Newcastle Racecourse

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Welcome to our official guide to Newcastle Racecourse.

We explore this busy flat and national hunt northern racecourse in detail, looking at its history, a guide to both the tracks, the main races, top hotel picks, the fixtures, travel information, and betting guides.

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

Newcastle Racecourse is a horse racing course located at Gosforth Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Being located at Gosforth Park many local racegoers call it the Gosforth park racecourse.

Find out more about Newcastle Racecourse today:

Newcastle Racecourse Guide

Overview of Newcastle Racecourse

Sport in the city of Newcastle is often linked to fanatical support of the local football team, however, this vibrant north-eastern hub has more to offer, though. Newcastle Racecourse, based in Gosforth Park, plays a prominent role in the UK’s racing calendar.

Founded on Gosforth Park, an 812-acre leafy area of Newcastle that also hosts two excellent golf courses, Newcastle Racecourse is a popular UK racecourse.

With over 60 events held on the track each year, Newcastle is one of the busiest racecourses in the country. Somewhat fitting for an institution that has existed since 1882.

At the time of writing, Newcastle Racecourse boasts the only floodlit, all-weather straight mile track in British racing.

Further planned developments and improvements have also been announced, with owners Arena Racing Company aiming to build more accommodation upon the land and provide further events and activities.

As well as all-weather flat racing they also host excellent national hunt racing on the turf.

Newcastle Racecourse (High Gosforth Park) is easily accessible from the city centre via public or private transport, and the wide array of events are sure to appeal to all tastes.

The dress code is typically smart casual, though it always pays to research ahead of time as this can vary depending on the event.

History of Racing in Newcastle Upon Tyne

The North East of England has a long history with racing. Killingworth, a town located six miles north of Newcastle Upon Tyne, hosted race meets on behalf of King George II in the 18th Century.

Horse racing in Gosforth first took place in March 1882, the year that Newcastle Racecourse was officially opened.

In September of the same year, the maiden race meeting of the course took place. Since then, the racecourse has experienced a range of peaks and troughs in popularity.

Newcastle Racecourse was struggling to make ends meet in the late 20th Century. After a brief high in the 1970s – especially the Fighting Fifth Hurdle of 1975, which is widely regarded as an all-time classic race due to a tight, three-way finish – local interest in the sport began to dwindle.

This was rectified in 1994 when Newcastle Racecourse was purchased by Northern Racing.

The company was chaired by Sir Stanley Clarke, a noted and respected philanthropist and horse trainer. Investment was made to modernise the course, restoring Newcastle Racecourse to the hearts and minds of equestrian enthusiasts across the region and the rest of the UK.

Another substantial change in fortunes arrived in 2002. David Williamson took on the role of managing director this year and had a significant impact on the financial affairs of the course. Over a six-year period, Williamson managed to more than double Newcastle Racecourse’s turnover, lifting annual takings from £2.5m to £6.5m.

Williamson also introduced key dates of the Newcastle Racecourse calendar, including Ladies Day, and has been credited with boosting the city of Newcastle’s economy thanks to his innovations. He also successfully promoted and elevated established events such as the Northumberland Plate and Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Williamson moved on in 2008, after being headhunted by Newcastle United FC.

The last substantial change to Newcastle Racecourse occurred in 2016, when the track became an all-weather venue.

Further developments on the site are planned, however, so watch this space.

Main Races and Meetings at Newcastle Racecourse

The historic Northumberland Plate, held in June, is the oldest, biggest and arguably the most prestigious event at Newcastle Racecourse. This meet is also known as, “The Pitmen’s Derby” as the first event, held in 1883, was declared a day’s holiday for pit employees so they could attend.

Aside from the Northumberland Plate, other notable events in the Newcastle Racecourse diary include:

  • Eider Chase (February) – a tough staying race ran over fences and over 4 miles and half a furlong.
  • Burradon Stakes (March) – a listed race for 3-year-olds ran over 1 mile.
  • Chipchase Stake (June) – a Group 3 flat race ran over 6 furlongs.
  • Ladies Day (June) – the last Saturday of every July, is a glitzy and glam event.
  • Fighting Fifth Hurdle (November) – a Grade 1 national hunt hurdles race over 2 miles, which has been won by many greats over the years who gone on to enjoy success in The Cheltenham Champion Hurdle.

Other main races include:

  • Hoppings Fillies Stakes

Newcastle All Weather Track

Below is a map of the aw track at Newcastle racecourse:

Newcastle All Weather Track
Courtesy of At The Races

Newcastle’s flat track is now an is an all-weather track, boasting the only aw straight mile course in the country.

The surface is Tapeta and is the same as that at Chelmsford Racecourse and Wolverhampton Racecourse.

The last furlong and a half is uphill, so stamina at the required trips are needed.

Newcastle Jumps Course

The Newcastle national course map is below:

Newcastle Jumps Track
Courtesy of At The Races.

