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List of British racecourses

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This List of British racecourses gives details of both current and former horse racing venues in Great Britain. As of 22 November 2024, there are 59 racecourses operating in Great Britain (excluding Point-to-Point courses). Hereford racecourse reopened in October 2016 having been closed since 2012. Towcester racecourse is not operating as a horse racing venue as of 2024 and the future of racing there is uncertain.

Current

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Northern Ireland's racecourses
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South East England's racecourses
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Scotland's racecourses
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Wales and rest of England's racecourses

The following British horse racing courses are in operation as of 22 November 2024:[1]

Racecourse County Country Code Opened Surface Owner
Aintree Merseyside  England National Hunt 1829 Turf Jockey Club
Ascot Berkshire  England Mixed 1711 Turf Independent
Ayr Ayrshire  Scotland Mixed 1907 Turf Independent
Bangor-on-Dee Clwyd  Wales National Hunt 1859 Turf Chester Race Company
Bath Somerset  England Flat by 1728 Turf Arena Racing
Beverley East Riding of Yorkshire  England Flat by 1767 Turf Independent
Brighton East Sussex  England Flat 1783 Turf Arena Racing
Carlisle Cumbria  England Mixed 1904 Turf Jockey Club
Cartmel Cumbria  England National Hunt by 1856 Turf Independent
Catterick North Yorkshire  England Mixed 1783 Turf Independent
Chelmsford City Essex  England Flat 2008 Polytrack Independent
Cheltenham Gloucestershire  England National Hunt 1831 Turf Jockey Club
Chepstow Gwent  Wales Mixed 1926 Turf Arena Racing
Chester Cheshire  England Flat 1539 Turf Chester Race Company
Doncaster South Yorkshire  England Mixed by 1595 Turf Arena Racing
Epsom Downs Surrey  England Flat by 1661 Turf Jockey Club
Exeter Devon  England National Hunt by 1804 Turf Jockey Club
Fakenham Norfolk  England National Hunt 1905 Turf Independent
Ffos Las Dyfed  Wales Mixed 2009 Turf Arena Racing
Fontwell Park West Sussex  England National Hunt 1924 Turf Arena Racing
Goodwood West Sussex  England Flat 1802 Turf Independent
Great Yarmouth Norfolk  England Flat 1810 Turf Arena Racing
Hamilton Park Lanarkshire  Scotland Flat 1782 Turf Independent
Haydock Park Merseyside  England Mixed 1899 Turf Jockey Club
Hereford Herefordshire  England National Hunt 1771 Turf Herefordshire Council
Hexham Northumberland  England National Hunt c.1740 Turf Independent
Huntingdon Cambridgeshire  England National Hunt 1886 Turf Jockey Club
Kelso Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale  Scotland National Hunt 1822 Turf Independent
Kempton Park Surrey  England Mixed 1878 Turf & Polytrack Jockey Club
Leicester Leicestershire  England Mixed 1883 Turf Independent
Lingfield Park Surrey  England Mixed 1890 Turf & Polytrack Arena Racing
Ludlow Shropshire  England National Hunt by 1725 Turf Independent
Market Rasen Lincolnshire  England National Hunt 1924 Turf Jockey Club
Musselburgh East Lothian  Scotland Mixed 1816 Turf Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee
Newbury Berkshire  England Mixed 1905 Turf Independent
Newcastle Tyne and Wear  England Mixed 1882 Turf & Tapeta Arena Racing
Newmarket[a] Suffolk  England Flat 1667 Turf Jockey Club
Newton Abbot Devon  England National Hunt 1866 Turf Independent
Nottingham Nottinghamshire  England Flat 1892 Turf Jockey Club
Perth Perth and Kinross  Scotland National Hunt 1908 Turf Independent
Plumpton East Sussex  England National Hunt 1884 Turf Independent
Pontefract West Yorkshire  England Flat 1801 Turf Independent
Redcar North Yorkshire  England Flat 1870 Turf Independent
Ripon North Yorkshire  England Flat 1900 Turf Independent
Salisbury Wiltshire  England Flat 1584[2] Turf Independent
Sandown Park Surrey  England Mixed 1875 Turf Jockey Club
Sedgefield County Durham  England National Hunt by 1732 Turf Arena Racing
Southwell Nottinghamshire  England Mixed 1850 Turf & Tapeta Arena Racing
Stratford Warwickshire  England National Hunt 1755 Turf Independent
Taunton Somerset  England National Hunt 1927 Turf Independent
Thirsk North Yorkshire  England Flat 1923 Turf Independent
Uttoxeter Staffordshire  England National Hunt 1907 Turf Arena Racing
Warwick Warwickshire  England National Hunt 1707 Turf Jockey Club
Wetherby West Yorkshire  England Mixed 1891 Turf Independent
Wincanton Somerset  England National Hunt 1867 Turf Jockey Club
Windsor Berkshire  England Mixed 1866 Turf Arena Racing
Wolverhampton West Midlands  England Flat 1887 Tapeta Arena Racing
Worcester Worcestershire  England National Hunt by 1718 Turf Arena Racing
York North Yorkshire  England Flat 1709 Turf Independent
  1. ^ Newmarket has two courses, the July Course and the Rowley Mile. Part of the racing surface is shared but each course has its own finish and spectator facilities.

