It is situated on an expanse of ground which has been known since pre-medieval times as the Knavesmire, from the Anglo-Saxon “knave” meaning a man of low standing, and “mire” meaning a swampy pasture for cattle. For this reason, the racecourse is still sometimes referred to as “The Knavesmire”.
Micklegate Stray (The Knavesmire)
| Name | Micklegate Stray |
|---|---|
| Address | Micklegate Stray, Knavesmire, Bracken Road, York |
| Description | The largest and best known of York’s historic strays |
| Website link | More info |
The Knavesmire is one of a number of large, marshy undeveloped areas within the city of York in North Yorkshire, England, which are collectively known as Strays.
Knavesmire Beck, now culverted, flows into the River Ouse half a mile away. This proximity to the river means that the Knavesmire is subject to flooding after heavy rain, sometimes over a large area, when it has been known to attract windsurfers and, given a subsequent cold snap, ice skaters!
What’s York Racecourse called?
the Knavesmire
Racing commenced on the present site of York Racecourse, the Knavesmire, in 1731. By the end of the decade, its August race week (now the Ebor Festival, which runs from today until Saturday) was the annual highlight of the city’s social calendar.
Do they have sniffer dogs at York races?
Working alongside North Yorkshire Police, the presence of sniffer dogs, bag searches, participation in the Pace Yourself Plus initiative, as well as monitoring of toilets, are all accepted as positive steps in addressing this challenge for wider society.
The Knavesmire is a fantastic huge grass space making it brilliant for walking dogs or children to run free. This circular walk follows a tarmac track so it’s also buggy friendly.
Why are parts of Yorkshire called riding?
Yorkshire is England’s largest county and its boundary, over 600 miles long, was established more than 1100 years ago. The word Riding is derived from a Danish word ‘thridding’, meaning a third. The invading Danes called representatives from each Thridding to a thing, or parliament and established the Ridings System.
What does Wick mean in Yorkshire?
lively one
Old form surviving in America and Yorkshire. Wick: (noun / adjective) small insect, especially a lively one. Relates to quick -originally meaning alive. Eg “as wick as a lop.” – “As lively as a flea.” Old English.
Why is there a white horse in Yorkshire?
It was created in 1857 and constructed by a local schoolteacher and his students. To some hill figure purists, this colossal white horse is a fake. Unlike the other geoglyphs in England, this elephantine equine was carved into a steep gray limestone hill instead of a traditional chalk hill.
Which parts of England flood the most?
Areas of the UK particularly vulnerable to this type of flooding include: Cornwall. East coast areas – particularly Peterborough, Hull, and Great Yarmouth. Kent and Sussex coastal areas.
Why does York flood so much?
Climate – The Ouse section of the basin is flat and receives about as much precipitation (640mm per year) as is lost through evapo-transpiration (540mm per year). The water that floods York hence comes from the Dales area which receives heavy rainfall, which ends up in York via the Swale, Ure and Nidd tributaries.
When did York last flood?
York has known devastating flooding with records going back to 1263 AD. More recently, there were serious floods in 2007 and 2012. The city is defended by a series of coordinated flood defences.
What are the 9 racecourses in Yorkshire?
There are nine Yorkshire racecourses – Beverley, Catterick, Doncaster, Pontefract, Redcar, Ripon, Thirsk, Wetherby and York. The nine courses host over180 days of racing throughout the year, from the pure adrenaline of championship races to the relaxed informality of family days.
What is the biggest racecourse in the UK?
What’s the biggest Racecourse in the UK? Aintree, is the biggest Racecourse in the UK, in terms of spectator capacity, or in other words; it can seat the most number of people. The course’s capacity is 75,000 spectators, making it the number one, biggest in the UK.
What do ladies wear to York races?
THE COUNTY STAND
Short sleeved shirts, bow ties, cravats and dress shorts are all also accepted within the dress code. There is no formal dress code for ladies, however most choose to dress up for a day at the races – think wedding guest attire.
Can you wear jeans to York races?
Whilst no formal restriction on wearing jeans and trainers, these are rarely seen in the County Stand. In a similar vein, whilst we encourage a sense of style in the County Stand, if gentlemen believe the weather warrants shorts then there is no formal restriction to them being worn.
Can you take beer into York races?
Picnics are welcome in Clocktower Enclosure and alcohol for your own consumption is permitted, please no glass, BBQ’s or gazebo’s.
Do you need cash at York races?
The Tote has a minimum bet of just £2 and accepts cash and card across all courses making it one of the most convenient ways to place a bet on-course. Betting with the Tote at on-course supports racing, most of the revenue taken here at York flowing back to our racecourse.
Which Yorkshire racecourse has a straight mile?
Redcar
Redcar is a left handed flat oval of just over 1m 4f with relatively tight banked bends. There is also a 3f chute that joins the track where the top bend meets the straight, providing a 1m straight course, purported to be the only ‘Straight Mile’ in the UK that is straight and level.
Is York races flat or jumps?
York is one of the premier Flat racecourses in Britain with a rich history. It is the third biggest racecourse in terms of prize-money offered and second behind Ascot in prize-money offered per meeting. York attracts around 350,000 racegoers per year.