Guide to Taunton Racecourse
Taunton Racecourse News from Eclipse
Straight from the Horses' Mouth...
Taunton Racecourse News
About Taunton Racecourse
National Hunt
Chequered History
Taunton Racecourse has a chequered racing history, with race meetings on and off at various times and locations over several hundred years. The current track on Orchard Great Field is at the site of former Orchard Portman House (demolished in 1840), sold by Viscount Portman to the newly founded Taunton Racecourse Company.
Youngest Jumps Course
Opened in 1927 the country’s youngest Jumps course was also the last racecourse to be opened in Britain for 81 years, until 2008 when Great Leighs (now Chelmsford City Racecourse) was inaugurated. The course benefited from the building of the M5 after spoil from the motorway’s construction was used to improve the bends and extend the back straight of the racetrack, and facilities for racegoers have also since been improved. Taunton Racecourse remains independently owned and managed.
Important Races/Festivals
- January – New Year’s Day Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
- November – Audrey Chudleigh Memorial Handicap Hurdle
Directions
- Road: The course is on the B3170 road from Taunton to Honiton, about 2 miles south of Taunton town centre. Leave the M5 at Junction 25, and travel towards Taunton, following the signs for course.
- Rail: A free bus runs from Taunton Station on racedays.
- Website: www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk
- Telephone: 01823 337172
The Taunton Racecourse Directory - Local Services
Travelling to Taunton 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.
