TODAY at Newmarket there are two Group 1 races, and the important Cambridgeshire Handicap is also part of a wonderful race card. This week’s three-day meeting at Newmarket marked the opening of the Gold Season at the track.
Every autumn, the attention of horse racing fans together with the industry’s international movers and shakers turns to Newmarket. Showcasing some of the world’s most valuable thoroughbreds in the sales ring, on the racecourse and at stud, during this time Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse stages an unparalleled programme of quality racing and Tattersalls auctioneers host the most renowned yearling sale in Europe.
With so much happening during the Newmarket Gold Season, this is the perfect time to book a short break and fully immerse yourselves in the home of horseracing. Discover Newmarket, the town’s tourism body, provides a wealth of information and advice on how to make the most of your stay. In addition, they offer an unrivalled programme of fascinating guided tours which are available to book online through the Discover Newmarket website.
Crowds at Newmarket racecourse
In addition, bespoke tours can be tailor made for any number of people and are the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.
Tracey Harding, newly appointed Manager at Discover Newmarket said: “I have been overwhelmed with the variety of exciting tours that are on offer. These are truly fabulous experiences that will ensure you have a memorable visit to Newmarket.”
What to do
At the top of the list must be a day at the races and there are so many dates to choose from including the Dubai Future Champions Festival on Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12th. Too Darn Hot won last year’s feature, the Darley Dewhurst Stakes, just a few days after his brother made 3.5 million guineas to top the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, demonstrating the link between what happens on the track and in the sales ring.
However, your day can begin long before the first race. For the early birds, you can catch your first sight of these magnificent thoroughbreds with a trip to the legendary Gallops at Warren Hill. Afterwards, our expert guides can take you on a visit to one of a number of trainer’s yards where you will see a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes as well as meet the trainers themselves. Our Gold Season Feature Tour is with none other than Sir Mark Prescott who is renowned for his entertaining presentation skills.
If time is more pressing, then why not just opt for one of our Behind the Scene tours which run every race day, before racing begins. This is where you can visit areas not normally within the public domain which include the weighroom and parade ring.
Our immersive tours also include visits to Tattersalls, the Jockey Club Rooms, The National Stud and Dalham Hall Stud, headquarters of the Darley breeding operation.
Take in the town’s history with a visit to the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art. This newly opened venue, situated in Charles II former palace and stables provides a fascinating insight into the story of horse racing as well as the opportunity to meet former racehorses.
There is also a selection of independent shops along the High Street for you to browse and take home anything that tickles your fancy.
National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art
Where to eat
As far as evening entertainment is concerned, you could always sit back and sip a cocktail at The Roxana Bar inside the Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa or venture out into the town to sample the nightlife.
When it comes to eating out in Newmarket there are several fantastic places to try including Squires at the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, The Packhorse Inn in the nearby village of Moulton and The Pantry for their brilliant breakfasts.
There are also lots of independent tea houses and coffee shops all offering up something different for you to try.
Where to stay
Newmarket has a variety of accommodation on offer to suit all tastes and budgets. Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa provides a luxurious option with their four red stars, fabulous day spa and status as one of Suffolk’s gems.
The Heath Court Hotel and The Rutland Arms are both perfectly situated near the top of the High Street to allow you the ideal base from which to explore. Choose to sip one of the whiskies at the bar at the Heath Court or enjoy the peaceful surrounds in the cosy Nell Gwynn Lounge at The Rutland Arms as you relax after a busy day.
October 8th-10th: Tattersalls Tour
A guided tour of The Gallops, Trainer’s Yard, The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art as well as a behind the scenes tour of Tattersalls where you will witness the adrenaline as horses are paraded and bid on for thousands of Guineas.
Saturday, October 12th - Race Day Tour
This is the perfect tour to combine with a day’s racing and includes a visit to the Heritage Centre.
Saturday, October 12th – Short Head Tour
This popular half-day tour is ideal for those who want a glimpse into the world of racing.
Saturday, October 19th - Country Mile Tour
This action-packed day will show you all that Newmarket has to offer. From visiting our top attractions, Palace House and The National Stud as well as a morning on the gallops and behind the scenes yard tour.
Saturday, October 26th - Gold Season Feature Tour
This premier tour combines a visit to The Gallops and Jockey Club Rooms as well as a tour of Heath House with Sir Mark Prescott.
Cambridgeshire Meeting: September 26th-28th
Sun Chariot Day: October 5th
Dubai Future Campions Festival: October 11th-12th
Two Year Old Day: October 23rd
Final Meeting: November 1st-2nd
Sales
Tattersalls October Yearling Sales: October 8th-19th
Tattersalls Horses in Training Sales: October 28th-31st
Web: discovernewmarket.co.uk Tel: 0044 344 748 9200