Former

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Through the centuries, racing has taken place at various courses throughout Britain which have since closed down. Some were very significant in their day and held major races which persist to this day. For example, the flat season's traditional curtain raiser, the Lincolnshire Handicap was once held at the racecourse that gave it its name in Lincoln but is now held at Doncaster.

21st century

[edit]

Two racecourses have closed in the 21st century. Closed date refers to the last date on which racing took place at the venue.

Racecourse Location Country Code Opened Closed Notes
Folkestone Kent EnglandEngland Mixed 1898 18 December 2012
Towcester Northamptonshire England National Hunt 1928 2018 Greyhound racing still takes place at the course

20th century

[edit]

Between 1900 and 1981, 98 racecourses closed their doors.[3] Opened and closed dates refer to the first and last dates on which racing took place at the venue.

Racecourse Location Country Code Opened Closed Notes
Aldershot Racecourse[4] Hampshire EnglandEngland 13 April 1927 Staged military racing from 1928 to 1939 and point-to-point racing from 1948 to 2012. Also known as Tweseldown Racecourse.
Alexandra Park Racecourse[5] North London EnglandEngland Flat 30 June 1868 8 Sep 1970
Anglesey Racecourse Anglesey WalesWales National Hunt 1757 4 November 1903[6] Located first in Llangefni, then moved to Beaumaris
Atherstone Racecourse[7] Warwickshire EnglandEngland National Hunt 1905 24 March 1909
Banbury Racecourse[8] Oxfordshire EnglandEngland National Hunt 24 April 1929
Blackpool Racecourse[9] Lancashire EnglandEngland National Hunt 1 August 1911 27 April 1915 Also known as Clifton Park Racecourse, now the site of Blackpool Airport
Bogside Racecourse[10] Ayrshire ScotlandScotland Mixed 7 June 1808 10 April 1965 Staged point-to-point racing until March 1994
Bournemouth Racecourse[11] Hampshire EnglandEngland National Hunt 17 April 1925 11 April 1928 Also known as Ensbury Park Racecourse
Brocklesby Hunt Racecourse[12] Lincolnshire EnglandEngland National Hunt 6 April 1935[13] Bona fide Hunt meetings were staged from 1937 to 1939
Bromford Bridge Racecourse[14] Birmingham EnglandEngland Mixed 14 June 1895 21 June 1965
Buckfastleigh Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland 21 June 1883 27 August 1960 The dilapidated main grandstand survives, and is a well known local landmark, and the fields around it are still in use for point-to-point races.[15]
Cardiff Racecourse[16] Glamorgan WalesWales National Hunt 30 May 1855 27 April 1939 Also known as Ely Racecourse. Staged Flat racing in the 19th century
Chelmsford Racecourse[17] Essex EnglandEngland National Hunt Bef. 1840 29 April 1935 An oval course, just under 2 miles in circumference[18]
Chesterfield Racecourse Derbyshire EnglandEngland
Colwall Park Racecourse[19] Worcestershire EnglandEngland National Hunt 10 May 1900 25 May 1939 Pony racing took place in 1949 and point-to-point racing was staged between 1960 and 1963
Croxton Park Racecourse[20] Leicestershire EnglandEngland Mixed Bef. 1821 2 April 1914 Only Flat and hurdle races were run
Derby Racecourse Derbyshire EnglandEngland by 1707 9 August 1939 Three different venues, the last of which opened in 1848. Still open parkland known as the Racecourse Playing Fields. The County Cricket Ground, located within the track, is still in use.
Durham Racecourse County Durham EnglandEngland Bef. 1840 Held three day meeting at beginning of May[21]
Eglinton Racecourse County Londonderry Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland
Eridge Racecourse Sussex EnglandEngland
Gatwick Racecourse[22] Sussex EnglandEngland Mixed 7 October 1891 28 March 1940 The land is now part of Gatwick Airport.
Grafton Hunt Racecourse Northamptonshire EnglandEngland 1928[13]
Hambleton Racecourse Yorkshire EnglandEngland 1911[13]
Harpenden Racecourse[23] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland Flat 21 June 1848 7 May 1914 The land is now the site of Bamville Cricket Club.
Hawthorn Hill Racecourse[24] Berkshire EnglandEngland National Hunt 16 April 1888 4 April 1939 Used for Household Brigade racing. The course staged pony racing from 1947 to 1951 and in 1961, and Arab racing in 1979
Hethersett Racecourse[25] Norfolk EnglandEngland National Hunt c1888 4 May 1939 The course staged point-to-racing from 1953 to 1970
Hooton Park Racecourse[26] Cheshire EnglandEngland National Hunt 22 May 1899 17 April 1915 Subsequently the site of RAF Hooton Park and Vauxhall Ellesmere Port
