Welcome to our official guide to Newbury Racecourse.
We explore this great national hunt and flat racecourse in detail, looking at its history, the big races throughout the year, a guide to the track, hotel picks, fixtures, travel information, betting guides and even the weather!
Situated just adjacent to the town of Newbury in Berkshire, Newbury Racecourse is something of an understated racing venue.
Having hosted racing for over 100 years, it is currently home to 29 race meetings annually – a mixture of flat and national hunt – as well as a range of other events.
The Lambourn training centre is nearby and so the course is often home to locally-grown talent as well as attracting horses from further afield, especially for its major races which include the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, the ultra-competitive Betfair Hurdle and perhaps its most famous race the Hennessy Gold Cup or as it is now known The Ladbrokes Trophy.
Unlike many racecourses in the UK, it remains independently run and as such has branched out in its business offerings.
Newbury racecourse attracts not just some of the best horses in the world for races, but also companies of all shapes and sizes flock to their conferencing facilities, food buffs to their restaurants, tourists to their on-site hotel and even families to their on-site day-care nursery!
Newbury is one of the favourite courses with the team here with its perfect blend of great racing, great customer service and exciting atmosphere.
Online reviews for Newbury are favourable from race-goers of all levels and types: the team on-site manage to deliver a fantastic customer experience time and time again.
Newbury Racecourse History
Newbury held its first race in September 1905 on its current site.
100 years prior to that, in 1805, racing did take place in Newbury, but on another course across town.
The site that exists now was proposed by Kingsclere trainer John Porter, but the Jockey’s Club rejected several of his plans and delaying any construction. Luckily, Porter had a chance meeting with King Edward VII and raised with him his idea – lodging another proposal with his support. Unsurprisingly, it was accepted!
In 1904, the Newbury Racecourse Company, who still exist today, were formed and construction began on the site.
The first-ever race was the Whatcombe Handicap, with the top prize of £25 won by Copper King ridden by Charlie Trigg. The very next day, John Porter himself trained Zelis, who won the Regulation Plate – the only race ever to be won involving the course’s founder and owner.
National Hunt racing began the year after with nine race days planned. However, the course later closed during the First World War; and was used as a prisoner-of-war camp for German spies.
Once re-opened, it continued to enjoy success, perhaps at its height with a visit from Queen Elizabeth II on her 86th birthday. She watched two of her own horses race, but unfortunately, neither won.
Newbury is a destination for horse racing fans and tourists alike, and is considered a ‘great day out’ no matter the racing experience of the attendee.
Main Newbury Races and Events at Newbury Racecourse
Newbury racecourse hosts a lot of racing throughout the year, both quality racing in both codes.
Its major flat races are considered to be:
The Lockinge Stakes – a Group 1 race which is run in mid-May. The Lockinge Stakes race is named after a town just north of the racecourse and is specifically for horses aged four and over. The top class one-mile race has been won in the past by some amazing horses such as Brigadier Gerard, Hawk Wing and more recently Frankel.
The Greenham Stakes and Fred Darling Stakes – both these races are run over 7 furlongs in April, the Greenham is for colts and The Fred Darling for fillies, both for 3-year-olds. They are considered to be key trails for the 1000 Guineas Stakes and 2000 Guineas Stakes held at Newmarket in May. Frankel was a great winner of the Greenham whilst Bosra Sham won the Fred Darling before both going on to claim their respective Guineas at Newmarket Racecourse.
Super Sprint – held in July this is a super-fast 5-furlong sprint held for 2-year-olds.
Geoffrey Freer Stakes – held in August over a staying trip over 1mie 5 furlongs is a race open to 3 years old and above, it has proven a good stepping stone for 3 years old looking to go for the St Leger (the final classic) at Doncaster racecourse at the end of the season.
The venue equally hosts outstanding jumps racing, with the main races being:
The Hennessy Gold Cup – usually run at the end of November this is one of the major races of the entire national hunt calendar. The Hennessy Gold Cup is a handicap chase over three miles and 2 furlongs and many top-class horses have won it before going on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and other Grade 1 races at The Festival. Superb winners of the Hennessey Gold Cup have included the brilliant One Man and the mighty Denman, who put up an unbelievable weight-carrying performance when winning in 2009 and won the race twice.
The Betfair Hurdle – is part of a bumper race fixture in mid-February. The Betfair Hurdle race is a two-mile handicap hurdle and is one of the major betting races of the season. Other notable races as part of this meeting include the Game Spirit Chase and Denman Chase, both leading trials for Champion Chase and Gold Cup respectively. Won recently by Altoir and Native River respectively.
The course at Newbury is a left-handed track measuring one mile and seven furlongs round and is oval in shape.
The track hosts both flat and national hunt below we show you both the courses:
Courtesy of At The Races
Newbury’s flat track is generally considered to be fair and galloping, with a long and wide home straight, this most horses (if good enough) will get a chance.
Newbury racecourse has both a straight mile, so all races from 5-7 furlongs are run on the straight course, however, there is also a mile track around the bend as well.
The ground can become testing in wet weather and when this happens, those racing down the centre can sometimes be at an advantage. It is predominately flat with some slight undulations throughout.
Courtesy of At The Races.
