A racecourse is a specially designed track or route where races take place, most commonly for horses or cars. At a horse racecourse, the track might be oval-shaped with a dirt or grass surface, surrounded by fences and viewing stands where spectators watch the competition. The famous Kentucky Derby runs on a racecourse in Louisville that's been hosting races since 1875.

The word combines “race” and “course” because it marks out the specific path or course that competitors must follow. Some racecourses are simple loops, while others include challenging turns, hills, or obstacles. Car racecourses like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can be several miles long, with banked curves that let drivers maintain high speeds.

Unlike a racetrack (which usually refers specifically to the racing surface itself), a racecourse often describes the entire facility: the track, the grounds, the stables, and the spectator areas. When someone says they're going to the racecourse, they might mean spending the whole day there, watching multiple races and enjoying the atmosphere of competition.