List of British racecourses

This List of British racecourses gives details of both current and former horse racing venues in Great Britain. There are, as of 6 October 2016, 60 racecourses operating in Great Britain (excluding Point-to-Point courses). In addition, there is a former racecourse, Folkestone, which is mothballed pending a decision over its future. There are currently no plans for Folkestone to operate fixtures although the basic racecourse infrastructure remains intact. Hereford racecourse reopened in October 2016 having been closed since 2012.

Current racecourses

The following British horse racing courses are in operation as of 20 October 2018:

RacecourseLocationCountryCodeOpenedSurfaceOwnerNotes
Aintree RacecourseMerseysideEngland EnglandNational Hunt1829TurfJockey Club
Ascot RacecourseBerkshireEngland EnglandMixed1711TurfIndependent
Ayr RacecourseAyrshireScotland ScotlandMixed1907TurfIndependent
Bangor on Dee RacecourseWrexhamWales WalesNational Hunt1859TurfChester Race Company
Bath RacecourseSomersetEngland EnglandFlatby 1728TurfArena Racing Company
Beverley RacecourseEast Riding of YorkshireEngland EnglandFlatby 1767TurfIndependent
Brighton RacecourseEast SussexEngland EnglandFlat1783TurfArena Racing Company
Carlisle RacecourseCumbriaEngland EnglandMixed1904TurfJockey Club
Cartmel RacecourseCumbriaEngland EnglandNational Huntby 1856TurfIndependent
Catterick RacecourseNorth YorkshireEngland EnglandMixed1783TurfIndependent
Cheltenham RacecourseGloucestershireEngland EnglandNational Hunt1831TurfJockey Club
Chelmsford City RacecourseEssexEngland EnglandFlat2008PolytrackIndependent
Chepstow RacecourseMonmouthshireWales WalesMixed1926TurfArena Racing Company
Chester RacecourseChesterEngland EnglandFlat1539TurfChester Race Company
Doncaster RacecourseSouth YorkshireEngland EnglandMixedby 1595TurfArena Racing Company
Epsom Downs RacecourseSurreyEngland EnglandFlatby 1661TurfJockey Club
Exeter RacecourseDevonEngland EnglandNational Huntby 1804TurfJockey Club
Fakenham RacecourseNorfolkEngland EnglandNational Hunt1905TurfIndependent
Ffos Las RacecourseCarmarthenshireWales WalesMixed2009TurfArena Racing Company
Fontwell Park RacecourseWest SussexEngland EnglandNational Hunt1924TurfArena Racing Company
Goodwood RacecourseWest SussexEngland EnglandFlat1802TurfIndependent
Great Yarmouth RacecourseNorfolkEngland EnglandFlat1810TurfArena Racing Company
Hamilton Park RacecourseLanarkshireScotland ScotlandFlat1782TurfIndependent
Haydock Park RacecourseMerseysideEngland EnglandMixed1899TurfJockey Club
Hereford RacecourseHerefordshireEngland EnglandNational Hunt1771TurfHerefordshire Council
Hexham RacecourseNorthumberlandEngland EnglandNational Huntc.1740TurfIndependent
