Welcome to our official guide to BrightonRacecourse. We explore this great seaside racing racecourse in detail, looking at its history, a guide to the track, hotel picks, fixtures, travel information, betting guides and even the weather!
Just a mile north-east of the seaside resort of sunny Brighton sits Brighton Racecourse, well known for its scenic surroundings looking out across the coastline and the beautiful Sussex countryside.
Brighton is one of just two racecourses in the UK that doesn’t technically join to form a full circuit; instead, it’s a horse-shoe shape of one and a half miles in length (12 furlongs). The finishing straight is four furlongs long with a steep descent followed a slight ascent to the finish. Today, races are only run-up to the one and a half miles but it has previously been extended to accommodate other longer races. Hurdle races were also held at Brighton historically but not anymore!
Today, Brighton racecourse is one of the country’s smallest (in terms of audience capacity, prize money and race calendar density) courses but also one of the friendliest and fun.
Its location in a well-known seaside town means that it is well frequented, but the crowd here are often less formal than at other racing events. Brighton is family-friendly and well accessible, and draws in a variety of race-goers, from the local area, staycation’ers from across the UK and tourists from further afield.
Brighton’s average prize fund sits at around £26,000, and only Chepstow and Southwell offer less than this. However, that’s not to underestimate it – Brighton Racecourse has had its fair share of memorable moments!
Sheikh Mohammed, a prominent and well-known horse owner, had his first winner at Brighton Racecourse back in 1977, and jockey Steve Cauthen won his 1,000th race here.
Being situated in an area where event space is in demand, it is no surprise that Brighton has diversified into the likes of music gigs, antique fairs, car rallies, exhibitions, conferences and weddings/private occasions. Racing aside, the course is a major events venue for the town.
Racecourse History
The first public racing at Brighton Racecourse was in 1783, when the Duke of Cumberland announced a meet and declared the doors open to the masses. Prior to this, it’s believed that racing took place at the site from around 1713, but only privately and on exclusive terms to those of certain social standing.
According to legend, George IV (then the Prince of Wales) invented hurdle racing at Brighton – but with sheep, rather than horses! Needless to say, the sport has developed a long way since.
The first grandstand was built on Brighton Racecourse in the 1800s, but it burnt down. It wasn’t until 1905 however, that the course became popular with the public, following a very public dispute with the landowner. That season he had not received the traditional annual gift that he usually did from the race organisers, and so he threatened to put a stop to all racing and plough up the land in place of any events taking place. He had a made a start on the ploughing before an angry crowd descended on the course and stopped him. Racing resumed not long after!
In the 1850s, the railway connected Brighton to London, so the course soared in popularity. Meets began to take place more regularly and the crowds continued to rise. In 1965, a new stand was built for £400,000 and in 1998, £4m was spent on refurbishing the whole place. In 2012, Brighton Racecourse became part of the Arena Racing Company family.
Main Races and Events
The highlight of the racing calendar at Brighton Racecourse is the Brighton Festival. Run across three days in August annually, the event is run in conjunction with Marathonbet, who offer a packed schedule of live entertainment alongside the standard horseracing you’d expect to see. Some 15,000 people attend on each day and there are enclosures and facilities for all levels of desired raceday experience.
Brighton Racecourse Map
Courtesy of At The Races
Brighton is a tricky track. It is left-handed, one and a half miles in length and forms a horseshoe shape. It has steep ascents and a rise to the line. It suits handy types and those that like to go with the pace.
Brighton Racecourse Address
The official address is:
Brighton Racecourse
Freshfield Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 9XZ
How To Get To Brighton Racecourse
By foot or car – Brighton Racecourse is just a mile from the town centre, so there’s not far to travel once you’ve made it there. Car parking is all free. Details for your sat nav are Freshfield Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 9XZ.
By train – rail services run to Brighton from London Bridge, Kings Cross, Victoria, Eastbourne, Lewes, Hastings, Portsmouth and Worthing. From the station, you can walk, or take a taxi. For large events and racedays, shuttle buses are available. Similarly, coaches and other bus services also run scheduled to coincide with racecourse events.
By air – helicopters may land at Brighton Racecourse if arranged in advance. Gatwick is 30 mins away by train for international visitors.