Newcastle’s jump racing course is a left-handed, galloping track with a steady climb from the home turn.

There’s a clear emphasis on jumping over fences, as they are regarded as being stiff.

It is widely acknowledged that a position towards the stand rail in the home straight can be an advantage in hurdles races so you will see many jockeys head over and try to bag that position from entering the home straight.

Newcastle Racecourse Address

The official correspondence address of Newcastle Racecourse is:

Newcastle Racecourse
High Gosforth Park
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 5HP

How to Get To Newcastle Races

Newcastle Racecourse is located around 15 miles from the city centre and the ways to get there are the below:

  • By car–  if driving to the track point your Sat Nav to High Gosforth Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 5HP . This will bring you into the proximity of the racecourse. For your own protection, it’s best to rely on signposts once you’re in the vicinity, though. Directions are clearly posted with traditional brown-and-white tourist board signs along all key roads, including the A1 and A19.
  • Train – Newcastle Central Station is the main railway station. From here you could take a taxi straight to the racecourse from outside the station. This will cost around £10 and the journey takes about 15 minutes. Another alternative could be to change trains and arrive in the Regent Centre Metro Station. This is just two miles from the racecourse, with free shuttle services operating on race days.
  • Bus – public bus services also run from Haymarket Bus Station, in the shape of route numbers 43 and 44. These will drop you right outside the racecourse, but Haymarket is a 15-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station. Taking a taxi straight to the venue is a more efficient use of your time if you arrive in the city by rail.
  • Air – flying is also an option if you’re travelling from afar. Newcastle International Airport is found around six miles away from the racecourse, and you’ll find no shortage of taxis outside the airport.

Hotels Near Newcastle Racecourse

If you’re planning an overnight or weekend-long trip to Newcastle Racecourse and Newcastle Upon Tyne in general there are a range of excellent options to consider, the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park should be your first port of call. This hotel is located within half a mile of the venue.

As you can probably imagine, this makes the Grand Hotel a popular choice. If this accommodation is fully booked, there are other options nearby.

High Gosforth also boasts a Holiday Inn and a Premier Inn within 2.5 miles of Newcastle Racecourse.

If you’re seeking a more lavish experience – and have the budget to match – head a little further away. Jesmond Dene House is a luxury hotel, located 2.5 miles from the racecourse.

Best Newcastle 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.

Our teams here at British Racecourses have carried out comprehensive reviews of the best horse betting sites, looking at a range of factors including which have the best betting app connected to them, those that offer the best free bets, reviewing new betting sites on the market as well as established online betting sites.  So hopefully you will find something for your needs.

As you can see it is a packed schedule of upcoming racing, a mixture of jumps fixtures and all-weather racing, that they host throughout the year and it’s one of Britain’s busiest racecourses!

Newcastle Races 2024

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

DateRacecourseWeekday
1/1/2024NewcastleMonday
4/1/2024NewcastleThursday
6/1/2024NewcastleSaturday
8/1/2024NewcastleMonday
16/1/2024NewcastleTuesday
18/1/2024NewcastleThursday
19/1/2024NewcastleFriday
22/1/2024NewcastleMonday
25/1/2024NewcastleThursday
27/1/2024NewcastleSaturday
30/1/2024NewcastleTuesday
2/2/2024NewcastleFriday
4/2/2024NewcastleSunday
8/2/2024NewcastleThursday
10/2/2024NewcastleSaturday
13/2/2024NewcastleTuesday
15/2/2024NewcastleThursday
17/2/2024NewcastleSaturday
20/2/2024NewcastleTuesday
22/2/2024NewcastleThursday
24/2/2024NewcastleSaturday
1/3/2024NewcastleFriday
3/3/2024NewcastleSunday
5/3/2024NewcastleTuesday
7/3/2024NewcastleThursday
8/3/2024NewcastleFriday
12/3/2024NewcastleTuesday
13/3/2024NewcastleWednesday
15/3/2024NewcastleFriday
16/3/2024NewcastleSaturday
18/3/2024NewcastleMonday
22/3/2024NewcastleFriday
23/3/2024NewcastleSaturday
25/3/2024NewcastleMonday
26/3/2024NewcastleTuesday
29/3/2024NewcastleFriday
13/4/2024NewcastleSaturday
16/4/2024NewcastleTuesday
26/4/2024NewcastleFriday
3/5/2024NewcastleFriday
12/5/2024NewcastleSunday
27/6/2024NewcastleThursday
28/6/2024NewcastleFriday
29/6/2024NewcastleSaturday
27/7/2024NewcastleSaturday
2/8/2024NewcastleFriday
22/8/2024NewcastleThursday
3/9/2024NewcastleTuesday
10/9/2024NewcastleTuesday
12/9/2024NewcastleThursday
17/9/2024NewcastleTuesday
24/9/2024NewcastleTuesday
1/10/2024NewcastleTuesday
3/10/2024NewcastleThursday
4/10/2024NewcastleFriday
15/10/2024NewcastleTuesday
18/10/2024NewcastleFriday
22/10/2024NewcastleTuesday
28/10/2024NewcastleMonday
29/10/2024NewcastleTuesday
31/10/2024NewcastleThursday
1/11/2024NewcastleFriday
5/11/2024NewcastleTuesday
7/11/2024NewcastleThursday
8/11/2024NewcastleFriday
11/11/2024NewcastleMonday
15/11/2024NewcastleFriday
16/11/2024NewcastleSaturday
22/11/2024NewcastleFriday
23/11/2024NewcastleSaturday
30/11/2024NewcastleSaturday
3/12/2024NewcastleTuesday
6/12/2024NewcastleFriday
9/12/2024NewcastleMonday
12/12/2024NewcastleThursday
14/12/2024NewcastleSaturday
17/12/2024NewcastleTuesday
21/12/2024NewcastleSaturday
28/12/2024NewcastleSaturday

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

Newcastle Racecard and Newcastle Tips

The racecards for Newcastle races will be released the day before the races are set to happen (“Newcastle races tomorrow”). 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.

Other Upcoming Events at High Gosforth Park Newcastle

Like any reputable racecourse, Newcastle Racecourse also offers additional entertainment.

Live music is a semi-frequent occurrence, often tied in with a noteworthy racing meet.

The Pussycat Dolls and Jack Savoretti who due to perform in 2020, while the dog days of summer will also see a celebration of dance music in the form of Summertime Live, headlined by Classic Ibiza.

Newcastle Racecourse is also available for private hire, should anybody be interested in holding a party, conference or celebration on the grounds.

Newcastle Race

Popular Questions

✅Why Do Some Call It Gosforth Park Race Course?

Many Geordies call Newcastle Race Course the Gosforth Park Race Course as the horse racing course is located at Gosforth Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

The Gosforth Race Course stages both flat and National Hunt racing.

✅ Is Newcastle Racecourse all weather?

There is both an all-weather track and a turf, jumps racing course at Newcastle.

For more information read our full guide.

✅ How long is Newcastle Racecourse?

Newcastle Racecourse has an all-weather straight mile – the only in the world – as well as a circular AW and national hunt turf track.

✅ What surface is Newcastle Racecourse?

Newcastle racecourse is an all-weather surface, they use surface called Tapeta.

They also have a turf course used for national hunt racing (hurdles and chases).

✅ Is there a Dress Code at Newcastle Races?

Yes, there is a dress code at Newcastle races, in hospitality areas and the Premier Enclosure it is a smart casual dress code. This means that sportswear, trainers and fancy dress are not allowed. Shirts must also have a collar.

Smart jeans and tailored shorts are permitted.

✅ Do you pay for parking at Newcastle Races?

No you don’t pay for parking at Newcastle races as there is ample free parking available onsite for all raceday and event guests.

Disabled parking is also located in close to the entrance.

✅ How to Get To Newcastle Races ?

Newcastle Racecourse is located around 15 miles from the city centre. This makes it comparatively simple to reach, whether travelling by road, rail or air.

  • By car–  if driving to the track point your Sat Nav to High Gosforth Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 5HP . This will bring you into the proximity of the racecourse. Directions are clearly posted with traditional brown-and-white tourist board signs along all key roads, including the A1 and A19.
  • Train – if you’re taking the train, Newcastle Central Station is the main railway station. From here you could take a taxi straight to the racecourse from outside the station. This will cost around £10 and the journey takes about 15 minutes. Another alternative could be to change trains and arrive in the Regent Centre Metro Station. This is just two miles from the racecourse, with free shuttle services operating on race days.
  • Bus – public bus services also run from Haymarket Bus Station, in the shape of route numbers 43 and 44. These will drop you right outside the racecourse, but Haymarket is a 15-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station. Taking a taxi straight to the venue is a more efficient use of your time if you arrive in the city by rail.
  • Air – flying is also an option if you’re travelling from afar. Newcastle International Airport is found around six miles away from the racecourse, and you’ll find no shortage of taxis outside the airport.

Summary – Newcastle Racecourse Guide

Newcastle Racecourse, in the ground of  High Gosforth Park, is a stunning and historic racecourse that is known for high-quality racing including the Northumberland Plate and Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Boasting both an all-weather flat racing course and a tough national hunt track, it hosts racing from Newcastle throughout the year.

The quality, great customer service and sense of fun make it one of the most popular courses in the country.

It is a course we love at British Racecourses – highly recommended at any time of year. 

Other British & Irish Racecourses

Our team as of March 2024 have reviewed the other following racecourses, all of them definitely worth a visit:

Check out our UK racecourse guide page, which also has a handy map.