Hull Racecourse[27] East Riding of Yorkshire EnglandEngland 1883 11 September 1909 Also known as Hedon Racecourse
Hurst Park Racecourse[28] Surrey EnglandEngland Mixed 19 March 1890 10 October 1962
Ipswich Racecourse Suffolk EnglandEngland Mixed 1710 29 March 1911 In 1840 it was holding a two-day meeting in early July, highlights of which were a 100 guineas Queen's Plate (dating from at least 1727) and a Town Members' Plate for 50 sovereigns[29]
Keele Park Racecourse[30] Staffordshire EnglandEngland National Hunt 16 May 1895 18 October 1906 Now the site of Keele services
Lanark Racecourse[31] Lanarkshire ScotlandScotland Flat c. 1100s 18 October 1977
Lewes racecourse[32] East Sussex EnglandEngland Flat Bef. 1727 14 September 1964 Situated on the chalk downs near the town, it was also home to the East Sussex Hunt. Held a Royal Plate Race for 6 year olds from 1727 at the latest. A stand was erected in 1772. In 1840, the course was "one of the finest four mile courses in the kingdom". Races took place in mid-August.[33]
Lichfield Racecourse Staffordshire EnglandEngland
Lincoln Racecourse[34] Lincolnshire EnglandEngland Flat 1773 21 May 1964 Used for point-to-point races from 1967 to 1991
Maghull Racecourse Lancashire EnglandEngland
Manchester Racecourse Lancashire EnglandEngland Mixed 1681 7 November 1963 There was racing at three successive sites in Manchester, the last being at Castle Irwell. Various plans to create a new racecourse on rural land such as Kersal Moor have been put forward in recent years.[35][36]
Melton Racecourse Leicestershire[37] EnglandEngland National Hunt 27 March 1939 Located at Burton Lazars
Newport Racecourse[38] Monmouthshire (Wales) National Hunt Bef. 1845 17 May 1948 Also known as Caerleon Racecourse
Northampton Racecourse[39] Northampton EnglandEngland Bef. 1840 31 March 1904 A one and a half mile oval, with a straight half mile run in. In 1840 was holding a two-day meeting at the end of August.
Northolt Park Racecourse[40] Middlesex EnglandEngland Pony racing 4 May 1929 June 1940
Pershore Racecourse[41] Worcestershire EnglandEngland National Hunt 6 October 1847 1 May 1939 Staged one Flat meeting in 1847 and National Hunt racing from 1899 to 1939
Plymouth Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland c. 1827 4 September 1930 A spring meeting was held in May, and a grand two-day meeting in August[42]
Portsmouth Racecourse
at Farlington[43]		 Hampshire EnglandEngland Mixed 21 June 1891 17 April 1915 Closed during World War I and turned into an ammunition dump for the War Office.Also known as Portsmouth Park Racecourse.
Portsmouth Racecourse
at Paulsgrove		 Hampshire EnglandEngland 1920s c. 1946 The land was redeveloped as a housing estate.
Rothbury Racecourse[44] Northumberland EnglandEngland Bef. 1759 10 April 1965 Held one meeting a year.
Rugby Racecourse
at Clifton-upon-Dunsmore		 Warwickshire EnglandEngland Still used annually for point-to-point races
Seamer Moor[45] North Yorkshire EnglandEngland 28 August 1868 18 May 1907[13] Used for point-to-point races until 1935
Shincliffe Racecourse[46] Durham EnglandEngland National Hunt 15 May 1895 6 May 1914
Shirley Racecourse[47] Warwickshire EnglandEngland National Hunt 1 May 1899 11 March 1940 Staged pony racing from 1947 to 1953. The land is now the home of Shirley Golf Club
South Brent Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland
Southend Racecourse Essex EnglandEngland 1931[13]
Southwold Racecourse Lincolnshire EnglandEngland 1909[13]
Stockton Racecourse[48] Durham EnglandEngland Sep 1855 16 June 1981 This was the third course in Stockton. The first dated from 1724. Known as Teesside Park from 1967 to 1979[49]
Tenby Racecourse[50] Pembrokeshire WalesWales National Hunt 25 August 1847 29 October 1936
Torquay Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland
Totnes Racecourse[51] Devon EnglandEngland National Hunt Bef. 1799 1 September 1938 The scheduled 1939 meeting was cancelled due to the outbreak of war. Requisitioned by the Admiralty, it was sold in the early 1950s. At this course long distance steeplechases involved crossing the River Dart and the Totnes-Newton Abbot road. Sometimes called the Totnes and Bridgetown races[52]
Whitehaven Racecourse Cumberland EnglandEngland 1852
Wrexham Racecourse Denbighshire WalesWales In 1840, it was holding a two-day October meeting which included a 100 sovereign Gold Cup[53]
Woore Racecourse Shropshire EnglandEngland 1 June 1963[13]
Wye Racecourse Kent EnglandEngland 29 May 1849 2 May 1974

