Chepstow Racecourse

Chepstow Racecourse boasts both a National Hunt course and a flat racing track, each tailored to different racing styles.

The National Hunt course is a left-handed, undulating oval measuring just under 2 miles. It features a finishing straight of about 5 furlongs and includes eleven fences or seven hurdles on a full circuit.

Known for its often soft or heavy ground, horses adept at handling muddy conditions, often called “mudlarks,” are typically at an advantage here.

The flat racing course, also left-handed, is distinguished by its long straight mile track.

This layout encourages a different style of racing, emphasizing speed and stamina. In shorter-distance races, the draw can play a critical role, particularly in fields with ten or more runners, where being drawn in a lower stall will give entries a slight edge.

Chepstow Racecourse dates back to the early 1920s. It was established by a group of ten local gentry and businessmen, including Lord Tredegar, who acquired Piercefield Park to create a racing venue.

After three years of development, the racecourse officially opened on August 6, 1926, drawing an impressive crowd of approximately 20,000 spectators for its inaugural meeting.

Initially, Chepstow was dedicated to flat racing, which held greater prestige at the time. The venue’s first jump racing event followed in March 1927, cementing its dual-purpose role.

A pivotal moment in its history came in 1949, when the prestigious Welsh National, a cornerstone of the National Hunt calendar, moved to Chepstow following the closure of Caerleon Racecourse. This transition solidified its status as a premier jump racing destination.

Over the years, Chepstow overcame financial difficulties that saw many other Welsh racecourses close.

Its picturesque location and challenging undulating terrain became defining features, testing the skills of both horses and jockeys. Among its historic moments was Sir Gordon Richards’ remarkable achievement of riding eleven consecutive winners over two days in 1933.

The racecourse evolved with the times, benefiting from significant developments such as the construction of the Severn Bridge and the M4 motorway, which enhanced accessibility for racegoers from England.

These improvements played a key role in boosting attendance and ensuring its continued success. Chepstow Racecourse is currently operated by the Arena Racing Company.

Address: St Lawrence Rd, Chepstow NP16 6EH, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1291 622260

Email: info@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk

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