Wincanton Racecourse was built in its current location, at Kingwell Farm, just north of Wincanton, Somerset, in 1927. The original owner, Lord Stalbridge, sold Kingwell Farm in 1945 and the course changed hands again in 1966, when it was acquired by the Racing Holdings Trust. More recently, under the auspices of Jockey Club Racecourses, Wincanton has received multi-million pound investment in its course and facilities and, today, plays host to 17 National Hunt fixtures throughout the season.
Course Characteristics
Wincanton Racecourse is a right-handed, galloping oval, a mile and a half in circumference. There are nine fairly stiff fences, or five flights of hurdles, per circuit and a run-in of 200 yards. The course is perfectly level, but the bends are fairly generous, making it less sharp than would otherwise be the case.
Track Facts
The Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase, run over 3 miles 1½ furlongs in February, is the most valuable race of the season at Wincanton.
Josh Gifford, champion National Hunt jockey in 1963, 1964, 1967 and 1968, rode his first ever winner at Wincanton in 1959.
Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis, refereed military boxing matches at Wincanton racecourse in 1944.
Jockey Steve Knight, who won the 1987 Grand National on Maori Venture, went to school in Wincanton.