Newbury Racecourse PLC
RACECOURSE HISTORY
The first recorded racing at Newbury took place in 1805 with ‘Newbury Races’, an annual two day race meeting at Enborne Heath. The meeting lasted until 1811 when it transferred to Woodhay Heath until 1815.
Newbury Racecourse – the Early Years
Newbury Racecourse didn’t come into existence for another 90 years when Kingsclere trainer, John Porter proposed a new racecourse at Newbury. The Jockey Club had laid down strict qualifications for new racecourses and after Porter’s plans were rejected several times, a chance meeting with King Edward VII brought about a further application which with the King’s support was approved by the Jockey Club.
In April 1904 the Newbury Racecourse Company was formed and purchased the land and construction began of the buildings and stables at a cost of £57,240.
On September 26th and 27th, 1905 the first ever race meeting took place at Newbury Racecourse with Copper King ridden by Charles Trigg and trained by Charles Marnes winning the opening race, the Whatcombe Handicap. Marnes was presented with a Silver Cup (value £25) and Trigg received a gold mounted whip (value £10).
The War Years
In 1914, the September, November and both December meetings are all abandoned following the outbreak of World War I. Racing did take place during 1915 and 1916 but was abandoned in 1917 until the end of the war.
When World War II was declared on 3 September 1939, racing was postponed with first race times brought forward to allow everyone to get home before dark. Jump racing continued until 1940 but the Easter meeting that year was the last to be staged until 1951.
Flat racing continued despite the course being damaged by bombing and craters having to be filled in. However in August 1942, the whole course was handed over to the American Army who use the course as a vast depot and marshalling yard. The course was de-requisitioned and the task of reinstatement commenced. It was only on April 1st 1949 that racing resumed after a seven year absence.
EXHIBITIONS
With over 2500m² of indoors exhibition space split between the Grandstand and the Berkshire Stand, Newbury Racecourse offers the largest and best-equipped exhibition venue in Berkshire and the surrounding area. Events including car launches, antiques, fairs, computer shows and various other public exhibitions have been held at the racecourse making full use of this large flexible venue.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Address:
Newbury Racecourse plc
The Racecourse
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 7NZ