The Most Instagramable Racecourses in the UK and Ireland

Chester Racecourse is the most ‘Instagrammable’ racecourse in the UK & Ireland, a study by myracing has revealed.

Affectionately known by locals as the ‘roudee’, the popular track has accumulated 70,448 ‘hashtag’ mentions on Instagram; an impressive feat considering that the capacity at Chester is just 25,000. Our sentiment data, which was assessed using the amount of hashtags compared to the maximum racecourse capacity, put the North West venue ahead of bigger hitters such as York, Cheltenham and Ascot.

Galway, home to the famous seven-day summer Festival, finished in third spot, while York, home of the Ebor meeting, just found one too good on this occasion. Cheltenham Racecourse had the most Instagram hashtags in the UK with 81,969, but the massive 67,500 capacity at the home of National Hunt racing meant that Prestbury Park dropped a few places down to fourth. The picturesque Killarney surpassed expectations in sixth position, while the top 10 was rounded off by Newmarket, Musselburgh, Goodwood and Ayr.

Chester, a fashion and WAG hotspot given it’s close proximity to Manchester and Liverpool,  hosts the May meeting later this year and has several Saturday slots throughout the summer months. Home to the Chester Cup, one of the key marathon battles in the Flat season, the unique track is one of the oldest in the world, having opened in 1539. Looking around the rest of the globe, Churchill Downs had the most amount of hashtags overall, recording a whopping 115,898. The home of the Kentucky Derby can host as many as 165,000 spectators.

1. Chester Racecourse

The oldest track in the world having opened in 1539, the North West venue is one of the most scenic courses in the UK and is always packed on a Saturday in the summer months. The home of the May Festival topped our Instagram ratings, and it’s easy to see why.

2. York Racecourse

York is seen by many as the best track in the country, and it’s hard to disagree. Home to a beautiful track in a city that used to be controlled by the Vikings, it’s a perfect weekend away as well as a day at the races.

3. Galway Racecourse

Any Irishman will tell you that this summer festival needs to be visited at least once in your lifetime. A seven-day festival better known for its booze-up than its racing takes place in the last week of July, with only a solid few remaining for the full week.

4. Cheltenham Racecourse

Home to the famous festival every March and the ‘roar’ before the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, it’s no surprise to see Cheltenham right up there on the list. The backdrop of Cleeve Hill, the sight of the Guinness village, it’s no wonder the Irish love to take over (both on and off the track).

5. Ascot Racecourse

The Queen’s local track and of course where the Royal meeting takes place each year. A picturesque course with some of the best facilities in the world, Ascot deservedly takes its place in the top five of our study.

6. Killarney Racecourse

A bit of a hidden gem, but it will be no surprise to those ‘who know’ to see Killarney in the top half dozen. This track has one of the most stunning views in the world, and is a must for many racing fans on their ‘bucket lists’.

7. Newmarket Racecourse

The home of British racing, the Suffolk venue has two venues- the Rowley Mile and the July course. Many Flat yards reside here, and with some of the best gallops and stables in the world, it’s hard to see that changing for quite a number of years.

8. Musselburgh Racecourse

A lovely track just on the outskirts of Edinburgh, many see Musselburgh as the premier track in Scotland. A host to both Flat and National Hunt racing, this dual-purpose track attracts thousands of visitors each year.

9. Goodwood Racecourse

Home to the glorious meeting and also known for its horsepower of a different variety, Goodwood is a truly stunning racecourse. It’s also hosted some of the best races we’ve seen in recent years, such as Dawn Approach v Toronado, and Kingman v Night Of Thunder.

10. Ayr Racecourse

Ayr just missed out in the top Scottish category, falling a couple of places behind Musselburgh. The home of the Scottish National and Ayr Gold Cup, some of the top horses in Lambourn and Newmarket are often targeted at this venue given the classy facilities and above-average prize money on offer.