Huntingdon RacecourseCambridgeshireEngland EnglandNational Hunt1886TurfJockey Club
Kelso RacecourseScottish BordersScotland ScotlandNational Hunt1822TurfIndependent
Kempton Park RacecourseSurreyEngland EnglandMixed1878Turf & PolytrackJockey Club
Leicester RacecourseLeicestershireEngland EnglandMixed1883TurfIndependent
Lingfield Park RacecourseSurreyEngland EnglandMixed1890Turf & PolytrackArena Racing Company
Ludlow RacecourseShropshireEngland EnglandNational Huntby 1725TurfIndependent
Market Rasen RacecourseLincolnshireEngland EnglandNational Hunt1924TurfJockey Club
Musselburgh RacecourseEast LothianScotland ScotlandMixed1816TurfMusselburgh Joint Racing Committee
Newbury RacecourseBerkshireEngland EnglandMixed1905TurfIndependent
Newcastle RacecourseTyne and WearEngland EnglandMixed1882Turf & TapetaArena Racing Company
Newmarket RacecourseSuffolkEngland EnglandFlat1667TurfJockey Club
Newton Abbot RacecourseDevonEngland EnglandNational Hunt1866TurfIndependent
Nottingham RacecourseNottinghamshireEngland EnglandFlat1892TurfJockey Club
Perth RacecoursePerth and KinrossScotland ScotlandNational Hunt1908TurfIndependent
Plumpton RacecourseEast SussexEngland EnglandNational Hunt1884TurfIndependent
Pontefract RacecourseWest YorkshireEngland EnglandFlat1801TurfIndependent
Redcar RacecourseNorth YorkshireEngland EnglandFlat1870TurfIndependent
Ripon RacecourseNorth YorkshireEngland EnglandFlat1900TurfIndependent
Salisbury RacecourseWiltshireEngland EnglandFlat1500sTurfIndependent
Sandown Park RacecourseSurreyEngland EnglandMixed1875TurfJockey Club
Sedgefield RacecourseCounty DurhamEngland EnglandNational Huntby 1732TurfArena Racing Company
Southwell RacecourseNottinghamshireEngland EnglandMixed1850Turf & FibresandArena Racing Company
Stratford-on-Avon RacecourseWarwickshireEngland EnglandNational Hunt1755TurfIndependent
Taunton RacecourseSomersetEngland EnglandNational Hunt1927TurfIndependent
Thirsk RacecourseNorth YorkshireEngland EnglandFlat1923TurfIndependent
Towcester RacecourseNorthamptonshireEngland EnglandNational Hunt1928TurfIndependent
Uttoxeter RacecourseStaffordshireEngland EnglandNational Hunt1907TurfArena Racing Company
Warwick RacecourseWarwickshireEngland EnglandNational Hunt1707TurfJockey Club
Wetherby RacecourseWest YorkshireEngland EnglandMixed1891TurfIndependent
Wincanton RacecourseSomersetEngland EnglandNational Hunt1867TurfJockey Club
Windsor RacecourseBerkshireEngland EnglandFlat1866TurfArena Racing Company
Wolverhampton RacecourseWest MidlandsEngland EnglandFlat1887TapetaArena Racing Company
Worcester RacecourseWorcestershireEngland EnglandNational Huntby 1718TurfArena Racing Company
York RacecourseNorth YorkshireEngland EnglandFlat1709TurfIndependent