19th century

[edit]

Many courses that were prominent in earlier times did not survive into the modern era. The list below is a selection of these, taken from Whyte's History of the British Turf. Where dates are not given for closure, it is possible they were still extant in the 20th century. No distinction has been made between enclosed courses of the type that are familiar now and those that were run over unenclosed courses, more akin to point-to-point racing. Indeed, some of these racecourses or parts of them are still used for that purpose.

Racecourse Location Country Code Opened Closed Notes
Aberystwyth Racecourse[54] Cardiganshire WalesWales not known not known A mid-August meeting was well and fashionably attended on a meadow near Gogerddan about three miles from the town.
Abingdon Racecourse[55] Berkshire EnglandEngland 1767 1875 Early records show that racing took place at Abingdon as early as 1767.The flat, oval racecourse had a circumference of 10 furlongs and a separate 6 furlong section for sprint races.
Ashford Racecourse[56] Kent EnglandEngland not known not known Held a one-day meeting in September, with a £50 town plate being the principal race
Bedford Racecourse[57] Bedfordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Two annual meetings recorded in 1840
Belford Racecourse[58] Northumberland EnglandEngland not known not known Run at a course one mile south-west of the town, on the site of what is supposed to have been a Danish camp. Formerly at Beadnell.
Bibury Racecourse[18] Gloucestershire EnglandEngland not known not known
Bicester Racecourse[59] Oxfordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a day-long meeting at the end of September, including a Town Plate of £50
Birmingham Racecourse[60] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a 'poorly-attended' two-day meeting in early October
Bishop's Castle Racecourse[61] Shropshire EnglandEngland not known not known Near Ludlow, it held a day's 'inferior' racing in mid-July
Blandford Racecourse[62] Dorset EnglandEngland not known not known Held a meeting towards the end of August which included the 100 sovereign Dorsetshire Gold Cup
Bodmin Racecourse[63] Cornwall EnglandEngland not known not known Held one day's racing in September
Brecknock Racecourse[64] Brecknockshire WalesWales not known not known A course near the town, with a 'commodious' stand held races for two days in late September
Brenwood Racecourse[65] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days' racing at the end of September
Bridgenorth Racecourse[61] Shropshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a two-day meeting at the start of August; the course was in bad repair in 1840
Bromyard Racecourse[66] Herefordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a day long race meeting in mid-August
Burnley Racecourse[67] Lancashire EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days' racing in the middle of August, including a Gold Cup of 100 sovs
Burntwood Racecourse[65] Staffordshire EnglandEngland 1838 16 October 1839 Held one day's racing in mid-October. Held the 'Ordinaries' at The Star Inn, Burntwood.
Burton-upon-Trent Racecourse[65] Staffordshire EnglandEngland From 'a very early period' not known Held a two-day meeting at the end of August which included the Bretby Cup, given by the Earl of Chesterfield
Burton Constable Racecourse[68] Worcestershire EnglandEngland not known not known A small hunter racecourse
Buxton Racecourse[63] Derbyshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days' racing in June
Canterbury Racecourse[56] Kent EnglandEngland not known not known Held on Barham Downs, within 3 miles of the city. Had a 'commodious stand'. Was awarded a King's Plate by George II in 1729.[69]
Cardiff Racecourse[70] Glamorganshire WalesWales not known not known Held mid-July meetings for two days.
Cheadle Racecourse[71] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held one day's 'inferior racing' at the beginning of September
Chesterfield Racecourse[72] Derbyshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days' racing at the start of October
