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