racecourse

Everyday

1. A track or ground where races are held, especially horse races, with stands for people to watch: «Aintree racecourse». tree →
2. Any course for racing, such as for cars or runners. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand racecourses host horse racing like the Grand National or the Melbourne Cup. In maths, a racecourse can give lap and distance problems. Phrases: «at the racecourse», «racecourse track», «a day at the racecourse».

Examples

• Thousands of people went to the racecourse for the Grand National. tree →
• The horses galloped round the racecourse. tree →
• Flemington racecourse in Melbourne hosts the Melbourne Cup. tree →
• The school fun run was held on the old racecourse. tree →
• The racecourse is a mile and a half around. tree →
• The car park at the racecourse was full. tree →

Note

Countable. American English often says «racetrack» or «track». Gambling on races is for adults only. Maths: if a racecourse is 2 km round, 3 laps = 6 km.