Set against the striking backdrop of Hereford countryside, Hereford Racecourse boasts a rich and varied history dating back to 1771, making it one of the oldest tracks still in operation. With its unique blend of tradition and modern revival, Hereford Racecourse holds a special place in the tapestry of British horseracing.
The roots of racing in Hereford can be traced back as far as 1771, with flat racing taking place on the outskirts of the city until 1883. In 1840, the crowds witnessed the first hurdle race at Hereford, marking a new beginning for the course. By the mid 1800s, meetings were regularly advertised in local newspapers, and the course was drawing horses and jockeys from across the West Midlands and Wales.
The 20th century brought both expansion and uncertainty. Racing was suspended at Hereford Racecourse during both World Wars and didn’t resume until 1946. Upon its return, the course received £14,000 in investment and land leased by Herefordshire City Council. By the mid-20th century, the course became a fixture in the National Hunt calendar, staging regular jump racing fixtures through the autumn and winter months. It also developed a reputation for being a challenging track for horses and jockeys alike, due to its sharp bends and testing ground conditions.
From 1960 – 1969, the course was completely modernised, featuring some of the buildings which are still on site today. From 1970 – 1974, the number of race days held at Hereford increased from 9 to 15, due to the reallocation of fixtures after the closure of Stockton Racecourse, leading to a record-breaking number of runners in 1975, where the course hosted 219 runners in one day across 14 races.
In 2012, Hereford Racecourse temporarily closed its doors. This marked a significant moment in the course’s history. In a turn of fortune for local racing enthusiasts, the course reopened in 2016, with jump racing returning to the city after a four-year hiatus. The revival was warmly welcomed with 5,000 racegoers attending the course, breathing new life into the historic venue and reaffirming its place on Britain’s racing map.
Since its reopening, Hereford Racecourse has hosted a regular programme of National Hunt fixtures. Owned and operated by Arena Racing Company, it continues to build on its legacy while embracing modern facilities and crowd-friendly innovations.
The track itself is almost rectangular in shape with a length of 1m 3f, and a long run-in and fair galloping layout. Its compact size offers excellent viewing for racegoers, allowing fans to enjoy the thrill of the sport up close.
With racing now firmly reestablished at Hereford Racecourse, the course is set to gallop confidently into its future chapters, echoing the cheers of centuries past with every stride.