The jumps track is known for its stiff fences, even though there are not many fallers, and it is galloping in nature.
Most horses that win on the hurdles and chase courses are blessed with good stamina.
The water-jump is positioned in front of the grandstand and on the final circuit, after the last fence, the horses run around an elbow to the finishing line.
A fair and mainly flat track means that it has seen many of the national hunt greats race over its course over the years.
There are lots of different ways to reach the course. The most popular ways to get to Newbury are:
By Car -there is ample free parking available, if you choose to drive, for your stat nav the details are – RG14 7NZ
By Train – many choose to travel by train to the course as its serviced by its own rail station! Those arriving by train can simply walk across a road bridge straight onto the course grounds. Trains stop at the racecourse from London Paddington on all major race days and from Newbury itself, just one stop away, every day of the week.
Bus and Coach – on race days and concert dates, the course is well serviced by bus and coach companies.
Hotels Near Newbury Racecourse
Newbury boasts an on-site hotel called The Lodge, and well, you can’t get more convenient! The 36 en-suite rooms are all individually designed and perfect for an overnight stay before or after your day at the races – but need booking in advance to avoid disappointment, especially for the Hennessey Gold Cup weekend.
For a more budget option, chain Premier Inn has two hotels within a short distance.
For a list of other great options nearby check out the options available on the brilliant Booking.com below: Booking.com
Newbury Races Betting Guide
There are lots of betting options when attending Newbury races, outlined below:
Online Betting at Newbury
With strong wifi and 3G and 4G mobile phone connections, betting online at Newbury is a popular choice with those visiting the track.
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New betting websites – check out the top new betting sites, where you can bet on Newbury races or other sporting events.
Top online betting sites – all these leading brands accept horse racing bets at Newbury and other leading UK racecourses.
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Listed below are the 2022 fixtures at Newbury Racecourse:
Afternoon Racing – 21 January
Afternoon Racing – 8 February
Afternoon Racing – 22 February
Afternoon Racing – 22 March
Afternoon Racing – 30 March
Beer & Bbq Raceday – 17 April
Afternoon Racing – 6 May
Afternoon Racing – 19 May
Platinum Jubilee Garden Party – 3 June
Afternoon Racing – 17 June
Sunday Racing – 3 July
Summer Plate Ladies Day
Family Extravaganza Raceday
Evening Racing – 13 August
Prelude Raceday & Beer Festival
Afternoon Racing – 15 October
Afternoon Racing – 10 November
Afternoon Racing – 17 November
Afternoon Racing – 1 December
Afternoon Racing – 12 December
For specific information on the fixtures visit the official course website.
Newbury Racecard and Newbury Tips
The racecards for Newbury 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, form 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.
Newbury 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.
Other notable races include the trainer John Porter Stakes, the Legacy Cup and the Ladbrokes Trophy: but there’s so much more to the course than just the racing.
Since 2010, when boy band Westlife visited and performed at the course as part of their nationwide tour, the course has been home to annual music gigs, including recently the likes of Rudimental, Jess Glynne, Olly Murs and Sir Tom Jones.
Summer concerts take on a festival feel with Pimms stands and the sunset across the course as bands play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hotels are near Newbury Racecourse?
Newbury racecourse boasts an on-site hotel called The Lodge, and well, you can’t get more convenient! There are 36 en-suite rooms that are all individually designed and perfect for an overnight stay before or after your day at the races – but need booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
For a more budget option, the chain Premier Inn have two hotels within a short distance.
What should I wear to Newbury racecourse?
Racegoers are encouraged to wear smart attire for a day at Newbury races.
Men are asked to wear a collared shirt. Smart denim and long, tailored shorts are allowed.
The racecourse are clear that no sports shorts, T-shirts, vests, sports and supporter shirts, tracksuits or sportswear are permitted. Trainers are not allowed.
Ladies are also asked to dress smart casual, although many like to make an effort and go smarter.
Who owns Newbury racecourse?
Unlike many racecourses in the UK, Newbury remains independently run and as such has branched out in its business offerings.
The racecourse attracts companies of all shapes and sizes who use their conferencing facilities, food buffs to their restaurants, tourists to their on-site hotel and even families to their on-site day-care nursery!
Summary of Newbury Racecourse
We hope you have enjoyed our guide; as you can gather it is a racecourse that we really love here.
From the top-class Group 1 Lockinge Stakes through to the brilliant Hennessy Gold Cup, this superb course offers high-quality racing all year round, with other key races including the Ladbrokes Trophy, Betfair Hurdle and the Greenham.
Newbury Racecourse has seen amazing performances across both disciplines from the mind-blowing Frankel to the sheer power of Denman.
Combine that sporting excellence with great customer service, a stunning parade ring and ease of transport and you couldn’t ask for much more. A racecourse to visit at any time of year.
A top pick.
Other Racecourses You May Like in the UK & Ireland
Our team as of September 2022 have reviewed the following racecourses that are also all worth a visit:
As the Founder of British Racecourses, I have a life-long passion for horse racing and have loved the sport as long as I can remember. I am also a keen racehorse owner and have worked in the gambling industry for several years. I set up British Racecourses with the desire to share my passion for racing with other like-minded people.
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