Flat / National Hunt n744

Royal Favour 1r6l3m

The first recorded racing at Newbury took place in 1805 with ‘Newbury Races’, an annual two-day meeting at Enborne Heath. The meeting lasted until 1811 when it transferred to Woodhay Heath until 1815. Newbury Racecourse opened 90 years later after Kingsclere trainer John Porter begged a favour from King Edward VII, to garner approval from the Jockey Club for the site.

Newbury Racecourse Company 6t31w

In 1904 the Newbury Racecourse Company was formed and racing began there in 1905; John Porter even managed to saddle a winner at the inaugural meeting.

Hennessy Gold Cup e3c3g

The course started off as a Flat racing venue but Jump racing was brought in just a year later. Newbury became particularly renowned for the Hennessy Gold Cup, as many of the race’s winners went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. (Many Clouds became the first horse to win both ‘The Hennessy’ and the Aintree Grand National in 2014/15.) Hennessy sponsored the race for 60 years – at the time it was Britain’s longest-running commercial sponsorship. Ladbrokes became the new race sponsor in 2017.

Queen Elizabeth II 701u1z

Queen Elizabeth II attended Newbury Racecourse on her 86th birthday – she had two runners, but no winners.

Important Races/Festivals 3pl1j

• February – Betfair Hurdle FOR FESTIVAL GUIDE CLICK HERE; Game Spirit Chase; Denman Chase
• April – Greenham Stakes
• May – Lockinge Stakes FOR FESTIVAL GUIDE CLICK HERE
• July – Super Sprint
• November ­– Ladbrokes Trophy (formerly Hennessy Gold Cup Chase) FOR FESTIVAL GUIDE CLICK HERE