Newbury Racecourse

Situated amid the picturesque Berkshire countryside, Newbury racecourse is home to several of the most prestigious racing events in Britain. With some of the best facilities in the country, including the refurbished grandstand designed by Lord Foster, and the Hennessy restaurant with its panoramic views, Newbury is the perfect location to enjoy and experience the races.

History

Newbury’s roots can be traced back to 1805 when a race meeting occurred over two days at Enborne Heath. These meetings continued annually until 1811 when there was a break in racing at Newbury.

Newbury Racecourse

Newbury Racecourse

Ninety years later, John Porter, trainer at the Kingsclere stables, suggested a new racecourse at Newbury. In 1904 the Jockey Club approved an application from Porter, entered with the support of King Edward VII, and The Newbury Racecourse Company was born.

The 26th and 27th of September 1905 saw the first race meeting occur at Newbury called the Whatcombe Handicap. First place was taken by Copper King, with rider Charles Trigg. The course moved to the Greenham area of Newbury in 1910, which has remained its home to this day. The following years saw the introduction of new races to Newbury, including the John Porter Stakes in 1928, the Fred Darling Stakes in 1949 and the Mill Reef Stakes in 1972. Races at Newbury have often predicted the rise of several star horses, including Shergar and Shahrastani, who appeared in the Haynes, Hanson and Clark Conditions Stakes. In 2005 Newbury celebrated its centenary.

In 2007 the racecourse received a number of esteemed awards. The Racehorse Owners Association presented them with the ‘Gold Standard’, a national award to recognise the high standard of facilities the racecourse provides for owners, trainers and horses. Only three other racecourses across Britain have received this honour.

Newbury also won the prestigious Racecourse of the Year award for the third time. Awarded as part of the ROA/Racing Post Horseracing Awards it pays tribute to the most owner-friendly course.

Major Events

2008 sees 32 race days at Newbury, with £2,000,000 in prize money to be won across the Flat and Jump courses. It hosts some of the best known races in the country, highlights of which include the Lockinge Stakes and the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup.

The Lockinge Stakes is a flat horse race held in May. The one mile race was first run in 1958 and often provides a good indication as to which horses will do well the following month at the Queen Anne Stakes held at Royal Ascot.

The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup is one of the classic annual steeplechases and the most important National Hunt race before Christmas. The three mile race occurs in late November and attracts the finest horses from across the country to compete in jumping its twenty one fences. Previous winners have included Mill House and Arkle.

The racecourse also hosts a number of other events, including Ladies’ Day in August and Family Fun Days. A full list of the year’s upcoming races is available on the Newbury Racecourse website.

Contact

  • Address

Newbury Racecourse plc
The Racecourse
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 7NZ

Tickets

Tickets to Newbury can be bought in advance or on the day. Tickets for the Picnic Enclosure start from £6, the Grandstand Enclosure from £15 and the Premier Enclosure from £20. Under 18’s are allowed in free.

Membership is also available giving you exclusive benefits such as priority parking, private facilities and entry to the Members’ Enclosure. Junior membership costs £80 (18-25 years) and standard adult membership, from January to December, is £285.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Travel

Newbury racecourse is easily accessible by car or train. Gates open about two hours before the racing starts. In winter races begin at around 12.15, and slightly later in the summer.

By Car

From the M4 take Junction 13 and join the A34 for Newbury. Join the A339 and continue into Newbury. Go straight over the traffic lights, keeping to the right. Continue over the next two sets of lights on the Robin Hood roundabout. Go straight over the next roundabout and at the second take the first exit into Queens Road. Bear right at the mini roundabout into Greenham Road and then take the first left into Racecourse Road which will lead you to the entrance.

From the M3 take Junction 9 and join the A34. Leave the A34 at the exit signposted Newbury and Tot Hill Services. Follow the B4640 towards Newbury, continuing through Newtown. Continue to the roundabout with the A339 Basingstoke Road by the Swan Inn. Travel over the hill on the dual carriageway, go straight over the first roundabout and at the second take the third exit into Queens Road. Go right at the mini roundabout and take the first left into Racecourse Road

By Train

Take the train to Newbury Racecourse station which is situated in the racecourse grounds.