Closed racecourses

There is one further racecourse in Britain which still exists, but is currently closed and does not operate any thoroughbred racing fixtures.

Arena Racing Company ceased operating at Hereford and Folkestone in December 2012.[1][2] It is not known whether Folkestone will reopen for thoroughbred racing in some form. Hereford, which is leased by Arena as the site is owned by Herefordshire Council, still hosted Arabian racing fixtures and Point to Point racing while closed for thoroughbred racing.[3] Racing under National Hunt rules returned to the course in October 2016.[4]

Former race courses

Through the centuries, racing has taken place at various courses throughout Britain which have since closed down. Some were very significant in their day and held major races which persist to this day. For example, the flat season's traditional curtain raiser, the Lincolnshire Handicap was once held at the racecourse that gave it its name in Lincoln but is now held at Doncaster.

Closed during 20th century

Between 1900 and 1981, 97 racecourses closed their doors.[5]

RacecourseLocationCountryCodeOpenedClosedNotes
Aldershot RacecourseHampshireEnglandEngland1927[6]
Alexandra Park RacecourseNorth LondonEnglandEnglandFlat30 June 18688 September 1970
Anglesey RacecourseAngleseyWalesWales1903[6]
Atherstone RacecourseWarwickshireEnglandEngland
Banbury RacecourseOxfordshireEnglandEngland
Blackpool RacecourseLancashireEnglandEngland1915[6]
Bogside RacecourseAyrshireScotlandScotlandMixed7 June 180810 April 1965
Bournemouth RacecourseHampshireEnglandEngland1928[6]
Brocklesby Hunt RacecourseLincolnshireEnglandEngland1935[6]
Bromford Bridge RacecourseBirminghamEnglandEnglandMixed189421 June 1965
Buckfastleigh RacecourseDevonEnglandEngland21 June 188327 August 1960The dilapidated main grandstand survives, and is a well known local landmark, and the fields around it are still in use for point-to-point races.[7]
Cardiff RacecourseGlamorganWalesWales1939[6]Also known as Ely Racecourse[6]
Chelmsford RacecourseEssexEnglandEnglandBef. 1840April 1935An oval course, just under 2 miles in circumference[8]
Chesterfield RacecourseDerbyshireEnglandEngland
Colwall Park RacecourseWorcestershireEnglandEngland1949[6]
Croxton RacecourseLeicestershireEnglandEngland
Derby RacecourseDerbyshireEnglandEnglandby 17079 August 1939Three different venues, the last of which opened in 1848. Still open parkland known as the Racecourse Playing Fields. The County Cricket Ground, located within the track, is still in use.
Durham RacecourseCounty DurhamEnglandEnglandBef. 1840Held three day meeting at beginning of May[9]
Eglinton RacecourseCounty LondonderryNorthern IrelandNorthern Ireland
Eridge RacecourseSussexEnglandEngland
Gatwick RacecourseSussexEnglandEngland18911940The land is now part of Gatwick Airport.
Grafton Hunt RacecourseNorthamptonshireEnglandEngland1928[6]
Hambleton RacecourseYorkshireEnglandEngland1911[6]
Hawthorn Hill RacecourseSurreyEnglandEngland1939[6]
Harpenden RacecourseHertfordshireEnglandEnglandBef. 1914The land is now the site of Bamville Cricket Club.
Hethersett RacecourseNorfolkEnglandEngland1939[6]
Hooton Park RacecourseCheshireEnglandEngland1915[6]
Hull RacecourseEast Riding of YorkshireEnglandEngland1909[6]
Hurst Park RacecourseSurreyEnglandEngland18901962[6]
