Newmarket, a quaint town in Suffolk, is home to a population of just over 16,000 and spans approximately 15 square kilometres. However, it stands as the epicentre of British horse racing, where the sport began and where all things related to it are concentrated. This town boasts the National Stud, countless stables, the National Racing Museum, Newmarket Racecourse, and the renowned Tattersalls auction house. Among its historic landmarks is the Jockey Club building, a cherished symbol of British horse racing.
In and around Newmarket, there are at least 3,000 horses residing in stables. The town has a deep-rooted equestrian culture, with dedicated paths for horses along the streets that facilitate easy movement between stables and galloping fields. Approximately one in three working residents is involved in the racing industry. Some of the best trainers in the field are based in Newmarket, including John Gosden at Clarehaven Stables, Saeed bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby at Godolphin Stables, and Sir Michael Stoute at Freemason Lodge Stables.
The combination of racing events, horse sales, the museum, and the city's rich history draws hundreds of visitors daily. For the British, who value their traditions, a visit to Newmarket is a nod to the past, offering the chance to explore the treasures of this ancient town and enjoy classic races. Today, Newmarket has become a fashionable and prestigious destination.
Start
At first, it was a heathland covered with heather. Sir Richard de Argentina received these lands along with his dowry in the distant year 1200 and immediately began to build a city here. King Henry III gave permission by his charter to organise a new market and an annual fair in this place, which is where the name of the city comes from. The place for the market was not chosen by chance. The ancient caravan route Icknield Way passed through the heathland. Newmarket, a quaint town in Suffolk, is home to a population of just over 16,000 and spans approximately 15 square kilometres. However, it stands as the epicentre of British horse racing, where the sport began and where all things related to it are concentrated. This town boasts the National Stud, countless stables, the National Racing Museum, Newmarket Racecourse, and the renowned Tattersalls auction house. Among its historic landmarks is the Jockey Club building, a cherished symbol of British horse racing.
In and around Newmarket, there are at least 3,000 horses residing in stables. The town has a deep-rooted equestrian culture, with dedicated paths for horses along the streets that facilitate easy movement between stables and galloping fields. Approximately one in three working residents is involved in the racing industry. Some of the best trainers in the field are based in Newmarket, including John Gosden at Clarehaven Stables, Saeed bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby at Godolphin Stables, and Sir Michael Stoute at Freemason Lodge Stables.
The combination of racing events, horse sales, the museum, and the city's rich history draws hundreds of visitors daily. For the British, who value their traditions, a visit to Newmarket is a nod to the past, offering the chance to explore the treasures of this ancient town and enjoy classic races. Today, Newmarket has become a fashionable and prestigious destination.
In 1965, Charles II established the Newmarket Town Plate track and races, marking a significant development in horse racing history. Notably, he was the only monarch to compete as a jockey, winning races in 1671 and 1675. The year 1666 is recognized as the start of official horse racing in England, as it was during this time that the Town Plate races were conducted under rules created by the king. These regulations subsequently became obligatory for all British races, solidifying Newmarket's status as the birthplace of racing.
The inception of racing in Newmarket spurred the construction of stables and homes on the previously unoccupied lands around the city, leading to an expansion of infrastructure. This growth, coupled with the proximity to the stables, contributed to the city's prosperity and development.
Newmarket Racecourses
Newmarket, a quaint town in Suffolk, is home to a population of just over 16,000 and spans approximately 15 square kilometres. However, it stands as the epicentre of British horse racing, where the sport began and where all things related to it are concentrated. This town boasts the National Stud, countless stables, the National Racing Museum, Newmarket Racecourse, and the renowned Tattersalls auction house. Among its historic landmarks is the Jockey Club building, a cherished symbol of British horse racing.
2In and around Newmarket, there are at least 3,000 horses residing in stables. The town has a deep-rooted equestrian culture, with dedicated paths for horses along the streets that facilitate easy movement between stables and galloping fields. Approximately one in three working residents is involved in the racing industry. Some of the best trainers in the field are based in Newmarket, including John Gosden at Clarehaven Stables, Saeed bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby at Godolphin Stables, and Sir Michael Stoute at Freemason Lodge Stables.
The combination of racing events, horse sales, the museum, and the city's rich history draws hundreds of visitors daily. For the British, who value their traditions, a visit to Newmarket is a nod to the past, offering the chance to explore the treasures of this ancient town and enjoy classic races. Today, Newmarket has become a fashionable and prestigious destination.
Later history
By 1762, Newmarket had established a regular race schedule, featuring races in July. Between 1769 and 1770, the legendary racehorse Eclipse ran here, remaining unbeaten in 18 races, and a life-sized statue of him can be found on the Rowley Mile.
By 1840, Newmarket was hosting seven Class 1 races, spanning several days. In the early 20th century, King Edward VII frequently visited Newmarket, where he trained and kept his racehorses, which further boosted the venue's popularity and attracted many affluent horse owners from across England.
On July 2, 1929, Newmarket became the site of the country's first Totalisator. In 1949, it also hosted the first photo finish in the 2000 Guineas race. The July Course introduced starting gates for the first time in 1965. In 1970, Nijinsky etched his name in history as the last horse to win the Triple Crown, claiming victory in the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and St Leger in the same season.
Newmarket Nights were inaugurated in 1987, pioneering the initiative in the country before it spread to other tracks. The iconic Millennium Grandstand was opened by Queen Elizabeth in 2000 at the Rowley Mile, built at a cost of £19 million. In 2006, the July Course underwent a £10 million reconstruction.
Today, Newmarket boasts a capacity of 45,000 spectators, making it the largest and most prestigious racecourse in England, attracting both local fans and international visitors.