Clifton and Bristol Racecourse[18] Gloucestershire EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days' racing at the beginning of May
Clitheroe Racecourse[73] Lancashire EnglandEngland 1821 not known The first record of racing was 1617 http://www.greyhoundderby.com/Clitheroe%20Racecourse.html the link has a map too.
Coventry Racecourse[60] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not known not known Two-day race meetings were held in March with a Silver Cup and £100 in prize money
Croxton Park Racecourse[74] Leicestershire EnglandEngland not known not known Held amateur races at the beginning of April
Croydon Racecourse Surrey England 1871 not known Site now occupied by Long Lane Estate and Ashburton Playing Fields.
Dorchester Racecourse[75] Dorset EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days' racing in the middle of September
Dove House Races at Harrow-on-the-Hill[76] Middlesex EnglandEngland 1836 not known Held in mid-August
Dudley Racecourse[77] Worcestershire EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days racing at the end of June
Dumfries Racecourse[78] Dumfriesshire ScotlandScotland not known not known Alternately held the Caledonian Hunt meeting, along with Ayr, Edinburgh and Musselburgh
Egham Racecourse[79] Surrey EnglandEngland not known not known Situated on the plain of Runnymede where King John signed Magna Carta, Egham races were often attended by royalty. The course was a two mile flat oval.
Eglistoun Park[80] Ayrshire ScotlandScotland not known not known
Enfield and Pinner Races[76] Middlesex EnglandEngland not known By 1836 Replaced by Dove House meeting
Gloucester Racecourse[81] Gloucestershire EnglandEngland not known not known A mile and a half oblong course in a meadow on the banks of the River Severn, with a straight, 400 yard run-in
Gorhambury Park Racecourse[82] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland 1838 not known Had four courses ranging in length from 5 furlongs 136 yards to two miles
Great Marlow Racecourse[83] Buckinghamshire EnglandEngland not known not known
Hampton Racecourse[76] Middlesex EnglandEngland not known not known Three-day meetings held in the middle of June on Moulsey Hurst next to the river
Hastings and St. Leonards Racecourse[84] Sussex EnglandEngland 1827 not known Held a two-day meeting at the end of September which included the Town Plate and St. Leonard's Plate, both of 50 sovereigns
Haverfordwest Racecourse[85] Pembrokeshire WalesWales not known not known Situated on a common near the town called Portfield or Poorfield. Two-day meetings were held at the beginning of August.
Heaton Park Racecourse[73] Lancashire EnglandEngland not known not known Held three days 'excellent' racing in late September
Hednesford Racecourse[71] Staffordshire EnglandEngland 1835 Monday 30 October 1871 Races were held on the 'heathy downs' at Cannock Chase which had long been famed for racehorses. A day long meeting was held in early July and again in October and November. These races did not run from 1835 to 1871 consecutively. The first meeting was on Tuesday 27 October 1835 and ran for seven years until Tuesday 8 November 1842. Another meeting was held on Tuesday 26 November 1850 with the final meeting being on Monday 30 October 1871.
Hertford Racecourse[86] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Races took place at the beginning of August for two days
Hippodrome Racecourse, Bayswater, London[87] Middlesex EnglandEngland 3 June 1837 not known A 'vast establishment' also called the Metropolitan Racecourse
Holywell Racecourse[88] Flintshire WalesWales 9 November 1769 20 October 1852 Hunt races took place in the middle of October for two days.
The Hoo Racecourse[86] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland 1821 not known Racing, mainly hunter chases, took place at the end of April and for a short time in the 1820s and 1830s the course was very fashionable
Kingston Racecourse [sic] (Kington)[89] Herefordshire EnglandEngland not known not known An 'inferior' racecourse, with meetings at the end of July
