Alexandra Park Racecourse

Alexandra Park Racecourse was a horse racing venue in Alexandra Park, London; it was colloquially known as the Frying Pan on account of its shape. It opened on 30 June 1868 and closed 102 years later on 8 September 1970. It is now incorporated into the park, with a sports pitch in the centre of the racetrack oval.

The course is described as "pear-shaped with a stick attached", hence the nickname the "Frying Pan". There were two loops coming off a single straight. Races were run over three distances only: 5 furlongs , 1 mile , and 1 mile 5 furlongs . All except the 5-furlong races were run the reverse way round the course, with the start also at the winning post. The round course had tight bends and cambers and the 5-furlong course had well-graded curves about 2 furlongs along. The going was often firm or hard, though heavy rain could render the turf treacherously slippery. There was an ornate Victorian grandstand and cast-iron railings.

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