Ludlow Racecourse

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Welcome to our official guide to Ludlow Racecourse.

We explore this jumps racecourse in detail, looking at its history, a guide to the race track, hotel picks, fixtures, travel information, and betting guides.

If you are looking for the latest betting tips for Ludlow, check out our full guide to Ludlow Racecourse tips.

Find out more about Ludlow Racecourse:

Ludlow Racecourse

Overview of Ludlow Racecourse

Ludlow Racecourse is a small thoroughbred horseracing venue in Shropshire with both jumps and hurdles tracks, as well as a large golf club on-site.

The racecourse sits just 10 miles from the Welsh border, in England.

Ludlow Racecourse is situated just a few miles north of the medieval market town of Ludlow, in Shropshire. Ludlow has a population of about 11,000 and is the largest town in South Shropshire.

There are nearly 500 listed buildings in the town and numerous surrounding villages that are picturesque and historical in character. Not quite within the boundaries of the town itself, the area Ludlow Racecourse sits in is known as The Old Field.

Racing takes place at Ludlow in the winter months between October and May each year, with a usual schedule of 16 fixtures per annum.

National Hunt fixtures take place here and are usually fair to useful in quality.

Attendance is strong year-round, albeit usually local, and Ludlow is well known for being relaxed and informal – ideal for first-time racegoers or those not looking for too structured or ceremonial an experience.

The track itself is sharp, flat, right-handed and oval in shape. The chase course is approximately a mile and a half long with a run-in of 250 yards. The first fence, known amongst those in the industry as ‘Tricky Trevor’ had a previous reputation for catching out many, but it has since been re-sited and is now considerably less of an issue! The hurdles course runs along the outside of the chase course and is easier in its turns, with slight undulations. The track sits on 70% gravel and 30% loam.

Inside the track at Ludlow sits Ludlow Golf Club. Ludlow Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Shropshire and was founded in 1889. It’s an 18-hole 6,277 yards course with a par of 70.

Unlike many other racecourses, Ludlow remains essentially focused on just horseracing, but the hospitality facilities are often used from time to time for relaxed games clubs and local crafts fairs.

It is technically the largest events venue to hire in South Shropshire, but rarely hosts big public events; instead of being used more often for private occasions.

Ludlow Racecourse History

The first recorded race at Ludlow dates back to 1725, although it’s rumoured in local history that soldier used to pit their horses against each other in races as far back as the 14th century.

The current hurdles course uses a mile of what previously constituted the flat racing course, although Ludlow became exclusively a National Hunt track in the 19th century. It was jump racing that really elevated the course to success.

Ludlow was, as all other British racecourses, closed during World War II. During this time, it played home to 2,000 US soldiers who used it as both a base and a venue for local children (as well those evacuated to the region) to take up training craft.

When the War ended and the course re-opened, it was drastically refurbished and improved.

Today, Ludlow is well attended by racegoers from both sides of the Welsh border but remains a very unusual course compared to others. Aside from the golf course sitting bang in the middle of the track, the B4365 road was also built through it – crossing the track in three places! Needless to say, traffic is diverted elsewhere on race days.

Ludlow Racecourse Map

Below is a map of Ludlow Racecourse:

Ludlow Map

Ludlow is a sharp, right-handed track that is oval in shape.

It has a 9 fence chase course, which measures 10 furlongs (a mile and a half) around. The run-in after the last is just over a furlong.

The fences are considered easy.

The hurdle course, which runs on the outside of the chase course, has easier turns.

The Main Races and Events at Ludlow Racecourse

The star event of the calendar at Ludlow is the Forbra Gold Challenge Cup, a handicap race run across just over three miles every March. It honours Forbra, the winner of the 1932 Grand National who was a rank outsider with 50/1 odds. The race is lauded as a great day out locally and tickets are kept reasonably priced for maximum accessibility.

Ludlow Racecourse Address

The official address of Ludlow Racecourse is:

Ludlow Racecourse
Bromfield
Ludlow
SY8 2BT

How To Get To Ludlow Racecourse

The ways to get to Ludlow Racecourse are:

  • By road – the racecourse is just two miles out of Ludlow by road and is easily accessible off the A49. Of course, a B road and several other smaller roads run straight through it, but these are all closed and routes diverted on race days so there’s no point using those to access the venue.
  • By rail – the nearest rail station to the racecourse is Ludlow, which is a two-mile bus journey away. Ludlow sits on both the London Paddington – Newport and Newport – Crewe lines. On race days, free shuttle buses run to and from the station.
  • By air – helicopters are able to land at the racecourse by prior arrangement.