Ipswich RacecourseSuffolkEnglandEnglandMixed171029 March 1911In 1840 it was holding a two-day meeting in early July, highlights of which were a 100gs Queen's Plate (dating from at least 1727) and a Town Members' Plate for 50 sovs[10]
Keele Park RacecourseStaffordshireEnglandEngland1906[6]
Lanark RacecourseLanarkshireScotlandScotlandc. 12th CenturyOctober 1977
Lewes RacecourseEast SussexEnglandEnglandBef. 1727September 1964Situated on the chalk downs near the town, it was also home to the East Sussex Hunt. Held a Royal Plate Race for 6 year olds from 1727 at the latest. A stand was erected in 1772. In 1840, the course was "one of the finest four mile courses in the kingdom". Races took place in mid-August.[11]
Lichfield RacecourseStaffordshireEnglandEngland??
Lincoln RacecourseLincolnshireEnglandEnglandFlat17731965
Maghull RacecourseLancashireEnglandEngland
Manchester RacecourseLancashireEnglandEnglandMixed16817 November 1963There was racing at three successive sites in Manchester, the last being at Castle Irwell. Various plans to create a new racecourse on rural land such as Kersal Moor have been touted in recent years.[12][13]
Melton RacecourseLeicestershireEnglandEngland
Newport RacecourseMonmouthshireEnglandEngland1948[6]
Northampton RacecourseNorthamptonEnglandEnglandBef. 18401904[6]A one and a half mile oval, with a straight half mile run in. In 1840 was holding a two-day meeting at the end of August.
Northolt Park RacecourseMiddlesexEnglandEngland1940[6]
Pershore RacecourseWorcestershireEnglandEngland1939[6]
Plymouth RacecourseDevonEnglandEnglandc. 18274 September 1930A spring meeting was held in May, and a grand two-day meeting in August[14]
Portsmouth Racecourse
at Farlington
HampshireEnglandEngland18911914Closed at the outbreak of World War I and turned into an ammunition dump for the War Office.
Portsmouth Racecourse
at Paulsgrove
HampshireEnglandEngland1920sc.1946The land was redeveloped as a housing estate.
Rothbury RacecourseNorthumberlandEnglandEnglandBefore 17591965[6]Held one meeting a year.
Rugby Racecourse
at Clifton-upon-Dunsmore
WarwickshireEnglandEnglandStill used annually for point-to-point races
Shincliffe RacecourseDurhamEnglandEngland18951914[6]
Shirley RacecourseWarwickshireEnglandEngland1940[6]The land is now the home of Shirley Golf Club
South Brent RacecourseDevonEnglandEngland
Southend RacecourseEssexEnglandEngland1931[6]
Southwold RacecourseLincolnshireEnglandEngland1909[6]
Stockbridge RacecourseHampshireEnglandEngland18391898Dates given are for most significant incarnation of the course. There had been racing at another site in Stockbridge from 1775 or earlier[15]
Stockton RacecourseTeessideEnglandEnglandSeptember 185516 June 1981This was the third course in Stockton. The first dated from 1724[16]
Tenby RacecoursePembrokeshireWalesWales1936[6]
Torquay RacecourseDevonEnglandEngland
Totnes RacecourseDevonEnglandEngland1939[6]Requisitioned by the Admiralty, it was sold in the early 1950s. At this course long distance steeplechases involved crossing the River Dart and the Totnes-Newton Abbot road. Sometimes called the Totnes and Bridgetown races[17]
Whitehaven RacecourseCumberlandEnglandEngland1852
Wrexham RacecourseDenbighshireWalesWalesIn 1840, it was holding a two-day October meeting which included a 100 sovereign Gold Cup[18]
Woore RacecourseShropshireEnglandEngland1936[6]
Wye RacecourseKentEnglandEngland29 May 18492 May 1974

Operating during 19th century

Many courses that were prominent in earlier times did not survive into the modern era. The list below is a selection of these, taken from Whyte's History of the British Turf. Where dates are not given for closure, it is possible they were still extant in the 20th century. No distinction has been made between enclosed courses of the type that are familiar now and those that were run over unenclosed courses, more akin to point-to-point racing. Indeed, some of these racecourses or parts of them are still used for that purpose.

RacecourseLocationCountryCodeOpenedClosedNotes
Aberystwyth Racecourse[19]CardiganshireWalesWalesnot knownnot knownA mid-August meeting was well and fashionably attended on a meadow near Gogerddan about three miles from the town.
Abingdon Racecourse[20]BerkshireEnglandEngland17671875Early records show that racing took place at Abingdon as early as 1767.The flat, oval racecourse had a circumference of 10 furlongs and a separate 6 furlong section for sprint races.
Ashford Racecourse[21]KentEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a one-day meeting in September, with a £50 town plate being the principal race
Bedford Racecourse[22]BedfordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownTwo annual meetings recorded in 1840
Belford Racecourse[23]NorthumberlandEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownRun at a course one mile south-west of the town, on the site of what is supposed to have been a Danish camp. Formerly at Beadnell.
Bibury Racecourse[8]GloucestershireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot known
Bicester Racecourse[24]OxfordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a day-long meeting at the end of September, including a Town Plate of £50
Birmingham Racecourse[25]WarwickshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a 'poorly-attended' two-day meeting in early October
Bishop's Castle Racecourse[26]ShropshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownNear Ludlow, it held a day's 'inferior' racing in mid-July
Blandford Racecourse[27]DorsetEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a meeting towards the end of August which included the 100 sovereign Dorsetshire Gold Cup
Bodmin Racecourse[28]CornwallEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld one day's racing in September
Brecknock Racecourse[29]BrecknockshireWalesWalesnot knownnot knownA course near the town, with a 'commodious' stand held races for two days in late September
Brenwood Racecourse[30]StaffordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days' racing at the end of September
Bridgenorth Racecourse[26]ShropshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting at the start of August; the course was in bad repair in 1840
Bromyard Racecourse[31]HerefordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a day long race meeting in mid-August
Burnley Racecourse[32]LancashireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days' racing in the middle of August, including a Gold Cup of 100 sovs
Burntwood Racecourse[30]StaffordshireEnglandEngland183816 October 1839Held one day's racing in mid-October. Held the 'Ordinaries' at The Star Inn, Burntwood.
Burton-upon-Trent Racecourse[30]StaffordshireEnglandEnglandFrom 'a very early period'not knownHeld a two-day meeting at the end of August which included the Bretby Cup, given by the Earl of Chesterfield
Burton Constable Racecourse[33]WorcestershireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownA small hunter racecourse
Buxton Racecourse[28]DerbyshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days' racing in June
Canterbury Racecourse[21]KentEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld on Barham Downs, within 3 miles of the city. Had a 'commodious stand'. Was awarded a King's Plate by George II in 1729.[34]
Cardiff Racecourse[35]GlamorganshireWalesWalesnot knownnot knownHeld mid-July meetings for two days.
Cheadle Racecourse[36]StaffordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld one day's 'inferior racing' at the beginning of September
Chesterfield Racecourse[37]DerbyshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days' racing at the start of October
Clifton and Bristol Racecourse[8]GloucestershireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days' racing at the beginning of May
Clitheroe Racecourse[38]LancashireEnglandEngland1821not knownThe first record of racing was 1617 http://www.greyhoundderby.com/Clitheroe%20Racecourse.html the link has a map too.
Coventry Racecourse[25]WarwickshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownTwo-day race meetings were held in March with a Silver Cup and £100 in prize money
Croxton Park Racecourse[39]LeicestershireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld amateur races at the beginning of April
Croydon RacecourseSurreyEngland1871not knownSite now occupied by Long Lane Estate and Ashburton Playing Fields.
Dorchester Racecourse[40]DorsetEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days' racing in the middle of September
Dove House Races at Harrow-on-the-Hill[41]MiddlesexEnglandEngland1836not knownHeld in mid-August