Hotels Near Brighton Racecourse
Brighton is one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations, so there’s plenty of hotels to choose from! You’ll find all of the usual chain hotels in the town centre or thereabouts, but there’s also some independent accommodation options closer to the course. The Studio at Bernard Road is just three minutes’ walk away and makes for an easy stay, and Brighton Freedom Glamping is just five minutes in the other direction. There’s also a caravan and motorhome club in walking distance from the course.
If a B&B is more your style, you’ll find plenty on the beachfront overlooking the sea. For a full range of options check out Booking.come below: Booking.com
Best Brighton Betting Sites
At British Racecourses we often recommend betting online and via apps. This is because you can often get the best odds, great offers when signing up and you can place bets quickly and safely without having to queue.
If you are looking to bet online we recommend the following great deals:
New Customers Only. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Full T&C's Apply
New UK & NI customers only. 18+. Sign up using promo code ‘SPORTS60’. Deposit & place first sports bet at a minimum of £10 in one bet transaction at evens (2.0) +. £30 paid in free bets within 48 hours of bet settlement, expires 7-days after issue. Doesn’t apply to customers who place their first bet on the Virtual Grand National. E-Wallet & Prepaid Card restrictions apply. Your first bet must be settled within 60 days of bet placement. SMS validation may be required. Game restrictions apply. Maximum 30 Free Spins on selected games. Free Spins expire after 7 days. Full T&Cs apply. Full T&C's Apply
18+ New UK+IRE customers. PayPal and certain deposit and bet types excluded. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets valid for 7 days on sports, stake not returned, restrictions apply. T&Cs apply. Full T&C's Apply
18+ New UK+IRE customers. Paypal and certain deposit types and bet types excluded. Min £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 4 days on sports, stake not returned, restrictions apply. T&Cs apply. Full T&C's Apply
New William Hill online customers only. Min. unit stake of £10/€10 at odds of 1/2 or greater. Only the “win” part from EW bets will count. Free bet terms, payment method & country restrictions apply. Free bets credited as 3 x £10/€10. Free bet stakes are not returned as part of the settlement of successful free bets. All Free Bets must be wagered within 30 days. Full T&C's Apply
New customers only. 18+, BeGambleAware.org. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus. Wagering requirements: Sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), Casino 25x. Only one bonus can be used at a time, Sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the Casino, unless the bonus has been forfeited. Bonus will expire after 7 days of opt-in. Full T&C's Apply
New Customer Offer. T&Cs Apply. 18+. Please Gamble Responsibly. Full T&C's Apply
Betting Shops Local to Brighton Racecourse
Tote, traditional betting shops and independent bookies trackside can all be found at Brighton Racecourse on racedays – and they’re well-versed in helping out novices, as they deal with so many tourists, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
In Brighton town centre, you’ll find several branches of Ladbrokes, lots of Betfred shops and a William Hill. Mobile signal is absolutely tip-top in the area too, so betting online is easily accessible.
Just a mile north-east of the seaside resort of sunny Brighton sits Brighton Racecourse, well known for its scenic surroundings looking out across the coastline and the beautiful Sussex countryside.
Brighton Races Fixtures
Due to Covid some fixtures are being re-arranged, we will update asap.
Brighton Racecourse Weather
Punters and race-goers love to keep up with the weather to predict going conditions, as well as making sure what they wear is suitable. Here’s the current weather forecast for Brighton: BRIGHTON WEATHER
Other Events
As a bit of a tourist hotspot, event-goers flock to Brighton Racecourse for much more than just the racing! Notable events include the Classic Ibiza festival, where a full orchestra perform club classics, and the annual Antiques and Collectables Fair that attracts enthusiasts from all over.
Summary
Brighton is one of our favourite courses in the country. It’s a great seaside resort with plenty of places to stay and feeling of fun at all times. The course itself is quirky and although the action isn’t as high class as some other course, the sense of occasion, atmosphere and beautiful surroundings more than make up for it.
The three-day August Festival is a particular highlight. This sunny, quirky seaside track should be on everyone’s bucket list! We love Brighton.
Other racecourses
Our team as of October 2020 have reviewed these racecourse that are also worth a visit:
The course is one mile and a half miles long (one mile and furlongs). It one a few British racecourses not to have a complete circuit. Instead, it is horseshoe-shaped.
🏇 Is there parking at Brighton racecourse?
Yes there is and it is free!
🏇 Who owns Brighton racecourse?
It is owned by Arena Racing, who own and run 16 other British Racecourses., including Bath, Doncaster and Newcastle amongst others.
