Hexham Racecourse Guide
Hexham Racecourse describes itself as a warm and friendly racecourse that is one of the most scenic in the country. It’s not a statement you can disagree with too much either, the small racecourse is a welcoming venue with some great views 600 feet above Hexham.
While it is a jumps only course, it holds most its fixtures between the spring and autumn, outside of the main National Hunt season. It typically has 17 meetings a year, regularly offering spectators some good value live racing.
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Map
The Course
While many jockeys would consider Hexham to be a fair course, it isn’t one without its tests. The undulations around the left-handed course and steep climb up the back straight can sometimes see horses struggle. Setting off too early is a common mistake and it ends up being a very long way to the finishing post after the final bend.
The fences are regarded as easy although falls do occur, often due to the lower-standard of horses/jockeys in attendance. The ground can often have a big say in the outcome of the race so it’s good to get a ground report before placing any bets.
Major Races
There is no standout race at Hexham although the summer Ladies Day meeting is considered to be a premium fixture and has a little more of that special occasion feel to it.
Visiting
Weekend and bank holiday fixtures appear regularly at Hexham so finding a day to visit isn’t usually too difficult.
Useful Info
Dress Code
Smart casual is the dress code at Hexham. Smart jeans are accepted but football shirts are not. Due to the grassy area in front of the stands, stiletto heels which may sink in, are not advised.
Ticket Prices
The vast majority of racedays at Hexham cost the same price and there is no discount purchasing online compared to buying at the turnstiles. Club Enclosure tickets costs £20 and in the Paddock Enclosure it’s £12.
Seniors (65+) receive a £2 discount per ticket, both online and on the gate and students with a valid ID can also get the same discount but only when buying on the day.
The only exception to this pricing is Ladies Day where all tickets are £3 more expensive. Restaurant packages range from between £65 to £81 per person.
Membership
The standard price for membership at Hexham is £130 but seniors receive a reduced rate of £115. Over 45 reciprocal fixtures come with membership and badge holders will also be able to go a Durham County Cricket match for free.
As well as this, you will have exclusive access to a parade ring facing room where complimentary tea and coffee is served on all Hexham racedays.
Getting There
You shouldn’t see too much traffic around the course given its size and location so driving there, using the postcode NE46 2JP for your satnav, is rarely a problem. If using public transport, the nearest train station is Hexham which is linked directly to Newcastle and Carlisle.
From the train station, and also the bus station, a first come first service shuttle bus is in operation every raceday, with the pickup times posted on the racecourse website several days prior.
Parking
There is plenty of free parking that includes disabled spaces is available every meeting.
History
There is some evidence that points to racing in Hexham existing as early as 1793 but the only conclusive proof dates it back to the more recent year of 1890. Durham businessman, Charles Henderson was the man responsible for making sure racing was ready to get underway in April 1890.
Charles Henderson
Henderson was a keen sporting man with some experience in the saddle himself. His family had recently sold the Durham Carpet Company and with the funds available, a small group of local influential gentleman turned to him to try and get racing going at Hexham. Henderson became heavily involved in the project, not just financially but also taking entire responsibility of the course management.
Improvements
He then went on to purchase the racecourse land in 1907 so he could make further improvements including planting copper beech hedge wings that still exist today. That year saw the inaugural running of the Heart Of All England Cup which also still remains. When Charles passed away in 1914, ownership transferred to his son, Stephen. The post-war years were a difficult period so Stephen turned the racecourse into a private limited company.
Post War
Things picked up during the 1930s and attendances began to flourish. Progress was halted by the war as Hexham was requisitioned by the War Department to be used as an ammunitions depot. Kit Patterson, one of the key figures in Northern Racing, took charge of the course after the conflict ended and did so until 1990. He would be replaced by Charles Henderson’s great grandson, Major Charles Enderby who has helped provide continuous and significant upgrades to the course.