Fontwell Races

Fontwell Racecourse, also known as Fontwell Park Racecourse, is a left-handed British horse racing venue in West Sussex.

This is a National Hunt track for races over jumps only, and Fontwell races is unique in that the chase course is completely different to the hurdles track.

Events over the smaller obstacles take place on a traditional oval course of a mile in length. This includes the feature Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle, in February, run over two miles and three furlongs. The chase track, however, is shaped into a figure of eight.

The big race over fences is the Southern National, a handicap chase at a distance of three miles and three furlongs in November. It’s worth noting that artificial surfaces are used on the bends as these were previously prone to flooding.

Fontwell Racecourse Fixtures And Events 2021

jan 2021

feb 2021

mar 2021

apr 2021

may 2021

jun 2021

jul 2021

aug 2021

sept 2021

oct 2021

nov 2021

dec 2021

THU 14th Jan Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

SUN 31st Jan Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

WED 10th Feb Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

THU 18th Feb Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

SUN 28th Feb Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

WED 10th Mar Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

SAT 20th Mar Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

MON 29th Mar Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

FRI 16th Apr Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

WED 5th May Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Evening

THU 13th May Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Evening

SUN 30th May Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

WED 9th Jun Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

There are no events this month

THU 19th Aug Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Evening

THU 26th Aug Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Evening

SUN 5th Sept Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

FRI 1st Oct Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

SAT 2nd Oct Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

WED 20th Oct Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

FRI 5th Nov Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

SUN 14th Nov Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

TUE 7th Dec Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

SUN 26th Dec Fontwell Park South

Turf Jump Afternoon

Confirmed races in plain text. Confirmed pattern races in bold text. Unconfirmed races in grey text.

Fontwell Races Tips

Jamie Moore is the only jockey that rode more than 40 winners at Fontwell Racecourse in the five National Hunt seasons between 2015-16 and 2019-20. He did so at a 20 per cent strike rate in the saddle, but other ridders had better averages.
They include Richard Johnson (33/119) and Harry Cobden (25/85).
Gary Moore was the leading trainer in that period, saddling 68 winners at Fontwell races at an 18 per cent success ratio.
Anthony Honeyball (24/68) and Paul Nicholls (35/89) had even better strike rates with their horses, however.

The jockey's view

By Bryony Frost - Most successful female jump jockey in history

The chase track at Fontwell Racecourse is a figure of eight so horses that prefer to jump slightly left or slightly right will get their preferred way at some point. There’s a stiff incline up the hill to the finish and horses can come from anywhere. If the ground is better you’re more likely to see front running horses do well. They’ve added sand to the bottom bend because it got so testing and horses can come out of the shoot at the last and then get a bit lonely if they’re out in front.

The hurdle track is very simple, all round the outside. You find that with a circuit to go you have to be on tail because everyone will kick on down the hill.

Fontwell Racecourse Behind Closed Doors

Fontwell races are currently being run behind closed doors because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. This is set to be reviewed and updated in line with government advice, with Fontwell Racecourse keen to welcome back punters as soon as it is safe to do so.

It’s still worth checking Fontwell races fixtures because the decision to allow spectators in could change. If you book tickets to a Fontwell Racecourse event that is then moved to behind closed doors, refunds will be processed through the official course website.