Salisbury Racecourse
Salisbury racecourse is one of the oldest racecourses in the UK. Horseracing has been a popular tradition there since the 16th century. It boasts high-quality racing in fantastic surroundings, since the course is within sight of Salisbury Cathedral and the scenic Wiltshire countryside.
Racing takes place at the Wiltshire course during the summer months, from May to October, with a total of 16 race meetings during this period (plus one raceday for Arabian horses). A trip to Salisbury racecourse provides a fun day out for families and regular racegoers can hope to catch a glimpse of some high-quality flat racing.
Salisbury Racecourse
Although Exeter is widely believed to be the most prestigious racecourse in England’s South West, Salisbury was voted Best Small Racecourse in the South West in 2002, by the Racecourse Association’s Racegoers Club. The 7 furlong finish (almost a whole straight mile) is primarily uphill and acts as a gruelling finish for jockey and horse alike.
Big Meetings & Races
Although it will always remain in the category of the UK’s smaller racecourses, Salisbury hosts a handful of well-known meetings during the summer months. The most famous of these meetings is the Salisbury Splendour Summer Festival, a two-day meeting which takes place in the middle of August on a Wednesday and Thursday.
The feature race at the Wednesday meeting is the European Breeders’ Fund Upavon Fillies Stakes (Listed), worth £36,000 to the winner. The feature race of the Summer Festival is, without a doubt, the totesport.com Sovereign Stakes. Earning the winner a cool £65,000 (as of 2000), it is Salisbury’s most valuable race of the season, and was upgraded to a Group 3 race in 2004. The race, ran by thoroughbred colts and geldings aged three years or older, was first run as a Listed race in 2000.
Another popular meeting for Salisbury racegoers and families is the EBF Fillies Day. Taking place on the first Thursday of every September, this is always a busy day at the races in Wiltshire. The Doccombe European Bibury Cup Day is also a popular meeting. It is the final evening race meeting in British flat racing, and includes the recognised £22,500 Listed Weatherbys Bank Stonehenge Stakes.
Famous Horses at Salisbury
One of the most famous horses to have raced at Salisbury, is Dylan Thomas, who won the 2006 Irish Derby. He ran at Salisbury in October 2005. Sir Percy is another well-known horse which has competed at the course.
He won on his Goodwood debut, triumphed in the 2005 Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket and the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, and most famously beat Dragon Dancer by a short head to take the 2006 Epsom Derby.
Contact Information
For all enquiries please contact:
Salisbury Racecourse
Netherhampton
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP2 8PN
Tel: 01722 326461
Fax: 01722 412710
Website: Salisbury Racecourse
Email: [email protected]
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 01722 326461 or alternatively by buying at the turnstile upon arrival.
Ticket enquiries can also be made by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling 01722 326461.
Prices
- Day Membership Enclosure - £18
- Tattersalls Enclosure - £11
- Course Enclosure - £6
- All prices shown here include a 10% discount for booking online.
- Under 16s admitted for free when accompanied by an adult.
- Car parking is also free in all parts of the racecourse.
Travel
By Road
Salisbury Racecourse is 3.5 miles South-West of Salisbury on the A3094 and is well signposted. From the North, take the A360.
By Rail
Salisbury railway station is approximately 3 miles away from the course, with frequent buses running direct from the railway station. Please visit the National rail website for more detailed information.
By Air
Both Southampton and Bournemouth Airports are under 30 miles from the course.