Dudley Racecourse[42]WorcestershireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days racing at the end of June
Dumfries Racecourse[43]DumfriesshireScotlandScotlandnot knownnot knownAlternately held the Caledonian Hunt meeting, along with Ayr, Edinburgh and Musselburgh
Egham Racecourse[44]SurreyEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownSituated on the plain of Runnymede where King John signed the Magna Carta, Egham races were often attended by royalty. The course was a two mile flat oval.
Eglistoun Park[45]AyrshireScotlandScotlandnot knownnot known
Enfield and Pinner Races[41]MiddlesexEnglandEnglandnot knownBy 1836Replaced by Dove House meeting
Gloucester Racecourse[46]GloucestershireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownA mile and a half oblong course in a meadow on the banks of the River Severn, with a straight, 400 yard run-in
Gorhambury Park Racecourse[47]HertfordshireEnglandEngland1838not knownHad four courses ranging in length from 5 furlongs 136 yards to two miles
Great Marlow Racecourse[48]BuckinghamshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot known
Hampton Racecourse[41]MiddlesexEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownThree-day meetings held in the middle of June on Moulsey Hurst next to the river
Hastings and St. Leonards Racecourse[49]SussexEnglandEngland1827not knownHeld a two-day meeting at the end of September which included the Town Plate and St. Leonard's Plate, both of 50 sovereigns
Haverfordwest Racecourse[50]PembrokeshireWalesWalesnot knownnot knownSituated on a common near the town called Portfield or Poorfield. Two-day meetings were held at the beginning of August.
Heaton Park Racecourse[38]LancashireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld three days 'excellent' racing in late September
Hednesford Racecourse[36]StaffordshireEnglandEngland1835Monday 30 October 1871Races were held on the 'heathy downs' at Cannock Chase which had long been famed for racehorses. A day long meeting was held in early July and again in October and November. These races did not run from 1835 to 1871 consecutively. The first meeting was on Tuesday 27 October 1835 and ran for seven years until Tuesday 8 November 1842. Another meeting was held on Tuesday 26 November 1850 with the final meeting being on Monday 30 October 1871.
Hertford Racecourse[51]HertfordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownRaces took place at the beginning of August for two days
Hippodrome Racecourse, Bayswater, London[52]MiddlesexEnglandEngland3 June 1837not knownA 'vast establishment' also called the Metropolitan Racecourse
Holywell Racecourse[53]FlintshireWalesWales3 June 1837not knownHunt races took place in the middle of October for two days.
The Hoo Racecourse[51]HertfordshireEnglandEngland1821not knownRacing, mainly hunter chases, took place at the end of April and for a short time in the 1820s and 1830s the course was very fashionable
Kingston (sic) Racecourse (Kington)[54]HerefordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownAn 'inferior' racecourse, with meetings at the end of July
Knighton Racecourse[50]PembrokeshireWalesWalesnot knownnot knownHeld two-day race meetings in mid-June.
Lancaster Racecourse[55]LancashireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting in late July
Lee Racecourse[56]KentEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld races that were only 'of local interest' in 1840
Leith Races[57]LothianScotlandScotland1504 (or earlier)1816Races were held on the sands at low tide in late July or early August for four or five days, until the events were moved to Musselburgh. A 4 mile King's Plate was run at Leith from at least 1728[58]
Leominster Racecourse[54]HerefordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld meetings at the end of August
Lichfield Racecourse[36]StaffordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownThe course was on the Tamworth road, about two miles from the city and raced at the end of March and in mid-September. Was awarded a King's Plate for 5 year olds by George II in 1748.[34]
Mansfield RacecourseNottinghamshireEnglandEngland21 August 173413 July 1874The course was situated just over a mile east of the town, the area between the straights (which crossed both Eakring Road and Southwell Road) is still used for recreational purposes.[59]
Middleham Racecourse[60]StaffordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownRaces were held annually in November on Middleham Moor, but in 1840 they were deemed 'of little interest'. Middleham is still home to many racing stables.
Monmouth Racecourse[61]MonmouthshireWalesWalesnot knownnot knownSituated on the banks of the River Wye near the junction with the River Monnow on Chippenham meadow. A two-day meeting was held in mid-October.
Morpeth Racecourse[62]NorthumberlandEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownRaces took place over two days at the beginning of September at Cottingwood to the north of the town.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Racecourse[63]ShropshireEnglandEnglandMixednot knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting in early August
