What’s the history of Bath Racecourse?

oldest racecourseAccording to the ‘Racing Calendar’ or, more correctly, its predecessor, ‘An Historical List All Horses-Matches Run’, which was first published in 1727, the history of horse racing in the vicinity of Bath dates back to 1728. Initially, meetings took place at Claverton Down, to the south-east of the city centre and approximately 20 miles from the site of the modern racecourse on Lansdown Hill, where they were staged, intermittently, until 1784. At that point, meetings were transferred to Lansdown, not to the existing site, but to one between where Beckford’s Tower, an architectural folly built in 1827, now stands and the thoroughfare knowm as Weston Lane.

Race meetings at Lansdown, though, remained irregular and ceased altogther between 1796 and 1811, with Napolean Bonparte, who came to power in 1799, attempting to wage ecomic warfare against the British Empire and, indeed, threatening to invade Britain itself, during the Napoleonic Wars. When racing resumed, it was still anything but a regular occurence, with just one, two-day meeting staged annually in May. The year 1823 saw the inauguration of the Somersetshire Stakes, which become the feature race of the day and was, at one point, a recognised trial for the Derby. Won by Tudor Minstrel – the joint-third highest-rated racehorse in the history of Timeform – in 1947, the race was eventually discontinued in 1998, but resurrected in 2011, as part of bicentennial celebrations.

In 1831, the Bath Racecourse was moved to its current location, 780 feet above sea level on the Lansdown Plateau, which gave it the distinction of being the highest Flat racing venue in the country, which it remains to this day. Indeed, of all the racecourses in the United Kingdom, only Exeter and Hexham, at heights of 850 and 800 feet above sea level, respectively, are higher than Bath.

Following the end of World War I, during which racing ceased, the Lansdown Estate changed hands, leading to speculation about the continued success of Bath Racecourse. However, erstwhile directors of the Newbury Racecourse Company, formed in 1904, had faith in the facility and banded together to buy it, at public auction, leading to the incorporation of the Bath Racecourse Company in 1919. Thus, racing at Bath continued throughout the interwar years, but during World War II the course became an airfield for the Royal Air Force (RAF), named RAF North Stoke.

In 1953, Bath Raceourse was the scene of the infamous ‘Francasal Affair’, in which a gang of fraudsters attempted to swindle bookmakers out of £60,000, or nearly £1.4 million by modern standards, based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data. The plot essentially involved substituting a filly named Francasal with a useful French horse named Santa Amaro, cutting the telephone lines to the racecourse, to prevent communication between on-course and off-course bookmakers, and heavily backing the ‘ringer’ at odds of 10/1. Subsequent investigations by the General Post Office (GPO) and the police led to the arrest of five men, who were tried, twice, at the Old Bailey and four of whom were convicted and jailed for conspiracy to defraud.

Nowadays, Bath Racecourse is part of Arena Racing Company (ARC), who, as Northern Racing, acquired the property in 2000. In 2015/16 ARC funded a multi-million-pound redevelopment of the racecourse infrastructure and facilities, thereby creating a modern venue, which, nonetheless reflects the history and heritage of the site. The principal race – and, indeed, the only Pattern race of the year – at Bath is the Listed Lansdown Fillies’ Stakes, inaugurated in 1999 and run annually, over 5 furlongs and 10 yards, in April. Perhaps the most notable winner was Cassandra Go, trained by Geoff Wragg, who supplemented her victory in 2000 by winning both the Temple Stakes at Sandown Park and the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot the following season.

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When was the last time that National Hunt racing was staged at Windsor Racecourse?

On July 31, Arena Racing Company (ARC) confirmed that National Hunt racing will return to Windsor Racecourse for the 2024/25 season. According to a press release, ARC has invested heavily in redeveloping the racecourse infrastructure, including widening certain areas of the track, such as the back straight, to accommodate hurdle and steeplechase races. The traditional figure-of-eight National Hunt course will also become a thing of the past, with previously ‘mothballed’ sections of turf brought up to racing standard to create a continuous, left-handed oval. The first of a small number of National Hunt fixtures anticipated for 2024/25 is scheduled for December 15, 2024, with further fixtures to follow, once the 2025 fixture list has been confirmed.

Windsor Racecourse, a.k.a. Royal Windsor Racecourse, due to the close proximity of Windsor Castle, was established on its current site, in Rays Meadow, by John Frail of Shrewsbury (who also found fame as a Conservative party agent) in 1866. National Hunt racing first took place shortly afterwards and continued on a regular basis until 1998. Thereafter, a number of fixtures were staged, temporarily, during the multimillion pound redevelopment of Ascot in 2004 and 2005. In fact, the last such fixture took place on December 16, 2005 and the final race that day was the Q Equine Ltd Handicap Hurdle, won by Acambo, trained by Martin Pipe and ridden by Timmy Murphy.

Confirmation of regularly scheduled National Hunt fixtures returning to the Berkshire track was well received by six-time champion trainer Nicky Henderson. He told the ‘Racing Post’, ‘It’s seriously good news for National Hunt racing. You’re talking to someone who is rather antiquated and can remember when jumping used to take place there. There probably aren’t many of us left!’

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Which racecourse was established earlier, Kempton Park or Sandown Park?

Synonymous with the King George VI Chase, staged annually on Boxing Day, Kempton Park is situated on the A308, known locally as Staines Road East, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey. At a distance of 16 miles, it has the distinction of being the closest racecourse to the City of London and, since the Flat turf course was replaced with Polytrack in 2006, has become one of the busiest courses in the country.

A right-handed, practically flat course, Kempton Park was established in 1878, by the recently-incorporated Kempton Park Race Course Company Limited. The company actually had seven original shareholders, but just one of them, Samuel Henry Hyde, is generally considered the founding father of the racecourse. The first meeting at Kempton Park was held on July 18, 1878.

