The Guide
- Racecourses
- Beverley
- Brighton
- Carlisle
- Cartmel
- Catterick Bridge
- Fakenham
- Folkestone
- Fontwell Park
- Great Yarmouth
- Hereford
- Hexham
- Nottingham
- Ripon
- Stratford-on-Avon
- Wetherby
- York
- Flat Racing
- National Hunt Racing
- Point-to-Point Racing
- Harness Racing
- Cheltenham Festival
- Glorious Goodwood
- Grand National
- Royal Ascot
- The Derby
- Melbourne Cup
- The Triple Crown
- Famous Horses
- Resources
Folkestone Racecourse
Introduction
As the only racecourse in Kent, Folkestone is situated five miles west of the town in the shadow of the South Downs, close to the Channel Tunnel. With facilities that boast both flat and national hunt tracks, Folkestone Racecourse hosts over 20 days of racing every year.
History
In 1896 the Folkestone Racecourse Company was formed under the Chairmanship of Lord Hardinge. A first meeting was planned and in 1898 Folkestone Racecourse was established. Sitting upon the site of Queen Elizabeth 1’s Kent army
Folkestone Racecourse
Folkestone Racecourse has experienced a number of funding problems over the years and even went into liquidation soon after opening in 1899. After a period of financial stability, like many other racecourses at the time, Folkestone was faced with a withdrawal of funding. It took a strong appeal from a well established group of local sportsmen to save the track. More recently the track opened its doors to welcome over 500 campers as the 2007 Tour de France passed through Folkestone.
Race and Event Information
Folkestone will host 24 race fixtures in 2008 with the first ever Kent National as the main attraction on Wednesday 27th February 2008. The 3 mile 7 furlong steeplechase will offer up to £25,000 prize money as part of Folkestone’s National Hunt Race Programme.
Details of all other fixtures can be found online here
Track information
Flat: The straight course is six furlongs long with quite drastic undulation. The round course is about a mile and a quarter and its tight setup will always favour the front-runners
Jumps: The steeplechase track consists of seven fences with an open ditch while the hurdles course often suits former flat-course runners due to a five furlong flat towards the finish.
Records
Most Successful Course Trainers (Flat 2000 onwards)
1. A Perrett 35 Runs 10 Wins
2. M Channon 72 runs 9 Wins
3. B Meehan 20 runs 5 Wins
Most Successful Jockeys (Flat 2000 onwards)
1. S Drowne 65 Runs 14 Wins
2. T Quinn 10 wins
3. R Hughes 34 Runs 7 Wins
Ticket Information
2008 admission prices:
Club and Grandstand (standard meetings): £17 or £12 if pre-booked online
Club and Grandstand (Racing and music nights): £20 or £15 if pre-booked online
OAPS aged 60+: £10
Students (with valid identification): £10
Accompanied Children under 16: free (max 2 free children per adult)
Ticket bookings can be made online or by contacting Jane Wanstall on 01303405801
Travel Information
Folkestone Racecourse
Stone Street
Westenhager
Near Hythe
Kent
CT21 4NX
08702200023
By Car
The course is situated 5 miles west of the town close to Junction 11 of the M20 at Newington which is on the junction of the A20 and A261.
Parking facilities are available at the racecourse and are free of charge.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Westenhanger Station which is 5 minutes walk from the course. Trains run frequently from London Charing Cross Station passing through Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Ashford.
Further rail information is available by contacting 0845 748 4950
Contact Information
Telephone: 01303 266 407
Fax: 01303 260 185
E-mail: [email protected]
Official website