Newmarket Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing facility that is located in Suffolk, England. It is one of the largest racing venues in the entire country. With a crowd capacity of about 45,000, the facility is popularly referred to as the headquarters of horse racing in Britain. Without a doubt, it is one of the most influential horse racing amenities in the United Kingdom. Its state-of-the-art facilities have distinguished it from the other middling racing establishments in England and Europe at large. It has evidently cut itself a coveted niche as a premier destination of choice for top ranking jockeys and spirited racing enthusiasts from all over the world.
There are good reasons why Newmarket is seen as the headquarters of horse racing in the United Kingdom. First, it is one of the leading racecourses with regard to the number training yards. With tens of well-structured and fully equipped training yards, it is ranked above even the most widely praised sporting facilities within the same rating and category. Newmarket not only has numerous training yards but also keeps hundreds of competent health-related professionals to ensure a most rewarding experience for both jockeys and their gallant horses. With hi-tech first aid and emergency human health services, the racecourse is simply in a top class of its own. Again, there are animal health experts to take care of thoroughbreds in the event of injury.
Some of the leading racing organisations at Newmarket include Tattersalls, the National Horseracing Museum, and the National Stud. During track events organised by these racing organisations, crowds throng the spacious stadia and turf to the tune of tens of thousands. It is a booming opportunity for sports journalists from different media houses from all over the world. Sponsors and betting companies also join the thrilling horse racing to promote their brands and make a quick pound respectively.
Newmarket is arguably one of the oldest racing facilities in Britain. Racing at the venue dates back to the days of James I. In fact, Charles II was a regular high-ranking guest at the then fledgeling racing facility. Charles II attended track events in the company of his brother who would later become a noteworthy monarch, James II. Around this time (most sports historians place this within the 1740s) the racecourse only had two major races – The King’s Plate and The Town Plate. However, the administration added two more notable races before the end of 1745. This additional sporting activity was sponsored by a group of local charitable traders.
During the times of Charles II and James I, racing activities at Newmarket were only held twice a year. Although most of the track activities take place in April, some sporting activities are also a constant spectacle for a few days in October, every year. While the very first racing activities such as competitions and race-planning meetings were paid for by the landed gentry, the management would later use track activities to generate money for financing the racecourse’s everyday activities. The idea to use track events and extra-sporting activities to generate money for the racecourse was touted in the second spring meeting that was held at Newmarket in 1753.
In terms of design, Newmarket is one of the most well-laid-out racecourses in the United Kingdom. The facility, in fact, has two courses – the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide and expansive tracks that are exclusively used for flat races only. The Rowley Mile Course has one mile and 2 furlongs straight with minor undulations that move toward the bushes – measuring up to two furlongs. The second last furlong covers a downhill stretch while the very last furlong forms 'The Dip’. The races beyond the distance start on the Cesarewitch and the Beacon’ course which turns right-handed into the straight. The July course, which is also called the summer course, has one mile straight which is also called the Bunbury Mile.
Racegoers and sports' fans at Newmarket are a commendably disciplined lot that chooses their dressing code with utmost care. As such, the track has had very few problems with patrons with regard to the issue of dressing. However, some visiting guests have occasionally had to be warned that wearing fancy dressing such as would make other people feel offer ended.
Nonetheless, it is imperative to understand that the kind of dressing allowed at the facility depends on the area and the category of people in question. Trainers, for example, are not allowed to wear casual clothing such as t-shirts and jeans. While the dressing code may also be dictated by the occasion at hand, it is imperative to familiarise oneself with the prevailing dress codes to avoid finding yourself on the wrong side of the racecourse’s regulations. It is also important to note that the management may refuse an ill-dressed visitor/guest or terminate a contractual engagement with corporate partners who don’t seem to adhere to the stipulated dressing rules. As they popularly say, prestige comes at a price and Newmarket sets an example of class and refinement.
For people who are visiting the Grandstand, the Paddock, and the Family Enclosure, the dressing code is a little bit more relaxed. For instance, racegoers around these areas are allowed to wear shorts and T-shirts while enjoying the sun. The only common restrictions that the racegoers may have to bear with are those touching on things such as the appropriateness of the clothing one and the religious attire guidelines to be embraced by racegoers to avoid vexing others or infringing on their rights. For example, it is illegal to walk or be found bare-chested in these three areas.
Newmarket Racecourse is not only famous for racing events alone. It is a hospitality behemoth that provides a number of unrivalled meeting and conferencing services that other racing sports can only dream of. Whether it is a wedding reception or a corporate get-together, Newmarket is without an inkling of doubt the place to take your function. Their caterers and technical support staff teams are ever willing to partner with you to make your ceremony/occasion a memorable success.
Visit Newmarket Racecourse Here
Contact details: Newmarket Racecourses, Westfield House, The Links, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 0TG
Tel: Ticketing 0344 579 3010
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