Knighton Racecourse[85] Pembrokeshire WalesWales not known not known Held two-day race meetings in mid-June.
Lancaster Racecourse[90] Lancashire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a two-day meeting in late July
Lee Racecourse[91] Kent EnglandEngland not known not known Held races that were only 'of local interest' in 1840
Leith Races[92] Lothian ScotlandScotland 1504 (or earlier) 1816 Races were held on the sands at low tide in late July or early August for four or five days, until the events were moved to Musselburgh. A 4 mile King's Plate was run at Leith from at least 1728[93]
Lenham Racecourse[94] Kent EnglandEngland 13 September 1848 Friday 29 June 1860 First held a one day race meeting: The Lenham and Mid Kent meeting, in 1848 on a course of barely 6 furlongs circumference. The final meeting took place on Friday 29 June 1860.[94]
Leominster Racecourse[89] Herefordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held meetings at the end of August
Lichfield Racecourse[71] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not known not known The course was on the Tamworth road, about two miles from the city and raced at the end of March and in mid-September. Was awarded a King's Plate for 5 year olds by George II in 1748.[69]
Mansfield Racecourse Nottinghamshire EnglandEngland 21 August 1734 13 July 1874 The course was situated just over a mile east of the town, the area between the straights (which crossed both Eakring Road and Southwell Road) is still used for recreational purposes.[95]
Market Weighton Racecourse North Yorkshire EnglandEngland 6 March 1857 14 March 1859 A four mile course on Selby High Road.
Middleham Racecourse[96] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Races were held annually in November on Middleham Moor, but in 1840 they were deemed 'of little interest'. Middleham is still home to many racing stables.
Monmouth Racecourse[97] Monmouthshire WalesWales not known not known Situated on the banks of the River Wye near the junction with the River Monnow on Chippenham meadow. A two-day meeting was held in mid-October.
Morpeth Racecourse[98] Northumberland EnglandEngland not known not known Races took place over two days at the beginning of September at Cottingwood to the north of the town.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Racecourse[99] Shropshire EnglandEngland Mixed not known not known Held a two-day meeting in early August
Newport Racecourse[100] Shropshire EnglandEngland Mixed not known not known Held a two-day meeting at the end of July
Newport Paynel [sic] Racecourse[101] Buckinghamshire EnglandEngland not known By 1840
Northallerton Racecourse[100] North Riding of Yorkshire EnglandEngland Mixed not known not known Racing took place in mid-October for two days, and included a £100 Gold Cup and £50 Silver Cup.
Oswestry Race Course Shropshire EnglandEngland early 1700s[citation needed] or 1804[100] 1848 Racing started on the common west of the town over a unique figure-of-eight course. A grandstand was built at the start of the 19th century. but the last meeting was held in 1848. Its regular meeting was two days in September and included the Shropshire Stakes and a Gold Cup.
Oxford Racecourse Oxfordshire EnglandEngland not known not known An oval of two miles, quite flat
Pontypool Racecourse[97] Monmouthshire WalesWales not known not known Situated between the River Avon and the canal to Newport, Wales. A two-day meeting was held at the start of August.
The Potteries Racecourse[99] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a two-day meeting at the start of August including a Stewards' Plate of 100 sovs.
Richmond Racecourse[102] Yorkshire EnglandEngland Mixed not known not known
Racing took place for two days in mid-September on Whitcliffe Meadow, an area of common ground, which was "an excellent course". The link below provides a wonderfully detailed description of the course and plans to transform it into a conservation area:- https://www.richmondshire.gov.uk/media/4936/richmond-racecourse-conservation-area-study.pdf
