22/04/2026
– The focal point for Worcester Racecourse is the Grandstand. Horse racing on Pitchcroft began in the 18th Century, and usually involved spectators standing on the grass. However temporary stands were often constructed from timber to aid spectators when the race course increased in size. There is a fantastic picture showing the earliest Grandstand from the 1820s. The picture shows the 1824 boxing match between Spring and Langham. It shows a grand building, with a balcony and arched windows. It's also painted white. It is worth noting some people stood on the masts of ships moored on the river Severn behind, and others are sat on temporary stands. One of these temporary stands collapsed under the weight of spectators! The permanent Grandstand was originally built to help fund races. Unfortunately this failed and it's upkeep began to be questioned by City Officials. As it stood on public land, it was also seen to encroach on public rights! In the 1830s, it was hoped the owners would lease it out to save it. In one very heated meeting, 'offensive language' was used when it was suggested building a new Grandstand if the owners refused to sell or lease the old structure. In 1843, Berrows Journal reported on the arguments and announced that the Grandstand was working at a loss of around £1,600 per annum. It was also revealed 'if the proceeds were adequate to leave a surplus, the parties interested would willingly contribute towards the support of the races.' Some understanding was made, and improvements took place in the years that followed. A more modern Grandstand was built at the start of the 20th Century which also included the Grand Stand Hotel. It had some lovely architectural details included being made from Sandstone. The new Grandstand reduced the entry fee to help raise footfall and make an income. By the 1920s, further improvements were made costing £4,500. In 1929, a new frontage was built to hold 1,000 spectators. However two World Wars and the Austerity that followed them, caused a drop in spectators. The future looked very bleak, with the 1960s being specifically difficult for Worcester Racecourse. In the 1970s, plans were once again being made to replace the Grandstand with a modern building that would hopefully attract people to Pitchcroft. Plans included a Tote and Bar on the Ground Floor, with a large restaurant on the top floor. The restaurant would give views across the river, the City, and the whole course. Councillor John Whitt, Chairman of the Corporation, Racing Management Committee said the site was a 'haphazard collection of unsatisfactory buildings', and 'new amenities' should be built as soon as possible. In the Summer of 1973, the Directors reported £13,886 profits from the 1972-73 season, with attendance up at 14,614. Councillor Whitt, said that year was the 'most successful year's since the war.' By the Spring of the following year, the site saw the demolition of earlier buildings ready for a new Grandstand and nearby River Sporting development. The Grand Stand Hotel was also lost. The new Grandstand was made from modern pre-cast concrete, and was completed ahead of schedule due to good weather. Sadly it was not built with the usual 9 1/2 degree angle to the running rail. It sat at a wider 15 degrees. A few changes had to be made and the Grandstand was officially opened by Levy Board Chairman, Sir Desmond Plummer TD DL, on the 23rd April 1975, costing £358,000. It boasted standing room for 1,260 people, and seating for 162, divided between Members and Tattersalls. It's onsite restaurant could cater for 240 people, and the functions rooms were available for private hire. The new building did suffer from a few issues that plague concrete buildings over time, but it still stands today.
