History
Newbury Racecourse’s story is more than a hundred years in the writing.
While the first racing hosted at Newbury dates back even further.
From a chance meeting with King Edward VII in the early twentieth century – which set the wheels in motion for Newbury Racecourse as we now know it – to the modern day, you’ll be able to swot up on the key moments and milestones in the Racecourse’s history here.
Here’s to the next chapter.
Explore Timeline
1805
First recorded racing takes place at Newbury – with a two day annual race meeting at Enborne Heath.
1811
The two-day annual race meeting hosted since 1805 moves to Woodhay Heath.
1904
Kingsclere trainer John Porter – after a chance meeting with King Edward VII – has application approved by The Jockey Club for a racecourse at Newbury with the Racecourse company founded and construction beginning in April.
1905
Newbury Racecourse’s train station opens - on the same day as the first ever meeting is staged.
1905
The first ever race meeting takes place at Newbury Racecourse across September 26th and 27th. Copper King wins the first ever race – the Whatcombe Handicap - hosted at the Racecourse.
1906
Nine days of racing – six on the flat and three over jumps – were hosted at Newbury. The first jumps meeting took place on 30th October. A Members’ Badge, which also covered the two days of racing in 1905 – priced at seven guineas.
1958
Queen Elizabeth II enjoys her first winner at Newbury with Doutelle winning the John Porter Stakes
1958
Six weeks after Queen Elizabeth registers her first winner at Newbury the first ever running of the Lockinge Stakes goes to another of Her Majesty's string, namely Pall Mall, who also wins again in 1959.
1960
The Hennessy Gold Cup – now the Coral Gold Cup – is run for the first time at Newbury Racecourse. The race was inaugurated in 1957 and held at Cheltenham until 1959.
1961
Mandarin wins the first running of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. Trained locally in Lambourn, he also won the first renewal of the race in 1957 when run at Cheltenham.
1965
Arkle - the highest rated steeplechaser of all time - becomes the first horse to win back-to-back Hennessy Gold Cups in 1964 & 1965.
1967
Queen Elizabeth II enjoys more success at Newbury - Hopeful Venture winning the Geoffrey Freer Stakes.
1970
Yet more success for Her Majesty as Charlton - named in honour of the 1966 England World Cup winning brothers, Bobby & Jack - lands the Spring Maiden in style.
1971
Mill Reef, trained locally in Kingsclere, wins the Greenham Stakes in a year which included success in four Group 1 races - including the Epsom Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Troimphe.
1972
The winner of seventeen of his eighteen career starts, Brigadier Gerard, makes his Newbury debut, winning by five lengths.
1973
A Royal double arrives in 1973 as Escorial and Highclere triumph for Queen Elizabeth II.
1979
A glorious 70s for Her Majesty rounds out with another double - with Rhyme Royal and Buttress tasting success at Newbury.
1980
Shergar - under Lester Piggott - makes his racecourse debut at Newbury.
1991
The first ever Super Sprint is run – which at the time was a unique race concept with each runner's weight determined by how much it had cost at the yearling sales.
1996
One of Her Majesty most successful bloodlines tastes success at Newbury - with Phantom Gold winning the Geoffrey Freer Stakes in style.
1997
Legendary commentator Sir Peter O’Sullevan retires after calling the Hennessy Gold Cup.
2005
Newbury Racecourse celebrates its centenary. In July, Britain's premier all-aged championship race, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes are staged at Newbury whilst its usual home - Ascot - undergoes renovation.
2006
Newbury Racecourse hosts its first ever concert, with live music after racing becoming a staple at the Racecourse in the years that follow.
2007
Kauto Star - the winner of two Cheltenham Gold Cups - makes his British Racecourse debut at Newbury.
2009
It's a double for Denman as 'The Tank' wins his second Hennessy Gold Cup - overcoming a heart problem and carrying top weight - following his 2007 success.
2010
Carlton House enjoys success for Queen Elizabeth II winning the Wade Willis Maiden on heavy ground.
2010
The Racecourse’s new Grandstand – sponsored by Dubai Duty Free – opens.
2011
The legendary Frankel races - and wins - at Newbury for the first time. The unbeaten star had already racked up four wins by the time he arrived at Newbury and retired at the end of 2012 after winning each of his 14 races.
2012
Sprint Sacre wins the Game Spirit Chase in his only run at Newbury, setting off an unsurprising 2/5 favourite.
2012
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 86th birthday at Newbury Racecourse
2015
The film Dark Horse - about 2009 Welsh Grand National winner Dream Alliance - is released, which features extensive footage filmed at Newbury Racecourse.
2017
Brand new Owners’ Club facility opened at the Racecourse.
2017
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II enjoys what would be her final win at Newbury courtesy of Call To Mind's success in the Dubai Duty Free Maiden.
2020
It's a treble of Game Spirit Chase wins for Altior at Newbury with the star never finishing outside of the top three at Newbury.
2021
The Racecourse acts as a COVID-19 vaccination centre to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.