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Tuesday 7 December 2021

History of Hexham Racecourse

Hexham Racecourse is a thoroughbred racing venue that is located in Hexham in Northumberland – England. Suitably positioned 800 feet above sea level at High Yarridge, the left-handed circuit measures one-and-a-half miles, with a hilly rise toward the finishing line. The racecourse’s run-in stretches over 250 yards and it is perfectly laid out with a zero gradient. 

Additionally, the Hexham National Hunt course features ten fences meant for steeplechase events. Hexham holds the record of the being the northernmost National Hunt sporting arena in the whole of England. Since it is situated in a majorly remote locale, there are no events held at the racecourse in the month of February.

The rich history of Hexham Racecourse spans over one hundred years. Opening its doors in 1890 as low-profile racing spot, the sporting arena has established itself as one of the most remarkable facilities in northern Britain and the United Kingdom as a whole. The management and fans celebrated 125 years of racing success in 2015. 

The spectacular 2015 celebrations attracted countless hordes of electrified racing fanatics and prominent track personages from the entire country. At the same time, the anniversary elicited extensive media coverage on television and in various print bulletins. It was an unprecedentedly thrilling day as the administration articulated one laudable milestone after another. It gave Hexham a new birth of fame and popularity that reverberated across the global horse sporting fraternity. 

At the time of its opening in 1890, Rothbury and Newcastle were the only steeplechasing courses at Hexham. However, the venue has now made distinct advancements and presently boasts a bigger and more refurbished steeplechasing facility. Little is known about the racing occasions that took place before 1890. It is nevertheless believed that several dozens of horse riding events were held at Hexham Racecourse.

Nonetheless, official documents show that the first recorded racing event happened on 23 April 1890. The preliminary 6 card occasion attracted a total of 31 participants. Some of the 19th racing event’s organisers included Sir Loftus Bates and Charles Henderson. Again, the awards give to early winners are not captured in the available historical documents. 
While irrefutable evidence shows that the location was used for low-profile horse riding tournaments that were locally organised, the sporting occasions held at Hexham before 1890 were arranged and run before it became a registered racecourse. It became a racecourse only after an influential group of well-off gentlemen pooled resources to purchase land for the sporting grounds from Charles Henderson.

After accepting to sell the land for the noble community initiative, Charles Henderson volunteered his horse riding acumen to the management of the fledgeling racing amenity. Coupled with the insightful ideas from the other devoted members of the close-knit group, the devoted bunch of racing enthusiasts gradually steered the new racing grounds through debilitating obstacles to its present glory.  

Besides having well-structured courses and tracks, Hexham has top class hospitality facilities to cater for their visitor’s needs. Whether it's soft or alcoholic beverages, the management has pubs and restaurants that offer scrumptious indigenous and exotic cuisines. With a wide range of affordable dining and accommodation facilities, guests at Hexham have a wide hospitality services packages.*

Visit Hexham racecourse here

Contact detail: Hexham Racecourse, High Yarridge, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 2JP

Tel: 01434 606881 

Email: robert@hexham-racecourse.co.uk 

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