Bath Racecourse

Bath Racecourse features an elongated, left-handed oval layout approximately 12 furlongs in length, with a narrow final bend leading into a demanding four-furlong uphill straight course that leads to the finish. This uphill run-in is a true stamina test for horses.

Due to the fact that it is Britain’s highest racecourse at an elevantion of 238 meters, Bath Racecourse does not have an irrigation system. During summer this creates firm ground conditions that can be challenging for horses preferring softer footing.

The track’s camber also plays an influential role, pushing horses out from the rail on the final turn, making careful navigation essential. Races are often run at a true gallop, and horses committing to an early lead may struggle as they approach the uphill finish.

Success at Bath requires a strategic approach, with emphasis on pacing and positioning. Horses able to conserve energy for the final uphill stretch have an advantage, and jockeys skilled at cornering and timing their final moves tend to perform best.

Bath’s layout tends to favor front-runners who establish an early lead while also managing the unique demands of its layout and ground conditions.

Bath Racecourse has a rich and varied history that dates back to the early 18th century. While informal racing may have occurred as early as 1716, the first officially recorded meeting took place in 1728 at Claverton Down, where a horse named Smiling Ball won the Bath Plate with a prize of 50 guineas. The racecourse was officially established at its current location on Lansdown Hill in 1811, thanks to the Blathwayt family’s efforts. Initially, races were infrequent, typically comprising just one major two-day meeting each year.

As time progressed, the number of meetings increased, and by the mid-19th century, the Somerset Stakes had become a significant event on the racing calendar. This prestigious race remains a key fixture today, having featured notable sweepstakes with substantial prize money as early as 1844, highlighting the growing popularity of racing in Bath.

The course faced challenges during its early years, including a decline in entries due to firm ground conditions and economic issues. Racing remained sporadic until 1811, when it resumed under new management, relocating the track to avoid road crossings and create a more suitable racing circuit.

During World War II, Bath Racecourse was repurposed as an airfield by the Royal Air Force, known as RAF North Stoke. After the war, the venue encountered various obstacles, including a notorious betting fraud scandal in 1953 involving a “ringer” scheme, where two nearly identical horses were used to manipulate betting odds.

In the late 20th century, the racecourse underwent significant renovations, closing for rebuilding in 1971 and 1972, which led to the temporary transfer of some events to Newmarket. In 2015, the Arena Racing Company acquired Bath Racecourse and invested heavily in modernizing its facilities, including the construction of the Langridge Grandstand and improvements to the viewing areas.

Today, Bath Racecourse hosts approximately 21 flat racing fixtures annually from April to October, maintaining its status as a picturesque venue steeped in horse racing heritage.

Address: Lansdown, Bath BA1 9BU, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1225 424609

Email: info@bath-racecourse.co.uk

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