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 24 January 2015, 59 racecourses operating in Great Britain (excluding Point-to-Point courses). In addition, there are two former racecourses which were mothballed pending a decision over their future. There are currently no plans for one of them, Folkestone, to operate fixtures although the basic racecourse infrastructure remains intact, but Hereford is due to reopen in October 2016.

Current racecourses

The following British horse racing courses are in operation as of 28 March 2016:

RacecourseLocation Country Code SurfaceOpened OwnerNotes
Aintree Racecourse Merseyside England England National Hunt Turf 1829 Jockey Club
Ascot Racecourse Berkshire England England Mixed Turf 1711Independent
Ayr Racecourse Ayrshire Scotland Scotland Mixed Turf 1907Independent
Bangor on Dee Racecourse Wrexham Wales Wales National Hunt Turf 1859Independent
Bath Racecourse Somerset England England Flat Turf 18th centuryArena Racing Company
Beverley Racecourse East Riding of Yorkshire England England Flat Turf 1767Independent
Brighton Racecourse East Sussex England England Flat Turf 1783 Arena Racing Company
Carlisle Racecourse Cumbria England England Mixed Turf 1904Jockey Club
Cartmel Racecourse Cumbria England England National Hunt Turf 1856 Independent
Catterick Bridge Racecourse North Yorkshire England England Mixed Turf 1783Independent
Cheltenham Racecourse Gloucestershire England England National Hunt Turf Jockey Club
Chelmsford City Racecourse Essex England England Flat Polytrack 2015Independent
Chepstow Racecourse Monmouthshire Wales Wales Mixed Turf 1925Arena Racing Company
Chester Racecourse Chester England England Flat Turf 1539Chester Race Company
Doncaster Racecourse South Yorkshire England England Mixed Turf 1614Arena Racing Company
Epsom Downs Racecourse Surrey England England Flat Turf 1661 (or earlier)Jockey Club
Exeter Racecourse Devon England England National Hunt Turf Jockey Club
Fakenham Racecourse Norfolk England England National Hunt Turf 1905Independent
Ffos Las Racecourse Carmarthenshire Wales Wales Mixed Turf 2009Arena Racing Company
Fontwell Park Racecourse West Sussex England England National Hunt Turf 1924Arena Racing Company
Goodwood Racecourse West Sussex England England Flat Turf Independent
Great Yarmouth Racecourse Norfolk England England Flat Turf Arena Racing Company
Hamilton Park Racecourse Lanarkshire Scotland Scotland Flat Turf Independent
Haydock Park Racecourse Merseyside England England Mixed Turf 1899Jockey Club
Hexham Racecourse Northumberland England England National Hunt Turf 1890Independent
Huntingdon Racecourse Cambridgeshire England England National Hunt Turf Jockey Club
Kelso Racecourse Scottish Borders Scotland Scotland National Hunt Turf 1822Independent
Kempton Park Surrey England England Mixed Turf & Polytrack 1878 Jockey Club
Leicester Racecourse Leicestershire England England Mixed Turf Independent
Lingfield Park Racecourse Surrey England England Mixed Turf & Polytrack1890 Arena Racing Company
Ludlow Racecourse Shropshire England England National Hunt Turf Independent
Market Rasen Racecourse Lincolnshire England England National Hunt Turf Jockey Club
Musselburgh Racecourse East Lothian Scotland Scotland Mixed Turf 1816Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee
Newbury Racecourse Berkshire England England Mixed Turf 1905 Independent
Newcastle Racecourse Tyne and Wear England England Mixed Turf Arena Racing Company
Newmarket Racecourse Suffolk England England Flat Turf Jockey Club
Newton Abbot Racecourse Devon England England National Hunt Turf Independent
Nottingham Racecourse Nottinghamshire England England Flat Turf Jockey Club
Perth Racecourse Perth and Kinross Scotland Scotland National Hunt Turf Independent
Plumpton Racecourse East Sussex England England National Hunt Turf 1884Independent
Pontefract Racecourse West Yorkshire England England Flat Turf Independent
Redcar Racecourse North Yorkshire England England Flat Turf Independent
Ripon Racecourse North Yorkshire England England Flat Turf Independent
Salisbury Racecourse Wiltshire England England Flat Turf Mid-16th century Independent
Sandown Park Racecourse Surrey England England Mixed Turf 1875 Jockey Club
Sedgefield Racecourse County Durham England England National Hunt Turf Arena Racing Company
Southwell Racecourse Nottinghamshire England England Mixed Turf & FibresandArena Racing Company
Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse Warwickshire England England National Hunt Turf Independent
Taunton Racecourse Somerset England England National Hunt Turf Independent
Thirsk Racecourse North Yorkshire England England Flat Turf Independent
Towcester Racecourse Northamptonshire England England National Hunt Turf Independent
Uttoxeter Racecourse Staffordshire England England National Hunt Turf Arena Racing Company
Warwick Racecourse Warwickshire England England National Hunt Turf Jockey Club
Wetherby Racecourse West Yorkshire England England Mixed Turf Independent
Wincanton Racecourse Somerset England England National Hunt Turf Jockey Club
Windsor Racecourse Berkshire England England Flat Turf Arena Racing Company
Wolverhampton Racecourse West Midlands England England Flat TapetaArena Racing Company
Worcester Racecourse Worcestershire England England National Hunt Turf Arena Racing Company
York Racecourse North Yorkshire England England Flat Turf Independent

