Dorset and its surrounding areas are rich in racing history. Within a short distance, you can find many of the major names in the industry. These include Joe Tizzard Racing at Venn Farm and Paul Nicholls Racing in just an hour’s drive north. With this comes some of the most underrated racecourses in the United Kingdom, where many of the best up-and-coming horses and jockeys race.
Salisbury
Salisbury Racecourse is just on the way over the county border to Wiltshire. Indicative of the area, horse racing runs back a long way here, and records of racing started around the 16th century. One of history’s greatest horses, Gimcrack, won a race here in 1768. A small horse and the son of an Arabian Godolphin, he was immortalised in a painting by George Stubbs.
Despite its history, Salisbury is a very modern affair. It is reserved for flat racing, with around fifteen race meetings per year between April and October. Most of its races are handicaps and maidens, so you can get a feel for which horses strike your fancy. In the modern era, many horse racing syndicates have started attending these races to see who they might invest in. With online syndicates making it easier than ever, now pretty much anyone with a modest budget can buy stakes in quality horses. While investors get a share of any winnings, watching the horse race in person is the real reward, and Salisbury has become one of the hottest spots for all such activities.
Wincanton
In stark contrast to the flat races of Salisbury, Wincanton is one for those who love to watch a chase. Here, a chase it is, with fences that are large and come in quick succession. It is well known as one of the toughest circuits in the United Kingdom, testing the mettle of even the best steeds and riders. The grounds are steeped in history, first coming into their equestrian own through the cross-country hunting races that historically took place there. Eventually, they became National Hunt races, and the first was held here was on August 1st 1867.
It is very close to Paul Nicholl’s yard. As such, most of his horses get a run out at Wincanton. It has 17 fixtures throughout the year, with some major ones, including the Kingwell Hurdle. It also has a number of big events like the Boxing Day Raceday.
Taunton
If you can believe it, Taunton is a relatively recent contender among racecourses in the South West, making it somewhat unique in that sense. It opened in 1927, and until 2008, was the youngest National Hunt course. Racing has historically taken place regularly in the area, moving around from Bridgwater to West Monkton before the establishment of this more permanent location.
There are around fourteen meetings each season, with plenty of family days in the holiday time. It has lots of fences and ditches and is one mile and two furlongs in length. When racing does not take place, it is used quite frequently as a conference centre and business meeting spot.
A day at the races is fun for all the family. Pack your car, dress for the weather and check your horses and jockeys in advance. You may even be lucky enough to pick a winner.
