Guide to Salisbury Racecourse
Salisbury Racecourse News from Eclipse
Straight from the Horses' Mouth...
Salisbury Racecourse News
About Salisbury Racecourse
Flat
One of England’s Oldest Courses
Salisbury Racecourse is one of England’s oldest racecourses, with racing having taken place at the picturesque downland course since the 16th century and the ‘City Bowl’, dating back to 1654, is possibly Britain’s oldest named race. A new round course opened in 1722 although racing was later moved towards the south west of the city, in Combe Down.
Racing Legends
The racecourse has hosted many racing legends – often at the start of their careers – with winners including Gimcrack (1768), Eclipse (1769) who both won the City Bowl; also Sun Chariot, Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, Sir Percy and many more. Lester Piggott rode his first race under rules as a 12-year-old Apprentice at Salisbury in 1948. American jockey Steve Cauthen also made his British debut here in 1979.
Important Races/Festivals
- June – Cathedral Stakes
- August – Upavon Fillies’ Stakes; Sovereign Stakes; Stonehenge Stakes
- September – Dick Poole Fillies’ Stakes
Directions
- Road: The course is signposted from the A36 and A354.
- Rail: Free raceday buses run from Salisbury station, four miles from the course.
- Website: www.salisburyracecourse.co.uk
- Telephone: 01722 326461
The Salisbury Racecourse Directory - Local Services
Travelling to Salisbury Races? Want to know where to stay, where to eat, where to get your hair and nails done? How about where the best pubs are and the name of a reliable taxi? We can help. Check back frequently – this section is updated on a regular basis.