Closed racecourses

There are two racecourses in Britain which still exist, but are currently closed and do 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 hosts Arabian racing fixtures and Point to Point racing[3] and is due to reopen for National Hunt racing under rules 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]

Racecourse Location Country Code Opened Closed Notes
Alexandra Park Racecourse North London EnglandEngland Flat 30 June 1868 8 September 1970
Atherstone Racecourse Warwickshire EnglandEngland
Banbury Racecourse Oxfordshire EnglandEngland
Bogside Racecourse Scotland ScotlandScotland Mixed 7 June 1808 10 April 1965
Bromford Bridge Racecourse Birmingham EnglandEngland Mixed 1894 21 June 1965
Buckfastleigh Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland 21 June 1883 27 August 1960 The 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.[6]
Chelmsford Racecourse Essex EnglandEngland Bef. 1840 April 1935 An oval course, just under 2 miles in circumference[7]
Chesterfield Racecourse Derbyshire EnglandEngland
Croxton Racecourse Leicestershire EnglandEngland
Derby Racecourse Derbyshire EnglandEngland by 1707 9 August 1939 Three 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 Racecourse County Durham EnglandEngland Bef. 1840 Held three day meeting at beginning of May[8]
Eglinton Racecourse County Londonderry Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland
Eridge Racecourse East Sussex EnglandEngland
Gatwick Racecourse West Sussex EnglandEngland 1891 1940 The land is now part of Gatwick Airport.
Harpenden Racecourse Hertfordshire EnglandEngland Bef. 1914 The land is now the site of Bamville Cricket Club.
Hurst Park Racecourse Surrey EnglandEngland 1890 1962
Ipswich Racecourse Suffolk EnglandEngland Mixed 171029 March 1911 In 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[9]
Lanark Racecourse Lanarkshire ScotlandScotland c. 12th Century October 1977
Lewes Racecourse East Sussex EnglandEngland Bef. 1727 September 1964 Situated 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.[10]
Lichfield Racecourse Staffordshire EnglandEngland ? ?
Lincoln Racecourse Lincolnshire EnglandEngland Flat 1773 1965
Maghull Racecourse Merseyside EnglandEngland
Manchester Racecourse Lancashire EnglandEngland Mixed 1681 7 November 1963 There 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.[11][12]
Melton Racecourse Leicestershire EnglandEngland
Northampton Racecourse Northampton EnglandEngland Bef. 1840 1904 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.
Plymouth Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland c. 1827 4 September 1930 A spring meeting was held in May, and a grand two day meeting in August[13]
Portsmouth Racecourse
at Farlington
Hampshire EnglandEngland 1891 1914 Closed at the outbreak of World War I and turned into an ammunition dump for the War Office.
Portsmouth Racecourse
at Paulsgrove
Hampshire EnglandEngland 1920s c.1946 The land was redeveloped as a housing estate.
Rugby Racecourse
at Clifton-upon-Dunsmore
Warwickshire EnglandEngland Still used annually for point-to-point races
Shincliffe Racecourse Durham EnglandEngland 1895 c.1913
Shirley Racecourse West Midlands EnglandEngland The land is now the home of Shirley Golf Club
South Brent Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland
Stockbridge Racecourse Hampshire EnglandEngland 1839 1898 Dates given are for most significant incarnation of the course. There had been racing at another site in Stockbridge from 1775 or earlier[14]
Stockton Racecourse Teesside EnglandEngland September 185516 June 1981 This was the third course in Stockton. The first dated from 1724[15]
Torquay Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland
Totnes Racecourse Devon EnglandEngland 1939 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[16]
Whitehaven Racecourse Cumbria EnglandEngland 1852
Wrexham Racecourse Denbighshire WalesWales In 1840, it was holding a two day October meeting which included a 100 sovereign Gold Cup[17]
Woore Racecourse Shropshire EnglandEngland
Wye Racecourse Kent EnglandEngland 29 May 1849 2 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.

