Guide to Wincanton Racecourse
Wincanton Racecourse News from Eclipse
Straight from the Horses' Mouth...
Wincanton Racecourse News
About Wincanton Racecourse
National Hunt
History
From 1897 Jump racing was regularly held at nearby Hatherleigh Farm, under National Hunt Rules. After WW1 when the lease was up on Hatherleigh Farm, Lord Stalbridge chaired a board of directors to secure funding to relocate the course: the inaugural race at Wincanton Racecourse’s current track was in 1927.
Lord Stalbridge Memorial Cup Handicap Chase
During WWII Lord Stalbridge became ill and a consortium of 10 local sportsman purchased Wincanton racecourse from him; he died in 1945. Every Boxing Day, the Lord Stalbridge Memorial Cup Handicap Chase is run in memory of his efforts to keep racing going at Wincanton.
The Jockey Club
The course was sold on to the Racecourse Holdings Trust, now the Jockey Club, in the 1960s.
Paul Nicholls
Local trainer Paul Nicholls is a regular visitor, often sending young horses to Wincanton Races to gain racing experience at the course.
Important Races/Festivals
- February – Kingwell Hurdle
- November – Badger Ales Trophy; Rising Stars Novices’ Chase; Elite Hurdle
Directions
- Road: On approaching Wincanton town centre, take the B3081 towards Brunton, until the racecourse becomes visible on the left.
- Rail: The nearest train station to the racecourse is Templecombe, 4 miles south of Wincanton on the Waterloo-Exeter line.
- Website: www.wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk
- Telephone: 01963 435840
The Wincanton Racecourse Directory - Local Services
Travelling to Wincanton 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.