Sandown Park, on the other hand, is situated on Portsmouth Road in Esher, Surrey, approximately six miles southeast of Kempton Park and approximately 17 miles southwest of the City of London. Nowadays, Sandown is renowned as the home of the Coral-Eclipse, which was inaugurated in 1886, at the time under the auspices of Leopold de Rothschild, and the Bet365 Gold Cup, formerly the Whitbread Gold Cup, which was established in 1957.

An essentially galloping course, with a stiff uphill finish, Sandown had the distinction of being the first modern, purpose-built racecourse in the country and the first to charge an admission fee (of half a crown, or 2/6, which is the equivalent of approximately £8 in modern terms). Under the auspices of Sir Wilford Brett, the brother of Sir William Brett (later Viscount Esher), and brothers Owen and Hwfa Williams, Sandown Park was developed on farmland attached to Sandown House. The first race meeting at the venue took place on April 22, 1875.

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Churchill Downs: The Crown Jewel of Horse Racing History

For over a century, one name has stood above all others in the world of horse racing: Churchill Downs. This iconic racetrack, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has become synonymous with the sport of kings and has played host to some of the most thrilling moments in equestrian history. In this article, we’ll explore the rich legacy of Churchill Downs, its impact on horse racing, and why it continues to captivate audiences around the globe.

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The Birth of a Legend

Churchill Downs was founded in 1872 by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of the famous explorer William Clark. Inspired by his travels to England and France, where he witnessed the prestigious Epsom Derby and Grand Prix de Paris, Clark set out to create a similar spectacle in the United States.

The inaugural Kentucky Derby was held at Churchill Downs on May 17, 1875. From these humble beginnings, the track would go on to become the home of the most famous horse race in America and one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

The Kentucky Derby: The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports

While Churchill Downs hosts numerous races throughout the year, it is best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby. Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.

Often referred to as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby has become a cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond the world of horse racing. The event is known for its pageantry, including:

  1. The famous garland of roses presented to the winning horse
  2. The singing of “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses parade to the starting gate
  3. The elaborate and often outrageous hats worn by spectators
  4. The traditional mint julep cocktail

Architectural Marvel and Expansion

Churchill Downs’ iconic twin spires, added in 1895, have become one of the most recognizable architectural features in sports. The spires, which sit atop the grandstand, were designed by architect Joseph Dominic Baldez and have since become the track’s trademark.

Over the years, Churchill Downs has undergone numerous renovations and expansions to accommodate its growing popularity. Some notable improvements include:

  • The addition of a $121 million clubhouse in 2005
  • The installation of permanent lights in 2010, allowing for night racing
  • The opening of The Big Board in 2014, a 15,224-square-foot video board that was, at the time, the world’s largest 4K video screen

A Stage for Legendary Performances

Throughout its history, Churchill Downs has been the setting for some of the most memorable moments in horse racing. Some of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time have graced its track, including:

  1. Secretariat: In 1973, this chestnut colt set a Kentucky Derby record of 1:59 2/5, which still stands today.
  2. Citation: The 1948 Triple Crown winner who became the first horse to earn $1 million in career prize money.
  3. American Pharoah: In 2015, this horse ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought, beginning his historic run with a victory at Churchill Downs.

More Than Just the Derby

While the Kentucky Derby is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Churchill Downs, the track hosts numerous other prestigious races throughout the year. Some of these include:

  • The Kentucky Oaks: Held the day before the Kentucky Derby, this race features the top three-year-old fillies in the country.
  • The Stephen Foster Handicap: A Grade I race for older horses, often featuring some of the best runners in the sport.
  • The Clark Handicap: One of the oldest races in North America, first run in 1875.

Impact on the Local Economy

Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby have a significant economic impact on Louisville and the surrounding region. The event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, generating millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

According to recent studies, the Kentucky Derby has an estimated economic impact of over $400 million on the Louisville area. This influx of tourism and spending has helped to cement Louisville’s reputation as a major destination for sports and entertainment.

Preserving History and Embracing the Future

As Churchill Downs approaches its 150th anniversary, the track continues to balance its rich history with the need to evolve and adapt to changing times. Recent initiatives include:

  1. The creation of the Kentucky Derby Museum, which opened in 1985 to preserve and share the history of the race and the track.
  2. Investments in technology, such as improved betting systems and enhanced viewing experiences for both on-site and remote spectators.
  3. Efforts to make the sport more accessible and appealing to younger generations through social media engagement and special events.

Challenges and Controversies

Like any institution with a long history, Churchill Downs has faced its share of challenges and controversies. These include:

  • Concerns about the treatment and safety of racehorses
  • Debates over the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport
  • Questions about the sustainability of horse racing as a business model

Churchill Downs has taken steps to address these issues, implementing stricter safety protocols and working with industry partners to ensure the well-being of horses and jockeys.

Conclusion: A Timeless Icon of Sport and Culture

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Churchill Downs will continue to play a central role in the world of horse racing and American sports culture. Its blend of tradition and innovation, coupled with the enduring allure of the Kentucky Derby, ensures that this historic track will remain a beloved destination for generations to come.

From the thundering hooves of legendary thoroughbreds to the roar of the crowd as they round the final turn, Churchill Downs offers an experience unlike any other in sports. It is a place where history is made and dreams come true, a testament to the enduring power of competition and the timeless bond between humans and horses.

As long as there are those who appreciate the beauty, excitement, and pageantry of horse racing, Churchill Downs will stand as the sport’s most hallowed ground – a living monument to the thrills, triumphs, and traditions that have made it the most famous horse racing track in history.

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