Racecourse Location Country Code Opened Closed Notes
Aberystwyth Racecourse[18] Cardiganshire WalesWales not knownnot known A mid-August meeting was well and fashionably attended on a meadow near Gogerddan about three miles from the town.
Abingdon Racecourse[19] Berkshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known
Ashford Racecourse[20] Kent EnglandEngland not knownnot knownHeld a one day meeting in September, with a £50 town plate being the principal race
Bedford Racecourse[21] Bedfordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Two annual meetings recorded in 1840
Belford Racecourse[22] Northumberland EnglandEngland not knownnot known Run 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[7] Gloucestershire EnglandEngland not knownnot known
Bicester Racecourse[23] Oxfordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a day-long meeting at the end of September, including a Town Plate of £50
Birmingham Racecourse[24] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a 'poorly-attended' two day meeting in early October
Bishop's Castle Racecourse[25] Shropshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Near Ludlow, it held a day's 'inferior' racing in mid-July
Blandford Racecourse[26] Dorset EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a meeting towards the end of August which included the 100 sovereign Dorsetshire Gold Cup
Bodmin Racecourse[27] Cornwall EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held one day's racing in September
Brecknock Racecourse[28] Brecknockshire WalesWales not knownnot known A course near the town, with a 'commodious' stand held races for two days in late September
Brenwood Racecourse[29] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held two days' racing at the end of September
Bridgenorth Racecourse[25] Shropshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a two day meeting at the start of August; the course was in bad repair in 1840
Bromyard Racecourse[30] Worcestershire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a day long race meeting in mid-August
Burnley Racecourse[31] Lancashire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held two days' racing in the middle of August, including a Gold Cup of 100 sovs
Burntwood Racecourse[29] Staffordshire EnglandEngland 183816 October 1839 Held one day's racing in mid-October. Held the 'Ordinaries' at The Star Inn, Burntwood.
Burton-upon-Trent Racecourse[29] Staffordshire EnglandEngland From 'a very early period'not known Held a two day meeting at the end of August which included the Bretby Cup, given by the Earl of Chesterfield
Burton Constable Racecourse[32] Worcestershire EnglandEngland not knownnot known A small hunter racecourse
Buxton Racecourse[27] Derbyshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held two days' racing in June
Canterbury Racecourse[20] Kent EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held on Barham Downs, within 3 miles of the city. Had a 'commodious stand'. Was awarded a King's Plate by George II in 1729.[33]
Cardiff Racecourse[34] Glamorganshire WalesWales not knownnot known Held mid-July meetings for two days.
Cheadle Racecourse[35] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held one day's 'inferior racing' at the beginning of September
Chesterfield Racecourse[36] Derbyshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held two days' racing at the start of October
Clifton and Bristol Racecourse[7] Gloucestershire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held two days' racing at the beginning of May
Clitheroe Racecourse[37] Lancashire EnglandEngland 1821not known The first record of racing was 1617 http://www.greyhoundderby.com/Clitheroe%20Racecourse.html the link has a map too.
Coventry Racecourse[24] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Two day race meetings were held in March with a Silver Cup and £100 in prize money
Croxton Park Racecourse[38] Leicestershire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held amateur races at the beginning of April
Dorchester Racecourse[39] Dorset EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held two days' racing in the middle of September
Dove House Races at Harrow-on-the-Hill[40] Middlesex EnglandEngland 1836not known Held in mid-August
Dudley Racecourse[41] Worcestershire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held two days racing at the end of June
Dumfries Racecourse[42] Dumfriesshire ScotlandScotland not knownnot known Alternately held the Caledonian Hunt meeting, along with Ayr, Edinburgh and Musselburgh
Egham Racecourse[43] Surrey EnglandEngland not knownnot known Situated 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[44] Ayrshire ScotlandScotland not knownnot known
Enfield and Pinner Races[40] Middlesex EnglandEngland not knownBy 1836Replaced by Dove House meeting
Gloucester Racecourse[45] Gloucestershire EnglandEngland not knownnot known A 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[46] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland 1838not known Had four courses ranging in length from 5 furlongs 136 yards to two miles
Great Marlow Racecourse[47] Buckinghamshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known
Hampton Racecourse[40] Middlesex EnglandEngland not knownnot known Three-day meetings held in the middle of June on Moulsey Hurst next to the river
Hastings and St. Leonards Racecourse[48] Sussex EnglandEngland 1827not known Held 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[49] Pembrokeshire WalesWales not knownnot known Situated on a common near the town called Portfield or Poorfield. Two day meetings were held at the beginning of August.
Heaton Park Racecourse[37] Lancashire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held three days 'excellent' racing in late September
Hednesford Racecourse[35] Staffordshire EnglandEngland 1835Monday 30 October 1871 Races 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[50] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Races took place at the beginning of August for two days
