Newcastle Racecourse

Newcastle is a mixed racecourse which holds both flat and National Hunt meets throughout the year. Situated at Gosforth Park, it is noted for several major races during the course of the season, most notably the Northumberland Plate which is held in June.

The racecourse is set in the 812 acre High Gosforth Park Estate, three miles north ofNewcastle city centre, and plays host to 30 meetings a year.

History

Horse racing has taken place in the North East for over 350 years and the records show a race meeting at Killingworth in the early 17th Century. The first recorded Northumberland Plate was contested at the Town Moor and was held there every year up until 1881, when it was moved to High Gosforth Park.

Newcastle Racecourse

Newcastle Racecourse

The estate had previously been owned by the Brandling family but was bought from them for £60,000 and turned into a flat and chase race course with stabling for 100 horses and a grandstand.

Over the years the estate has grown and now incorporates the Parkland, Northumberland golf clubs, a nature reserve and a scout camp. Until 1994, the racecourse had fallen into a bad state and was bought by Sir Stanley Clarke’s Northern Racing. Since then the racecourse has seen £11m of work, with new facilities for guests, a new parading ring, and a new straight mile flat track.

Major Races and Events

Newcastle plays host to thirty race meetings a year, including the Northumberland Plate and Beeswing Ladies Day. The latter is named after the most famous horse never to win the Plate. Beeswing won 46 of her 51 races and also produced nine children or grandchildren who went on to win the Derby, eight who went on to win the Oaks, and eleven who succeeded in the St Leger.

The course is unusual in that it operates races from early spring right through until December. Its most notable race day is, of course, the Northumberland Plate, which takes place this year on Saturday 28th June.

The course also plays host to the Blaydon Raceday, taking place in 2008 on August 25th (Bank Holiday Monday). The course plays host to races at both day and night and can even boast a Christmas meeting, taking place in 2008 on 20th December from 12pm. Further fixture information can be found on the official website.

Ticket Information

Tickets can sometimes be bought at the entrance, depending on the meeting. If you prefer to book in advance, you can buy tickets and badges on the website or by telephoning the course on 0191 2362020.

Ticket prices in the grandstand range from £13 to £22 and in the Premier Enclosure from £18 to £37, depending on the type of meeting and the time of year. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by a paying adult and when buying on the day there is a £5 discount for students, OAPs, Registered Disabled and 16-18 year olds with proof of identity.

Travel

By Car

The course is signposted by brown and white tourist board signs bearing the horse and ride from the A1, A19 and main approach roads to Newcastle city. Newcastle Racecourse is on the outskirts of Gosforth opposite The Marriott Hotel. Car Parking is free of charge but time should be allowed for travelling to the race course, as the roads get quite busy on race day.

By Train

Newcastle Racecourse is close by both Newcastle Central Station and Regent Centre Metro Station. If arriving at Newcastle Central, it is advised to get either a taxi or make your way to Regent Centre or Four Lane Ends Metro Stations where a free bus operates.

The free hopper bus service runs from Regent Centre & Four Lane Ends Metro Stations on raceday. The service starts approximately two hours prior to the first race up until the first race. After racing, the bus hopper service will run until 1 hour after the last race to both Regent Centre & Four Lane Ends Metro Stations.

By Bus

From the Regent Centre bus stop, you can take the 42, 43, 44 or 45 service and ask to be dropped off at the Gosforth Park Hotel which is right beside the racecourse.

By Air

If you are lucky enough to be able to arrive by helicopter you will need to arrange this with the course on 0191 2362020.

Newcastle International Airport is six miles from the racecourse and the best advice if travelling from here would be to get a taxi or a bus, details of which can be found here.

Contact Information