Sandown Park Racecourse: Eclipse, Tingle Creek and Betting Guide
Sandown Park in Esher stages top-class racing on the Flat and over jumps, from the Eclipse in July to the Tingle Creek in December. Here are the big races, the history, how to get there and how betting works on course.
Biggest races at Sandown Park
Sandown is one of the few courses with Group 1 Flat racing and Grade 1 jump racing.
Eclipse Stakes
- Eclipse Stakes (Group 1, about 1m 2f)
- First run in 1886, when it was Britain’s richest race
- Named after the 18th-century racehorse Eclipse
Tingle Creek
- Tingle Creek Chase, one of the season’s top two-mile chases
- Watch for the three close-together Railway fences in the back straight
bet365 Gold Cup
- bet365 Gold Cup, first run in 1957 as the Whitbread Gold Cup
- A big staying handicap chase
Sandown Park facts and history
A course of firsts.
The track
Sandown is a right-handed oval of about 1m 5f. The home straight climbs steadily until it levels out about 50 yards from the post, so stamina counts. It is a fair, galloping course.
The 5f course runs diagonally across the circuit, and horses drawn near the far rail have a clear advantage on it. Over fences, front-runners tend to do well. The three Railway fences come close together in the back straight, and the Pond fence is three out.
Getting to Sandown Park
By train
Esher station is about a 10-minute flat walk on racedays, across the centre of the course. Frost covers can sometimes close this route. Trains from London Waterloo take about 25 minutes. Oyster cards are not valid.
By road
Take the A3 then the A307, or leave the M25 at junction 10 for the A3 and A307.
Parking in the centre of the course (via More Lane) is free. The main car park costs £10.
Betting at Sandown Park
You can bet three ways at Sandown: with the bookmakers in the betting ring, on the Tote, or on your phone using the free Wi-Fi.
On your phone
All Jockey Club racecourses, Sandown Park included, offer free Wi-Fi on course. The Jockey Club says you can use it to bet with the bookmakers it lists as partners.
Get your app set up and logged in before you travel, so you are not trying to verify an account in a queue.
In the betting ring and on the Tote
On-course bookmakers stand in the betting ring, and the Jockey Club says you can bet with them in cash. Their prices can differ from the apps, so it is worth comparing.
The Tote runs pool betting on course, with a £2 minimum stake. It takes cash and card. Jockey Club courses also have on-site betting shops. Read our guide to betting at the racecourse for how it all works.
Betting on your phone at the track?
Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store and Google Play ratings.
Sandown Park FAQs
Where is Sandown Park Racecourse?
Sandown Park is on Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9AJ. It is run by Jockey Club Racecourses.
What is the nearest station to Sandown Park?
Esher station, about a 10-minute flat walk across the centre of the course. Trains from London Waterloo take about 25 minutes.
When is the Eclipse Stakes?
The Eclipse Stakes is run at Sandown in early July.
Is parking free at Sandown Park?
Parking in the centre of the course is free. The main car park costs £10.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Sandown Park?
Yes. All Jockey Club racecourses, Sandown Park included, offer free Wi-Fi on course.
Is Sandown Park Flat or jumps?
Both. Sandown stages Flat racing, including the Eclipse, and jump racing, including the Tingle Creek.
Sources: Jockey Club: Sandown transport · Wikipedia: Sandown Park · Wikipedia: Eclipse Stakes · Jockey Club: betting on course. Facts checked October 2026; fixtures and travel details can change, so check with the course before you go.
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