Horse racing returns to course after almost a decade

11 hours ago

Neve Gordon-Farleigh

News image — The first National Hunt racing fixture, which will mark a new era for the racecourse, will take place on 20 October 2027

Getty Images An action shot of a jockey wearing white trousers and a pink and blue striped top, riding a horse at Towcester Racecourse. People are in the stands watching. — The first National Hunt racing fixture, which will mark a new era for the racecourse, will take place on 20 October 2027

Horse racing is returning to Towcester Racecourse for the first time in almost a decade.

The Northamptonshire course has confirmed the return of National Hunt racing for the 2027/28 season.

The site was closed to horse racing in 2019 after Towcester Racecourse Company Limited entered into administration with debts of more than £1.3m. However, it has continued to host greyhound racing events including the English Greyhound Derby.

Richard Thomas, chief executive of management company, Orchestrate, said: "Seeing dates in the diary for the first time in nearly a decade is a genuinely exciting moment for everyone here."

In a partnership with Betway, more than £2m is being invested in the racing surface and spectator facilities.

Orchestrate is working alongside the British Horseracing Authority and has announced a programme of fixtures from 20 October 2027 until February 2028.

Thomas said: "We said in July that we wanted to bring horse racing back to Towcester for the local community and for the sport.

"There is plenty to do between now and October 2027, but work on the track is already well under way and we can't wait to welcome horses back."

PA Media Jockey AP McCoy pictured looking off to the left of the camera, wearing a black riding hat which has a white cover and a green outfit. His face is splattered with mud. — AP McCoy hopes the venue will be able to re-establish itself as a "valuable course" for National Hunt racing

A National Hunt course involves racing over jumps rather than on the flat.

Racing first took place at the course in 1876 and was the stage for legendary jockeys including AP McCoy, who celebrated a landmark 4,000th career win there in 2013.

He said: "Towcester is a track that means a great deal to me.

"It's fantastic to see National Hunt racing returning to the racecourse after such a long absence. It's a proper jumps track and with the investment being made, and the plans for its future, I'm sure it can re-establish itself as a valuable course for National Hunt racing."

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