Aug 03, 2016

Join us for our 150th anniversary fixture on Wednesday 10 August

One hundred and fifty years of racing excellence will be marked at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Wednesday 10 August as the South Devon course celebrates its milestone anniversary with an afternoon of summer jumps racing.

Racegoers are encouraged to arrive early as the first 200 adults through the gates will receive a commemorative goody bag. A firm favourite with families during the summer holidays, there will be lots on offer at the racecourse for the youngsters with celebratory bags of sweets for the first 200 children through the gates, plus free face painting in the brand new play area in the Family Enclosure.

Patrick Masterson, Managing Director at Newton Abbot Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our 150th anniversary and are so fortunate to be racing 150 years to the exact date of the first racing fixture held at this course.

“Throughout our history we have worked hard to provide the very best possible racing experience for horseracing fans throughout the South West. Through our programme of continuous reinvest in the course we’ve been able to provide an even better atmosphere and experience, not just for racegoers but for the horses, jockeys and stable hands too, making everybody’s day out here special and memorable. We pride ourselves on being the friendly, independent local course for families through to form experts; we have something for everyone.

“As we celebrate our achievements over the last 150 years, we would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us to date. Whether racegoers are joining us for their very first or their 150th time, we hope they thoroughly enjoy their visit. Here’s to the next 150 years!”

There has been a racecourse on the current site on the north bank of the River Teign since 1866 when the first recorded racing took place over the 9/ 10 August. In the days before television and the internet, the racecourse was the biggest local attraction for miles around and often experienced crowds of up to 17,000 people, all eager to share in the excitement and pageantry of a day at the races.

The racecourse has enjoyed many unique occasions over its 150 year history including the opening of the main grandstand by The Queen Mother in 1969 and on 21 May 1981, Prince Charles rode his last race at Newton Abbot on The Queen Mother’s horse Upton Grey, finishing ninth.

Much to the delight of spectators, many of British horseracing’s most renowned jockeys have ridden the 1mile 1 furlong course at Newton Abbot. The role of honour includes 20 time champion jockey Sir AP McCoy, Richard Johnson, Richard Dunwoody and Peter Scudamore and his son Tom.

Tickets for the anniversary fixture are on sale now priced at £12 for the Course Enclosure and £18 for the Paddock Enclosure. Tickets are available online until 17:00 on Tuesday 9 August or alternatively can be purchased on the gate on the day.

The first race of the day takes place at 14:10 with the final at 17:10. Gates open at 12:10.