A Guide To Visiting Newmarket Racecourse
Newmarket Racecourse is located in the market town of the same name in Suffolk, England. Specifically known for thoroughbreds, Newmarket Racecourse is considered the global centre and birthplace of thoroughbred racing. It’s also the largest training centre for horse racing in the UK, as well as the largest racehorse breeding centre.
With two large race tracks — the July Course and the Rowley Mile Course — more than 50 stables and extensive training grounds, it’s no surprise that this prestigious horse racing centre is a popular option for those who enjoy a day at the races.
Some of Newmarket Racecourse’s biggest events include the 2000 Guineas, the 1000 Guineas, the Future Champions Day, and much more. For more information on the betting side of things, head over to our dedicated Newmarket betting page.
Where Is Newmarket Racecourse
Newmarket Racecourse
The Links
Newmarket
CB8 0TG
Newmarket Rowley Mile Course
Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Course is renowned for its flat racing. It is a wide, galloping track that’s around 2 miles long, with a 1-mile, 2 furlong straight section. The last two furlongs make up ‘The Dip’, as the penultimate one is downhill with an uphill finish. The course was named after King Charles II’s favourite stallion racehorse, Old Rowley.
Spring and autumn racing takes place on the Rowley Mile Course. Races include the 2000 Guineas, which is a Group 1 race for Thoroughbreds over 3 years old. It is one of the five British Classics and makes up the first leg of the Triple Crown. The Rowley Mile Course is also home to the 1000 Guineas, which is the female counterpart and is another of the British Classic horse races.
Other races run on the Rowley Mile course include the Champion Stakes, the Dewhurst Stakes, and the Falmouth Stakes.
Newmarket July Course
The Newmarket July course is used for summer race meetings. Like the Rowley Mile, it is a flat course that is around 1 mile and 2 furlongs in length and has a straight, wide track.
The biggest racing event to be held on the July course is the July Cup. This is a historic and prestigious sprint race series open to horses aged 3 and above. Besides the July Cup, the July course at Newmarket also hosts the Bunbury Cup, which is a handicap race, and the July Stakes, a race for two-year-old horses.
Directions And Parking
There are different parking arrangements for people visiting the Rowley Mile and the July Course. For the Rowley Mile, they recommend entering the postcode CB8 0TF into your phone’s navigation system.
Those driving from London on the M11 will need to merge onto the A11, which is signposted Newmarket. Continue following signs for Newmarket and you’ll soon merge onto the A1304. Stay on this road for five miles and you’ll come to a roundabout. Take the 3rd exit, and the Rowley Mile entrance is around one mile further along.
For the July Course, use the postcode CB8 0XE. When you come to the roundabout after 5 miles on the A1304, take the 2nd exit.
There is free car parking for both coaches and cars as well as dedicated blue badge parking. However, the July Course is in rural Cambridgeshire so parking is on loaned fields. On the busier days, it can take up to 2 hours to leave the car park here.
History Of Newmarket Racecourse
Newmarket Racecourse was founded in 1636 — making it one of the world’s oldest active venues — and is often referred to as the ‘Home of Horseracing’. Charles II was a prominent figure in its development, and the racecourse is still regularly attended by royals.
The first race recorded at Newmarket was between horses owned by the Marquess of Buckingham and Lord Salisbury in 1622. It was a match for £100. In 1671, Charles II himself competed in a Newmarket race.
The 2000 Guineas race was inaugurated in 1809 while the 1000 started 5 years later in 1814. Although racing continued here during WW1, during WW2 the Rowley Mile became an RAF bomber command airbase.
In 2016, the racecourse celebrated its 350th birthday.
Big Races Run At Newmarket Racecourse
Newmarket Racecourse hosts some of the most prestigious and exciting events on the UK racing calendar. Here are some of the ones to look out for.
2000 Guineas
The 2000 Guineas is run on the Rowley Mile Course and is around 1 mile long. It is held in Spring, towards the end of April or the beginning of May. This makes it one of the first Classics to take place in the season.