Newport Racecourse[64]ShropshireEnglandEnglandMixednot knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting at the end of July
Newport Paynel (sic) Racecourse[65]BuckinghamshireEnglandEnglandnot knownBy 1840
Northallerton Racecourse[64]North Riding of YorkshireEnglandEnglandMixednot knownnot knownRacing took place in mid-October for two days, and included a £100 Gold Cup and £50 Silver Cup.
Oswestry Race CourseShropshireEnglandEnglandearly 1700s or 1804[64]1848Racing started on the common west of the town over a unique figure-of-eight course. A grandstand was built at the start of the 19th century. but the last meeting was held in 1848. Its regular meeting was two days in September and included the Shropshire Stakes and a Gold Cup.
Oxford RacecourseOxfordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownAn oval of two miles, quite flat
Pontypool Racecourse[61]MonmouthshireWalesWalesnot knownnot knownSituated between the River Avon and the canal to Newport, Wales. A two-day meeting was held at the start of August.
The Potteries Racecourse[63]StaffordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting at the start of August including a Stewards' Plate of 100 sovs.
Richmond Racecourse[66]YorkshireEnglandEnglandMixednot knownnot knownRacing took place for two days in mid-September on Whitcliffe Meadow, an area of common ground, which was "an excellent course".
Rochester and Chatham Racecourse[56]KentEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting at the beginning of September
Royston Racecourse[51]HertfordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a one day meeting in the middle of May, for 'half-bred horses' of local interest only
Shiffnal Racecourse[67]ShropshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days of 'inferior racing' at the end of May
Shrewsbury Racecourse[67]ShropshireEnglandEngland17305 November 1886Situated on Bicton Heath, 2 miles west of Shrewsbury. It was 1 mile 185 yards round. Races took place in mid-September for 3 or 4 days and included a Queen's Plate of 100gs. In Chris Pitt's book, A Long TIme Gone, he states the meetings began in 1774 but there is evidence on John Slusar's website, The Greyhound Derby, that shows it was 1730.
Southampton Racecourse[68]HampshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownSituated on Southampton common on land given by the corporation. Held a two-day meeting at the beginning of August.
Stafford Racecourse[69]StaffordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownA one mile course, almost completely oval except for a quarter mile straight run-in. Held 'very inferior' races at the start of October.
Stamford Racecourse[70]LincolnshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownA mile in circumference on Wittoring Heath near the town, held a three day mid-June meeting.
Staverton Racecourse[31]WiltshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownA meeting of merely local interest was held at the end of April
Stone Racecourse[69]StaffordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting in early October.
Stowebridge Racecourse[42]WarwickshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld two days of racing at the end of August. Had a Cup Stakes of £100 in value.
St. Albans Racecourse[71]HertfordshireEnglandEnglandnot knownc. 1838Held at a place called Noman's Land. Home to the St. Albans' Steeple Chase. Racing ceased on the establishment of Gorhambury Park.
Swansea Racecourse[35]GlamorganshireWalesWalesnot knownnot knownCommonly called 'Swansea and Neath races', the course was on Cremlyn Burrows on the Neath Road. Meetings were held at the end of August.
Tavistock Racecourse[17]DevonEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownAn oval, hilly, two mile course with a one day meeting at the beginning of May
Tenbury Racecourse[42]WarwickshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownRacing of a 'very inferior' nature, with the principal race being a £50 plate.
Tiverton Racecourse[17]DevonEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting at the end of August
Tunbridge Wells Racecourse[56]KentEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a well attended two-day meeting at the end of August on the common
Upton-upon-Severn Racecourse[42]WarwickshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownRaces took place at the end of August
Walsall Racecourse[72]StaffordshireEnglandEngland175513 August 1876The majority of race meetings were held over two days at the end of September although some years the meeting was held in October and towards the end, in August.
Wem Racecourse[73]ShropshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld a 'very inferior' race meeting at the beginning of October
Wenlock Racecourse[73]ShropshireEnglandEnglandnot knownnot knownHeld one day's racing at the end of July
Weymouth Racecourse[40]DorsetEnglandEngland1821not knownWell attended meeting held at the end of August. The course was considered 'very good'
Winchester Racecourse[74]HampshireEnglandEnglandBef. 1727Circa 1914 requisitioned during WW I and remains in military ownershipRaces were held on Worthy Down, 4 miles from Winchester for two days in the middle of July. Held a Royal Plate race for 6 year olds from at least 1727.[34]

