Salisbury Racecourse was established, just outside the cathedral city of Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 1584 and has the distinction of being one of the oldest racecourses in the country. For all its rich heritage, Salisbury is very much a modern racecourse, combining extensive, up-to-date facilities with high quality racing. Salisbury Racecourse stages 16 Flat fixtures throughout the season, including four evening fixtures in May, July and August.
Course Characteristics
Salisbury Racecourse is a right-handed, galloping, testing track. Races up to a mile are run on the straight course, which rises steadily all the way to the winning post and kinks slightly to the right at the three furlong marker. Races over a mile and a half and further start on the home straight and horses travel away from the winning post, around a right-handed loop and back towards the winning post. In sprint races, low drawn horses appear to be slightly favoured.
Track Facts
The Bibury Club, founded in 1681, has been associated with Salisbury since 1899. The Bilbury Handicap is run over a mile and a half at the course in June each year.
In 1970, future Derby winner Mill Reef won the Salisbury Stakes and Brigadier Gerard won the Champagne Stakes at Salisbury.
American jockey Steve Cauthen made a winning British debut at Salisbury in April 1979 on Maquee Universal, trained by Barry Hills.
Lester Piggot had his first ride in public at Salisbury in April 1948, aged just 12.
The Sovereign Stakes, run over a mile in August, is the most valuable race on the Salisbury calendar.