Crown and Garter, Hungerford, BerkshireNewbury racecourse
History
The first recorded racing at Newbury took place in 1805 with an annual 2-day meet at Ensborne Heath. Newbury Racecourse didn't come into existence until on September 26th and 27th 1905 the first ever race meeting took place with Copper King ridden by Charles Trigg and trained by Charles Marnes winning the opening race, the Whatcombe Handicap.
National Hunt racing followed shortly after Flat racing and in 1906, nine days racing were planned for Newbury in 1906 - six on the Flat and three over Jumps. A member's badge, which also covered the two days in 1905, was priced at 7 guineas!
In August 1942, the course was handed over to the American Army who used it as a vast depot and marshalling yard. It was only on April 1st 1949 that racing resumed after a seven-year absence.
Lester Piggott has strong associations with Newbury and rode his first winner here on 20 August 1949 as a 13-year-old boy. He also rode his last ever winner at Newbury on Bin Ajwaad for trainer Ben Hanbury in the Avebury Stakes and on 17 September 1994 Lester had his final ride at Newbury aboard Royal Hill for trainer Lord Huntingdon.
The most famous race at Newbury is the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup which was first run on 26 November 1960, beginning the longest unbroken commercial sponsorship in British sport.
The Future
NEWBURY RACECOURSE and its joint partner David Wilson Homes have been granted outline planning permission by West Berkshire Council to redevelop the racecourse to assure its long-term future.
The multi-million pound self-financing proposal comes more than a century after the first race meeting took place in 1905. Despite being bombed and used as a prisoner of war camp the Grade 1 course has become one of the most prestigious in the world.
The racecourse generates an expenditure of around £52 million annually and employs 80 full-time staff, with on average 860 additional people employed on a part-time or casual basis for race days. The total spend from the racing industry in Newbury and West Berkshire is around £196 million per annum; a significant source of employment and wealth generation for the district.
The multi-million pound redevelopment plans include:
- A 120-bed hotel
- Better access to the racecourse via a new bridge
- The creation of a more impressive entrance
- Improvements and additions to the current racing and golfing facilities
- Up to 1500 new apartments and houses
Party in the Paddock
In the summer there are a number of combined racing and music events, which have become something of a highlight of the summer season. To check on dates go to the special Party in the Paddock website.
Newbury LIVE
This live entertainment venue at the racecourse with a seated capacity of 20,000 will feature a series of premium music and comedy events on non-racedays. Ticket Hotline 0844 873 7356
At each concert there are a variety of dining packages available. Call direct on 016735 430015.
For more information check the Newbury Racecourse website.
Overnight Accommodation
The Crown and Garter is only 20-25 minutes drive from the Racecourse. On racedays there is a train from Kintbury (2 miles from the Crown and Garter) direct to Newbury racecourse's own train station.
You can find directions to the Crown & Garter by putting your postcode/starting address in the box below:
