Overview

Situated in a nice part of Newbury, and easy to get to, the course is surrounded by nice housing estates, and well looked after business quarters, and it has a pleasant enough race track. The first race took part in 1805, but known then as Newbury races, and held at another meeting for the next six years, at Enborne Heath. It was then moved over to Woodhay Heath until 1815. 90 years later, a new track was proposed at Newbury, and finally, with the support of King Edward 7th, the Jockey club approved the plans of a Kingsclere trainer, John Porter, and in 1904, the Newbury Racecourse company was formed, and building work started which included stables at a cost of £57,240. So on 26th September 1905, the first race meeting was held on the new Newbury course, with the race horse Copper King winning the Whatcombe Handicap, with Charles Trigg being the jockey, who won the prize of a Silver Cup valued at £25.00. The man who had tried for years to set up this track, won his only race here, the Regulation Plate on September 27th, before he retired from training at the end of the 1905 season. National Hunt racing soon followed in 1906, with then nine days of racing being held during that year, six days for flat racing, and three days of jumping. In 2018, up to 29 race days are held every year. So what can you expect if you wanted to experience a race day for yourself. First of all, it can be great fun, and exciting an experience, without any need to gamble at all, just get out and see these wonderful horses competing against each other, enjoy a bite to eat, of take a small drink or two, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Our photos We set sat NAV to RG14 7GN, and this took us round to the far side of the track, with lovely views towards the stands, and an opportunity to just place our feet on the track itself (photos 1,2 and 3) which was in excellent condition, green, deep mat, and level. We then set sat NAV to RG14 7PN and drove round the back of the course to reach the far end of the stand side (photo 4) which meant we saw the whole track itself. Now set SAT NAV to RG14 7NZ so as to take a well deserved coffee break at the LODGE HOTEL, NEWBURY. It has a large good sized car park (photo 5) with the entrance into the stands just over to the left, very handy if disabled (photo 6) The Lodge Hotel is a bit awkward to get to, so look carefully for the driveway to get to it (photo 7) and we only found one disabled bay (photo 8) A door under the pillers (photo 8) will take you into the hotel (photo 9) which was clean enough but not at all inviting, no seating places as such for comfort, so we went through the doorway beyond the reception desk, and entered what would be called the restaurant, we were not impressed by its looks or tidiness (photo 10) but a nice hot coffee was presented to us (photo 11) The toilets are basic, no disabled toilet, but reasonably clean and tidy (photo 12) A lift is available if staying overnight (photo 13) but disabled generally on the ground floor. If the weather is nice there is a terrace area (photo 14). We felt it could be a nice experience for the race day itself, with good views from the stands, although the area is not to big and May get crowded, so would recommend paying that little bit more for the entrance fee and get a place in the main indoor areas. (Photo 15 and 16) However we would not recommend the Lodge Hotel. IF YOU THINK YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPERIENCE A RACE DAY. Be assured, disabled are well looked after at every race course, and to help you see what course to go and view, then we have a number of courses ready for you. SEE OUR REVIEWS FOR EPSOM DOWNS, the Derby course. Reviewed in April. 2022. NEWBURY COURSE Reviewed in September 2022 FONTWELL PARK. Reviewed in September 2022 With a full review of our day out and wonderful experience at GOODWOOD Reviewed in September 2022.

Transport & Parking

Access

Only found one disabled bay for the hotel, which is just a short walk into the stands.

Toilets

Only found basic toilets in hotel.

Staff

Photos