Newton Abbot Racecourse, on the banks of the River Teign, in Devon, is notable as the most westerly course in mainland Britain. The course was established in 1886 and, apart from interruptions for World War I and World War II, has been in constant use ever since. The main grandstand was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1969 and, nowadays, Newton Abbot Racecourse operates a rolling winter programme of improvements to its facilities. The course plays host to 19 National Hunt meetings throughout the season.
Course Characteristics
Newton Abbot consists of a left-handed, sharp oval, just nine furlongs in circumference, with a very short run-in. There are seven easy fences, or four flights of hurdles, per circuit and horses who race on, or close to, the pace hold a distinct advantage over those who need to come for behind.
Track Facts
In 2011, a Tote Jackpot pool worth £1.36 million was won at Newton Abbot. However, a series of favourable results meant that the dividend declared was only just over £5,000 to a £1 stake.
In 2013, Newton Abbot threatened to close the section of the cycle route, known as the Teign Estuary, which runs along the back of the racecourse, after incidents of vandalism.
Also in 2013, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) investigated the running of Planetoid, trained by Jim Best, at Newton Abbot. The 5-year-old gelding won a hurdle race, at odds-on, under champion jockey Tony McCoy, despite not having been placed, or started at shorter than 33/1, on his previous six starts.