Belle Vue Racecourse (Douglas)
Description: Belle Vue Racecourse stood on the site of what is now the National Sports Centre in Douglas on the east side of the Isle of Man (NGR 23663 47570). This Douglas racecourse opened in July 1912 on the site currently occupied by the National Sports Centre. The businessmen behind Belle Vue hoped that horse racing would attract the thousands of tourists who came to the Isle of Man in the summer season. The first race was advertised on the front page of the Isle of Man Examiner on Saturday 20th July - The King Orry Stakes was due to start at 3pm with a value of 20 sovereigns. Belle Vue was used for a variety of events including agricultural shows and other sporting activities. The racecourse closed in 1931 following a decision by Tynwald to make on course betting illegal.