Hotels near Ludlow Racecourse

There aren’t lots of chain hotels in the local area around Ludlow, but there are independent accommodation options for those looking to stay close to the course. The nearest is The Clive Arms Bromfield, which has chic yet low-key rooms in an 18th-century farmhouse… and a fantastic cocktails list!

Other hotels nearby include the Fishmore Hall Hotel, The Feathers Hotel, Dinham Hall Hotel and The Wheatsheaf Inn. Many of those attending Ludlow travel to Newport, which is home to many more hotels and guesthouses.

Best Ludlow Races 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 on this page with some amazing offers for new customers. All of the independent online bookmakers are brilliant, each of them making our best gambling sites list.

Betting Shops Local to Ludlow Racecourse

Betting windows can be found inside and out at Ludlow Racecourse, and Tote kiosks throughout all areas too.

Independent bookmakers can mainly be found outside the Jubilee Stand, but also by The Paddock and next to the Fairway Café. Mobile signal isn’t the best at Ludlow, so if online betting or via mobile betting sites, it may be better to do so in advance.

The town of Ludlow is only small, but there are branches of both Betfred horse racing and Coral horse racing in the centre.

Other nearby cities and town such as Kidderminster, Newport and Shrewsbury all too have several branches of the ‘big name’ betting brands.

Other Events Held at Ludlow Racecourse

Ludlow doesn’t host many non-horse racing events but its Christmas Fair really is the star of the show! Hosted every November or December, it’s a must-visit for locally produced and handcrafted gifts and produce.

Ludlow Races 2024

Here is the horse racing calendar for Ludlow Races in 2024:

DateRacecourseWeekday
5/1/2024LudlowFriday
18/1/2024LudlowThursday
7/2/2024LudlowWednesday
21/2/2024LudlowWednesday
29/2/2024LudlowThursday
21/3/2024LudlowThursday
2/4/2024LudlowTuesday
24/4/2024LudlowWednesday
12/5/2024LudlowSunday
9/10/2024LudlowWednesday
24/10/2024LudlowThursday
7/11/2024LudlowThursday
25/11/2024LudlowMonday
4/12/2024LudlowWednesday
18/12/2024LudlowWednesday

Check out our guide for the full list of UK horse racing calendar fixtures for 2024.

Ludlow Racecard and Ludlow Tips

The racecards for Ludlow races will be released the day before the races are set to happen. You can view full racecards in advance, check out  – horse racing tomorrow and horse racing today. In these, you will get an advance look at all the runners, trainers, forms and riders.

You can also of course purchase a racecard from the track which carries much of the same useful information. Many like to keep these as souvenirs, especially from major UK horse races.

Popular Questions

✅Where is Ludlow racecourse?

The address of Ludlow Racecourse is:

Ludlow Racecourse
Bromfield
Ludlow
SY8 2BT

✅How do you get to Ludlow Racecourse?

The ways to get to Ludlow Racecourse are:

  • By road – the course is just two miles out of Ludlow by road and is easily accessible off the A49. Of course, a B road and several other smaller roads run straight through it, but these are all closed and routes diverted on race days so there’s no point using those to access the venue.
  • By rail – the nearest rail station is Ludlow, which is a two-mile bus journey away. Ludlow sits on both the London Paddington – Newport and Newport – Crewe lines. On race days, free shuttle buses run to and from the station.
  • By air – helicopters are able to land at the racecourse by prior arrangement.

✅What is the main race held at Ludlow Racecourse?

The main race held at Ludlow Racecourse is the Forbra Gold Challenge Cup – a handicap race run across just over three miles every March

✅What should you wear to Ludlow races?

What you wear at Ludlow races is up to you as there isn’t a strict dress code, although smart casual is encouraged.

That aside we always advise that you dress for the weather.

✅Is Ludlow a flat track?

Ludlow is a flat track in nature, however, it only hosts jumps racing.

Summary of Ludlow Racecourse

Ludlow is a small rural national hunt course that is popular with locals.

That said, its popularity extends beyond those nearby and it is known as a charming, small racecourse with good facilities and a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Whilst racing is not always of the highest quality, the racing is competitive with many good finishes fought out.

If you are looking for a charming, rural racecourse in a beautiful part of the world, look no further, Ludlow is the track for you.

Other Racecourses in The UK and Ireland

Our team as of March 2024 have reviewed these UK racecourses and racecourses in Ireland that you are all worth a visit: