For nine months of the year the season is on at Huntingdon, the course which the racegoers (the Racegoers Club) have voted to be the Best Small Racecourse in the South Midlands and East Anglia. This lovely racing venue in the heart of scenic Cambridgeshire offers National Hunt events in a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for families and newcomers to the racing scene, this racecourse lives up to all expectations.
Address: The Racecourse, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE18 8NN
Phone: 01480 453 373
The first race meeting in the Huntingdon area was recorded on 1775, mentioning a horse race taking place at the neighbouring Port Holme. However, the racing either did not take hold immediately, as the next record of a racing event is dated 1898, reporting a two-day event in July and another in August.
In 1906 it was decided to move the racing grounds from Port Holme, but it wasn't until 1920, the year that saw the formation of the Huntingdon Steeple Chase Group, that Brampton became a stronghold of horse racing passion.
When John Goodcliff was appointed Chairman of the Steeple Chase Committee in 1952, he began a campaign of improvements and renovations that have led to the fabulous racecourse we know today. For his efforts in transforming the racecourse, a feat he achieved to his satisfaction in 1967, Goodcliffe was honoured to have a defining feature of the race named after him, the open ditch in front of the Grandstand.
Note: A complimentary shuttle bus runs from Huntingdon Station to the racecourse on race days.
Alternatively:
Huntingdon is located ½ mile from the Junction 22 on the A14. On race days - and otherwise - there is ample signage to lead the way.
Packages: All hospitality packages available at Huntingdon include: private hospitality suite with great views of the track, admission badges, formal or informal dining, sit down or buffet menus, race day programmes, waitress service, a private bar, live racing coverage, and licensed betting facilities. Every package is available with Gold or Silver upgrades, as well as a supplementary list of 'Finishing Touches'.
Restaurant Dining: Huntingdon is also home to The Peterborough Chase Restaurant, which provides great views of the course, as well as delicious three course meals and afternoon tea options. The restaurant has betting facilities and a private viewing balcony for the guests.
Weddings: Since it would be selfish to keep all the glorious grounds for horse aficionados only, Huntingdon offers its services as the backdrop for the happiest day of your life. With banqueting, indoors and outdoors options, the team at Huntingdon Racecourse will make it a day to remember come rain or come shine.