Newbury Racecourse was built in its current location, in Berkshire, southern England, in 1905 after an application to build a racecourse by Kingsclere trainer John Porter was backed by King Edward VII. In 1906, Newbury staged six Flat fixtures and three National Hunt fixtures, but the course flourished in the post-war years and now plays host to 14 Flat fixtures and 8 National Hunt fixtures throughout the year.
Course Characteristics
The round course at Newbury is left-handed, galloping, oval, 1 mile and 5 furlongs around. The straight mile course, which joins the round course at the six-furlong marker, features gently rises and falls at various points.
The National Hunt course is approximately a mile and threequarters around, with eleven, stiff fences, or seven flights of hurdles, per circuit, and a run-in of 255 yards. The stiffness of the fences aside, the course is wide with long, sweeping bends and provides a fair test for all types of horses.
Track Facts
Five-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Golden Miller won on his debut over fences at Newbury in 1931, but was subsequently disqualified.
The Geoffrey Freer Stakes, run over 1 mile 5 furlongs and 61 yards in August, commemorates Geoffrey Freer, who became Clerk of the Course at Newbury in 1949.
The Hennessy Gold Cup, nowadays run at Newbury in late November or early December, was run at Cheltenham until 1960.
The Hennessy Gold Cup has never been abandoned.
Lester Piggott rode his 4,000th career winner on Ardross at Newbury in 1982.