Ludlow Racecourse, situated in Shropshire, West Midlands, was established on its current site, two miles northwest of Ludlow, in 1729. Originally a Flat racing venue, hurdle races and steeplechases were introduced during the nineteenth century and Ludlow gradually became an exclusively National Hunt course, as it is today. Ludlow retains its Edwardian character but, nowadays, is very much a modern racecourse, staging 16, mainly mid-week, National Hunt fixtures throughout the season.
Course Characteristics
The steeplechase course at Ludlow is sharp, right-handed oval, approximately a mile and a half around, with a run-in of just over a furlong. There are nine, fairly easy, fences per circuit. The hurdle course, which runs around the outside the chase course, is separate in large part and follows a one-mile section of the original Flat course. The hurdle course is more undulating, but generally easier, than the steeplechase course and presents a fair test even for big, long-striding gallopers.
Track Facts
Ludlow racecourse crosses the B4365 at three separate points, so the road must be closed on racedays.
Ludlow Golf Club, which occupies the centre of the racecourse, was founded in 1889.
Ludlow racecourse was used as a US Army camp, housing over 2,000 soldiers, during World War II.
The Jubilee Stand at Ludlow racecourse was built in 2001.