Closed during 18th century

Whyte's History of the British Turf (1840) lists 48 places where racing was discontinued in the latter half of the 18th century:[75]

North

Midlands

London

East

South

West and Wales

NB Racing is recorded at various of these places after 1840. There is also reference to a Royal Plate race being held at Guilford (sic) from 1727 at the latest and Burford from 1755.[34]

Other racing sites

Race results from places not listed by Whyte can also be found in the historical record. These include:

Number of racecourses

YearEnglandWalesScotlandIrelandTotalNotes
1727[lower-alpha 1]1125unknownunknown117[lower-alpha 2]
1800[75]66[lower-alpha 3]5475
1816[75]84[lower-alpha 4]98101
1839[84]132993153

Notes

  1. Taken from John Cheney's Historical list of all the Horse Matches &c. of 1727, cited in Whyte's History[83]
  2. Excludes Ireland and Scotland
  3. includes Wales
  4. includes Wales

References

  1. "Folkestone Racecourse holds 'last' horse racing meeting". BBC News. 18 December 2012.
  2. "Hereford Racecourse stages its final meeting". BBC News. 16 December 2012.
  3. "Arabian raceday draws decent Hereford crowd". Racing Post. 6 May 2013.
  4. "Hereford: Horse racing returns after four-year absence following closure". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  5. "Courses for horses". BBC News. 21 July 2008.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 BBC News, "Racecourses of yesteryear", 8 July 2008
  7. BBC Devon gallery
  8. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 234.
  9. Whyte 1840, p. 233.
  10. Whyte 1840, p. 309.
  11. Whyte 1840, pp. 332, 402.
  12. Herbery, Ian (14 April 2004). "Racing: Manchester aims to revive glorious racing history". The Independent. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
  13. "Salford racecourse on track". Manchester Evening News. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
  14. Whyte 1840, p. 228.
  15. "Stockbridge Racecourse". greyhoundderby.com. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  16. "Stockton Racecourse". greyhoundderby.com. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  17. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 230.
  18. Whyte 1840, p. 359.
  19. Whyte 1840, p. 357.
  20. Whyte 1840, pp. 194–195.
  21. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 255.
  22. Whyte 1840, pp. 190–191.
  23. Whyte 1840, pp. 252.
  24. Whyte 1840, p. 286.
  25. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 334.
  26. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 287.
  27. Whyte 1840, p. 231.
  28. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 224.
  29. Whyte 1840, p. 356.
  30. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 299.
  31. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 337.
  32. Whyte 1840, p. 257.
  33. Whyte 1840, p. 342.
  34. 1 2 3 4 Whyte 1840, p. 402.
  35. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 362.
  36. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 302.
  37. Whyte 1840, p. 225.
  38. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 258.
  39. Whyte 1840, p. 271.
  40. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 232.
  41. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 273.
  42. 1 2 3 4 Whyte 1840, p. 338.
  43. Whyte 1840, p. 367.
  44. Whyte 1840, p. 309-310.
  45. Whyte 1840, p. 379.
  46. Whyte 1840, p. 241.
  47. Whyte 1840, p. 250-252.
  48. Whyte 1840, p. 205.
  49. Whyte 1840, p. 332.
  50. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 364.
  51. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 253.
  52. Whyte 1840, p. 274.
  53. Whyte 1840, p. 360.
  54. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 249.
  55. Whyte 1840, p. 259.
  56. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 256.
  57. Whyte 1840, p. 366-368.
  58. Whyte 1840, p. 403.
  59. "Nottinghamshire history > The History of Mansfield (1894)". www.nottshistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2014-12-30.
  60. Whyte 1840, p. 349.
  61. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 277.
  62. Whyte 1840, p. 283.
  63. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 304.
  64. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 289.
  65. Whyte 1840, p. 204.
  66. Whyte 1840, p. 350.
  67. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 291.
  68. Whyte 1840, p. 245-246.
  69. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 306.
  70. Whyte 1840, p. 272.
  71. Whyte 1840, p. 250.
  72. Whyte 1840, p. 307.
  73. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 294.
  74. Whyte 1840, p. 247.
  75. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 189.
  76. Whyte 1840, p. 308.
  77. Whyte 1840, p. 363.
  78. "Allsop (sic), Fred". Jockeypedia. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  79. 1 2 "Racing Calendar". The Sporting Magazine; Or Monthly Calendar of the transactions of the Turf, the Chace, And every other Diversion Interesting to The Man of Pleasure and Enterprize. London. October 1792.
  80. Mortimer, Onslow & Willett 1978, p. 431.
  81. "Racing Calendar". The Sporting Magazine; Or Monthly Calendar of the transactions of the Turf, the Chace, And every other Diversion Interesting to The Man of Pleasure and Enterprize. London. November 1792.
  82. "Racing Calendar". The Sporting Magazine; Or Monthly Calendar of the transactions of the Turf, the Chace, And every other Diversion Interesting to The Man of Pleasure and Enterprize. London. December 1792.
  83. Whyte 1840, p. 386.
  84. Whyte, 1840 & p-190.

Bibliography

  • Mortimer, Roger; Onslow, Richard; Willett, Peter (1978). Biographical Encyclopedia of British Flat Racing. Macdonald and Jane’s. ISBN 0-354-08536-0.
  • Whyte, James Christie (1840). History of the British turf, from the earliest period to the present day, Volume I. London: H. Colburn. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
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