This event is considered one of the most historic and prestigious races in the country. It is the first leg of the British Triple Crown, and winners of the 2000 Guineas often go on to challenge for the Epsom Derby later in the calendar. Notable racehorses to have won this race include Sea The Stars, Frankel, and Nijinsky.
1000 Guineas
Like the 2000 Guineas, this takes place on the Rowley Mile Course in late April or early May. This is the female equivalent of the 2000 Guineas, and is open to three-year-old fillies.
Notable winners include Oh So Sharp, Attraction, and Minding.
Falmouth Stakes
This is a Group 1 flat race for Thoroughbred fillies and mares aged 3+. It takes place on the Rowley Mile course and is raced as part of the July Festival.
This race attracts high-quality female runners and top-class horses. Previous winners include Rizeena, Tepin, and Goldikova.
July Cup
The July Cup is raced on the July Course at Newmarket. It is a sprint race of 6 furlongs that attracts top-quality sprinters from all over the world. Previous and notable winners of the event include Ouija Board, Limato, and Frankel. It is a race that showcases both speed and agility.
Sun Chariot Stakes
This is another event raced on the Rowley Mile course. It is a one-mile race that takes place in early October during the autumn flat racing season. It is an important Group 1 race for fillies and often marks the end of the flat racing season.
Previous winners include Soviet Song, Banks Hill, and Goldikova.
Fillies’ Mile
As its name suggests, this race is a one-mile race for fillies. It takes place on the Rowley Mile course each September, and is one of the highlights of the autumn flat racing season. It is a premier race for 2-year-old fillies, attracting promising and talented young horses. Winners often go on to achieve future success in the classics races.
Dewhurst Stakes
This event takes place on the Rowley Mile course over 7 furlongs and is usually held in October. The Dewhurst Stakes is a race for two-year-old horses and so it is viewed as a pointer to future champions and classic contenders. Winning the Dewhurst Stakes is seen as an indicator of the horse’s future potential for the Epsom Derby or 2000 Guineas. Both Frankel and Nijinsky won this race before going on to win top-level races.
Local Accommodation
Visitors to the Newmarket Racecourse have plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. The course is close to a range of different guesthouses and hotels. Here are some options:
- The Cambridgeshire is a highly-rated 3* hotel around 1 mile from Newmarket Racecourse.
- White Hart Hotel is a Marston’s Inn pub that offers reasonably priced accommodation and is around 1.3 miles away from the racecourse.
- The Jockey Club Rooms — this is 1.3 miles away and has superb reviews.
- Kings Lodge, located in Newmarket itself, is a lovely hotel.
- Kings Hotel is a 4* hotel, 1.3 miles from the racecourse.
- Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa, 2 miles away with excellent reviews.
Newmarket Summary
At Newmarket Racecourse, you’re at the heart of historical British horseracing. Whether you visit in spring, summer, or autumn, you’re guaranteed to see some of the best horses to grace the racing calendar each season. For odds and tips for the races themselves, head over to our page on Newmarket bettinghttps://www.horseracing.net/newmarket, where you can compare odds and sign up to a bookie of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Newmarket racecourse?
This is located in Newmarket, Suffolk, England.
Where can I find Newmarket odds?
You can find these on our dedicated Newmarket racing page.
Do you provide Newmarket tips?
Yes, our expert Newmarket betting tips can also be found by clicking the link. Odds and tips are available for top races like the 2000 and 1000 Guineas.
How long have they raced at Newmarket Racecourse?
Racing has taken place here for centuries and records date back to the 17th century. This is one of the world’s most historic horse racing venues.
Can I park at Newmarket racecourse?
Yes, there is free parking for both courses here. There are different car parks depending on which course you’re visiting.
How many race days do they have at Newmarket Racecourse each year?
There are various fixtures here throughout the racing calendar. The exact number varies from year to year but you can expect to find up-to-date information on the official Newmarket Racecourse website.