Hippodrome Racecourse, Bayswater, London[51] Middlesex EnglandEngland 3 June 1837not known A 'vast establishment' also called the Metropolitan Racecourse
Holywell Racecourse[52] Flintshire WalesWales 3 June 1837not known Hunt races took place in the middle of October for two days.
The Hoo Racecourse[50] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland 1821not known Racing, 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 Racecourse[53] Herefordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known An 'inferior' racecourse, with meetings at the end of July
Knighton Racecourse[49] Pembrokeshire WalesWales not knownnot known Held two day race meetings in mid-June.
Lancaster Racecourse[54] Lancashire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a two day meeting in late July
Lee Racecourse[55] Kent EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held races that were only 'of local interest' in 1840
Leith Races[56] Lothian ScotlandScotland 1504 (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[57]
Leominster Racecourse[53] Herefordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held meetings at the end of August
Lichfield Racecourse[35] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known The 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.[33]
Mansfield Racecourse Nottinghamshire EnglandEngland 21 August 1734 13 July 1874 The 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.[58]
Middleham Racecourse[59] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Races 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[60] Monmouthshire WalesWales not knownnot known Situated 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[61] Northumberland EnglandEngland not knownnot known Races took place over two days at the beginning of September at Cottingwood to the north of the town.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Racecourse[62] Shropshire EnglandEngland Mixed not knownnot known Held a two day meeting in early August
Newport Racecourse[63] Shropshire EnglandEngland Mixed not knownnot known Held a two day meeting at the end of July
Newport Paynel (sic) Racecourse[64] Buckinghamshire EnglandEngland not knownBy 1840
Northallerton Racecourse[63] North Riding of Yorkshire EnglandEngland Mixed not knownnot known Racing took place in mid-October for two days, and included a £100 Gold Cup and £50 Silver Cup.
Oswestry Race Course Shropshire EnglandEngland early 1700s or 1804[63]1848 Racing 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 Racecourse Oxfordshire EnglandEngland not known not known An oval of two miles, quite flat
Pontypool Racecourse[60] Monmouthshire WalesWales not knownnot known Situated between the River Avon and the canal to Newport, Wales. A two-day meeting was held at the start of August.
The Potteries Racecourse[62] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a two day meeting at the start of August including a Stewards' Plate of 100 sovs.
Richmond Racecourse[65] Yorkshire EnglandEngland Mixed not knownnot known Racing 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[55] Kent EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a two day meeting at the beginning of September
Royston Racecourse[50] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a one day meeting in the middle of May, for 'half-bred horses' of local interest only
Shiffnal Racecourse[66] Shropshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held two days of 'inferior racing' at the end of May
Shrewsbury Racecourse[66] Shropshire EnglandEngland 17305 November 1886 Situated 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[67] Hampshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Situated on Southampton common on land given by the corporation. Held a two day meeting at the beginning of August.
Stafford Racecourse[68] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not 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[69] Lincolnshire EnglandEngland not knownnot knownA mile in circumference on Wittoring Heath near the town, held a three day mid-June meeting.
Staverton Racecourse[30] Wiltshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known A meeting of merely local interest was held at the end of April
Stone Racecourse[68] Staffordshire EnglandEngland not knownnot knownHeld a two-day meeting in early October.
Stowebridge Racecourse[41] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not knownnot knownHeld two days of racing at the end of August. Had a Cup Stakes of £100 in value.
St. Albans Racecourse[70] Hertfordshire EnglandEngland not 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[34] Glamorganshire WalesWales not knownnot known Commonly 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[16] Devon EnglandEngland not knownnot known An oval, hilly, two mile course with a one day meeting at the beginning of May
Tenbury Racecourse[41] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not knownnot knownRacing of a 'very inferior' nature, with the principal race being a £50 plate.
Tiverton Racecourse[16] Devon EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a two day meeting at the end of August
Tunbridge Wells Racecourse[55] Kent EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a well attended two day meeting at the end of August on the common
Upton-upon-Severn Racecourse[41] Warwickshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Races took place at the end of August
Walsall Racecourse[71] Staffordshire EnglandEngland 175513 August 1876 The 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[72] Shropshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held a 'very inferior' race meeting at the beginning of October
Wenlock Racecourse[72] Shropshire EnglandEngland not knownnot known Held one day's racing at the end of July
Weymouth Racecourse[39] Dorset EnglandEngland 1821not known Well attended meeting held at the end of August. The course was considered 'very good'
Winchester Racecourse[73] Hampshire EnglandEngland Bef. 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.[33]

