Horse racing has been a popular spectator sport in Britain for centuries. Described as 'The Sport of Kings', many people are drawn to the sense of occasion and ceremony at race meets and enjoy the excitement and thrill of gambling on the runners. Read on to discover all you need to know about horse race courses in the U.K

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Horse Racecourses in the U.K by Region

There are currently 59 licensed racecourses in the U.K, with a course in Ffos Las, Wales scheduled to open in 2009. 2 further horse racecourses in Down Royal and Downpatrick in Northern Ireland are also set to open soon.

Horse Racecourses in the North West

Aintree - One of the largest racecourses in the U.K, Aintree hosts the Grand National Steeplechase, one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in the world.

Chester - The oldest of the racecourses in the U.K is Chester Racecourse which dates back to the early 16th century.

Horse Racecourses in Yorkshire and the Midlands

York - With a spectator capacity of 60,000, York's racecourse is one of the largest in the country.

Wolverhampton - This floodlit track is a thoroughbred horse racing venue, often holding meetings in the evening.

Horse Racecourses in the North East

Newcastle - Staging both flat and National Hunt racing events, Newcastle racecourse is one of the largest in the North East.

Hexham - Hexham, in Northumberland is a thoroughbred racecourse which is oblong in shape and approximately one and a half miles around.

Horse Racecourses in the South East

Ascot - Perhaps one of the most famous racecourses in the U.K, if not the world, Ascot plays host to some of the biggest horse racing events in the sporting calendar, including the renowned Royal Ascot.

Goodwood - Controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, the annual Glorious Goodwood meeting is the flagship event in the British flat racing calendar.

Horse Racecourses in the South West

Taunton - A thoroughbred racecourse, Taunton was the last new racecourse to open in Great Britain before Great Leighs opened in April 2008.

Newton Abbott - A thoroughbred racecourse, situated on the north bank of the River Teign.

Horse Racecourses - Figures

The following is a breakdown of all of the activity which occurred at racecourses in the U.K in 2005:

o Fixtures: 1,300

o Races: 8,588

o Runners: 94,659

o Racegoers: 5,896,922

o Prize money: £99.3 million

Ownership of Horse Racecourses in the U.K

The largest operator of racecourses in the U.K is Jockey Club Racecourses, which owns 14 sites. Northern Racing own 10 courses (including the soon Helpful site to open Ffos Las) and Arena Leisure own 7.

Rise in Attendances

Horse racecourses in the U.K have recently undergone something of a renaissance with millions of racegoers flocking to courses. In 2004, attendances exceeded 6 million for the first time since the golden age of the 1950s.

Corporate Hospitality

Most racecourses in the U.K offer corporate hospitality for those looking to entertain clients, with hospitality suites and packages available for guests. These include not only luxury accommodation for racegoers to watch the events, but also bars, restaurants and other facilities which have been designed to offer a complete race-day experience.

Training to become an Electrician can be split into two main areas. The first area of any training is practical experience and this is arguable the most important. The second area is qualifications. Although in our opinion, not as important as experience, its importance has increased since Part P of the building regulations were introduced in 2005.

The route to gaining the necessary experience to work as an electrician can be taken in one of two ways. The first is to take an apprenticeship, this is the traditional way. Its downside is the amount of time that needs to be invested, typically 4 years. This almost always means that this route is taken by the younger generations. You may also find it difficult to find a company willing to train an older worker using this method.

The second method to gain experience is to work as an Electricians mate. This can be achieved by phoning your local Electrician and asking if you could assist them to gain some experience. Other methods can include the use of the internet to email companies or request work experience on one of the many Electricians forums. The secret to this method is to be confident and persistent but do not be pushy.

An apprentice usually studies at college to gain his or her formal qualifications. This is done a day release basis over the 4 years they are working as an apprentice. Qualifications can also be gained by other methods. The first we look at is an intensive course. Most intensive courses are based over about 2 weeks. The cost of these intensive courses can vary. We have found that most range from around 1 to 2 thousand pounds. Another popular route is to use home study course materials and the IEE BS7671:2008 wiring regulations book. You then attend an examination only test from a college or test centre. The home study courses are available from on line companies. Domlec.co.uk Home study Electricians Courses. The cost is usually around 1 to 2 hundred pounds.

The way you choose to either gain your experience or formal qualification is down to your personnel preferences. Arguments for and against most of the methods can be found. In our experience good electricians are those who work hard to follow the safety rules outlined in the wiring regulations.