Rochester and Chatham Racecourse[91] Kent EnglandEngland not known not known Held a two-day meeting at the beginning of September
Royston Racecourse[86] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a one day meeting in the middle of May, for 'half-bred horses' of local interest only
Shiffnal Racecourse[103] Shropshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days of 'inferior racing' at the end of May
Shrewsbury Racecourse[103] Shropshire EnglandEngland 1730 5 November 1886 Situated on Bicton Heath, 2 miles west of Shrewsbury. It was 1 mile 185 yards round. Races took place in mid-September for 3 or 4 days and included a Queen's Plate of 100gs. In Chris Pitt's book, A Long Time Gone, he states the meetings began in 1774 but there is evidence on John Slusar's website, The Greyhound Derby, that shows it was 1730.
Southampton Racecourse[104] Hampshire EnglandEngland 31 July 1804[105] 28 June 1881[105] Situated on Southampton common on land given by the corporation. Held a two-day meeting at the beginning of August.
Stafford Racecourse[106] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not known not known A one mile course, almost completely oval except for a quarter mile straight run-in. Held 'very inferior' races at the start of October.
Stamford Racecourse[107] Lincolnshire EnglandEngland not known not known A mile in circumference on Wittering Heath near the town, held a three day mid-June meeting. The grandstand of 1766 survives
Staverton Racecourse[66] Wiltshire EnglandEngland not known not known A meeting of merely local interest was held at the end of April
Stockbridge Racecourse Hampshire EnglandEngland 1839 1898 Dates given are for most significant incarnation of the course. There had been racing at another site in Stockbridge from 1775 or earlier[108]
Stone Racecourse[106] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a two-day meeting in early October.
Stowebridge Racecourse[77] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held two days of racing at the end of August. Had a Cup Stakes of £100 in value.
St. Albans Racecourse[109] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland not known c. 1838 Held at a place called Noman's Land. Home to the St. Albans' Steeple Chase. Racing ceased on the establishment of Gorhambury Park.
Swansea Racecourse[70] Glamorganshire WalesWales not known not known Commonly called 'Swansea and Neath races', the course was on Cremlyn Burrows on the Neath Road. Meetings were held at the end of August.
Tavistock Racecourse[52] Devon EnglandEngland not known not known An oval, hilly, two mile course with a one day meeting at the beginning of May
Tenbury Racecourse[77] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not known not known Racing of a 'very inferior' nature, with the principal race being a £50 plate.
Tiverton Racecourse[52] Devon EnglandEngland not known not known Held a two-day meeting at the end of August
Tunbridge Wells Racecourse[91] Kent EnglandEngland not known not known Held a well attended two-day meeting at the end of August on the common
Upton-upon-Severn Racecourse[77] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not known not known Races took place at the end of August
Walsall Racecourse[110] Staffordshire EnglandEngland 1755 13 August 1876 The majority of race meetings were held over two days at the end of September although some years the meeting was held in October and towards the end, in August.
Wem Racecourse[111] Shropshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held a 'very inferior' race meeting at the beginning of October
Wenlock Racecourse[111] Shropshire EnglandEngland not known not known Held one day's racing at the end of July
Weymouth Racecourse[75] Dorset EnglandEngland 1821 not known Well attended meeting held at the end of August. The course was considered 'very good'
Winchester Racecourse[112] Hampshire EnglandEngland Bef. 1727 Circa 1914 requisitioned during WW I and remains in military ownership Races were held on Worthy Down, 4 miles from Winchester for two days in the middle of July. Held a Royal Plate race for 6 year olds from at least 1727.[69]