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:[74]

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.[33]

Number of racecourses

YearEnglandWalesScotlandIrelandTotalNotes
1727[lower-alpha 1]1125unknownunknown117[lower-alpha 2]
1800[74]66[lower-alpha 3]5475
1816[74]84[lower-alpha 4]98101
1839[78]132993153

Notes

  1. Taken from John Cheney's Historical list of all the Horse Matches &c. of 1727, cited in Whyte's History[77]
  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 racecourse: Owners ARC to reopen venue". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  5. "Courses for horses". BBC News. 21 July 2008.
  6. BBC Devon gallery
  7. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 234.
  8. Whyte 1840, p. 233.
  9. Whyte 1840, p. 309.
  10. Whyte 1840, pp. 332, 402.
  11. Herbery, Ian (14 April 2004). "Racing: Manchester aims to revive glorious racing history". The Independent. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
  12. "Salford racecourse on track". Manchester Evening News. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
  13. Whyte 1840, p. 228.
  14. "Stockbridge Racecourse". greyhoundderby.com. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  15. "Stockton Racecourse". greyhoundderby.com. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  16. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 230.
  17. Whyte 1840, p. 359.
  18. Whyte 1840, p. 357.
  19. Whyte 1840, pp. 194-195.
  20. 1 2 Whyte 1840, pp. 255.
  21. Whyte 1840, pp. 190-191.
  22. Whyte 1840, pp. 252.
  23. Whyte 1840, p. 286.
  24. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 334.
  25. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 287.
  26. Whyte 1840, p. 231.
  27. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 224.
  28. Whyte 1840, p. 356.
  29. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 299.
  30. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 337.
  31. Whyte 1840, p. 257.
  32. Whyte 1840, p. 342.
  33. 1 2 3 4 Whyte 1840, p. 402.
  34. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 362.
  35. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 302.
  36. Whyte 1840, p. 225.
  37. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 258.
  38. Whyte 1840, p. 271.
  39. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 232.
  40. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 273.
  41. 1 2 3 4 Whyte 1840, p. 338.
  42. Whyte 1840, p. 367.
  43. Whyte 1840, p. 309-310.
  44. Whyte 1840, p. 379.
  45. Whyte 1840, p. 241.
  46. Whyte 1840, p. 250-252.
  47. Whyte 1840, p. 205.
  48. Whyte 1840, p. 332.
  49. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 364.
  50. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 253.
  51. Whyte 1840, p. 274.
  52. Whyte 1840, p. 360.
  53. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 249.
  54. Whyte 1840, p. 259.
  55. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 256.
  56. Whyte 1840, p. 366-368.
  57. Whyte 1840, p. 403.
  58. "Nottinghamshire history > The History of Mansfield (1894)". www.nottshistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2014-12-30.
  59. Whyte 1840, p. 349.
  60. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 277.
  61. Whyte 1840, p. 283.
  62. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 304.
  63. 1 2 3 Whyte 1840, p. 289.
  64. Whyte 1840, p. 204.
  65. Whyte 1840, p. 350.
  66. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 291.
  67. Whyte 1840, p. 245-246.
  68. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 306.
  69. Whyte 1840, p. 272.
  70. Whyte 1840, p. 250.
  71. Whyte 1840, p. 307.
  72. 1 2 Whyte 1840, p. 294.
  73. Whyte 1840, p. 247.
  74. 1 2 3 Whyte & 1840 189.
  75. Whyte 1840, p. 308.
  76. Whyte 1840, p. 363.
  77. Whyte 1840, p. 386.
  78. Whyte & 1840 p-190.

Bibliography

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