Hexham Racecourse

Hexham Racecourse

Logo of Hexham Racecourse
Hexham Racecourse
Location	Hexham, Northumberland
Owned by	Hexham and Northern Marts
Operated by	Independent
Date opened	1890
Screened on	Sky Sports Racing
Course type	National Hunt
Notable races	Heart of all England Maiden Hunters’ Chase
Official website

Hexham Racecourse is a National Hunt racecourse located in Hexham, Northumberland.

History

Documents show that Hexham Racecourse recorded its first event on 23 April 1890. It was a 6 race occasion with 31 participants. Whilst some racing had taken place on the grounds that house Hexham Racecourse today as early as 1793, it was not until 1890 when local businessman Charles Henderson started creating the racecourse and eventually bought the land in 1907. It was the same year that had the first running of Hexham's biggest race, the Heart of all England Cup. Racing continued between WWI and WWII. During the latter, Hexham Racecourse was requisitioned and utilised as an ammunition store.^[1][2]

In 1990, Charles Henderson's great grandson Major Charles Enderby took over running the racecourse until 2016. During this time, in 2015, the course celebrated its 125 anniversary.^[3][4][5]

In 2016, Hexham Racecourse was purchased by current owners Hexham and Northern Marts.^[6][7]

Course

Hexham Racecourse hosts fixtures between March and June, and September to December. No race days take place in January or February due its northerly location.^[8][9]

Hosting only National Hunt races, Hexham is a left handed course with undulations and a notably steep climb from the end of the back straight to the finish line. It is noted for a testing finish.^[10]

References

1. "Racecourse History". Hexham Racecourse. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
2. "The History of Hexham Racecourse". Racecourse Directory. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
3. "Colourful history of Hexham Racecourse". Hexham Courant. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
4. "Hexham Racecourse 125 Anniversary Celebrations" (PDF). ROA. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
5. "Home-trained triumph in Hexham's feature race". Hexham Courant. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
6. "New owners for Hexham Racecourse". ITV. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
7. "Racecourse sold to mart in historic deal". Hexham Courant. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
8. "Hexham". British Racecourses. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
9. White, John (2003), Racecourses, London: Collins, pp. 94–95, ISBN 0-00-716655-9
10. "Hexham". AtTheRaces. Retrieved 29 June 2022.