Numbers in the 18th-19th centuries

[edit]
Year England Wales Scotland Ireland Total Notes
1727[a] 112 5 unknown unknown 117[b]
1800[114] 66[c] 5 4 75
1816[114] 84[d] 9 8 101
1839[115] 132 9 9 3 153
  1. ^ Taken from John Cheney's Historical list of all the Horse Matches &c. of 1727, cited in Whyte's History[113]
  2. ^ Excludes Ireland and Scotland
  3. ^ includes Wales
  4. ^ includes Wales

18th century

[edit]

Whyte's History of the British Turf (1840) lists 48 places where racing was discontinued in the latter half of the 18th century:[114]

North

Midlands

London

East

South

West and Wales

NB Racing is recorded at various of these places after 1840. There is also reference to a Royal Plate race being held at Guilford [sic] from 1727 at the latest and Burford from 1755.[69]

Other sites

[edit]

Race results from places not listed by Whyte can also be found in the historical record. These include:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "UK Racecourses Map – Flat and National Hunt". Eventing Guide. Eventing Guide. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Salisbury Racecourse | Racing, Events and more". Salisbury Racecourse. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Courses for horses". BBC News. 21 July 2008.
  4. ^ Pitt 2006, p. 167.
  5. ^ Pitt 2006, p. 309.
  6. ^ Pitt 2006, p. 24.
  7. ^ Pitt 2006, p. 27.
  8. ^ Pitt 2006, p. 173.
  9. ^ Pitt 2006, pp. 45–47.
  10. ^ Pitt 2006, p. 332.
  11. ^ Pitt 2006, pp. 176–177.
  12. ^ Pitt 2006, pp. 182–185.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g BBC News, "Racecourses of yesteryear", 8 July 2008
  14. ^ Pitt 2006, pp. 315–326.
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Bibliography

[edit]
  • Mortimer, Roger; Onslow, Richard; Willett, Peter (1978). Biographical Encyclopedia of British Flat Racing. Macdonald and Jane's. ISBN 0-354-08536-0.
  • Pitt, Chris (2006). A Long Time Gone (Rev. and updated ed.). Halifax: Portway. ISBN 1901570622.
  • Slusar, John (18 November 2016). "Lenham Racecourse". Greyhound Derby. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  • Whyte, James Christie (1840). History of the British turf, from the earliest period to the present day, Volume I. London: H. Colburn. OL 6544990M.
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