UK Race Courses
Wincanton
Wincanton is thought to have been the scene of the earliest steeplechases ever held. Matches between hunting folk were a feature of the areas countryside and by the commencement of the 19th Century, Easter Monday at Wincanton had become a recognised fixture. The course at this time was at Hatherleigh Farm, South West of Wincanton town and it wasn’t until 1925 that the course moved to its present location at Kingwell Farm.
Steeplechasing was not a great public attraction until the 1830’s and for many years afterwards it had no governing body or recognised rules. In 1861 there was the formation of the National Hunt Committee that regularised Steeplechasing and Wincanton Hunt Steeplechases were instituted under National Hunt rules. The first meeting under the new regime was held on Easter Monday, April 3, 1895. The prize money at this time would have been the equivalent to a modern day point to point meeting and it was not long before the attendants and prize money increased accordingly.
In 1913 the racecourse became known under its present title of Wincanton Races Co., Limited but racing was postponed until after the First World War and resumed on Easter Monday in 1920.
The following year the racecourse ran into financial difficulties and the late Lord Stalbridge, of Motcombe House, Shaftesbury took a hand that saved Wincanton from liquidation. A new board of Directors was formed with Lord Stalbridge as Chairman.
In 1925 the leases on the Hatherleigh Farm expired. The Company then purchased Kingwell Farm and surrounding property and built a new course with financial aid from Lord Stalbridge. The first meeting at the new course was Easter Monday, 1927.
There was no racing at Wincanton during the war and the Military Authorities requisitioned the land. After the war Lord Stalbridge was unable to take an active part due to ill-health and the racecourse was put up for sale. Ten local sportsmen who had the interests of National Hunt racing at heart bought it. They carried out essential restoration work on the stands, buildings and course between themselves so that it was ready for the post war meeting in October 1945.
Lord Stalbridge died in 1949 and the ‘Lord Stalbridge Memorial Handicap Chase’ is run at the Boxing Day meeting in remembrance of him.
Wincanton Racecourse was purchased by Racecourse Holdings Trust (RHT) on 9th March 1966. RHT owns thirteen racecourses across the country including Cheltenham, Aintree and Sandown and are proud to provide consistent delivery of excellent racing programmes.
Wincanton Racecourse has invested £1.6 million in upgrading the facilities since 2001 and is half way through a £3 million-redevelopment project. The facilities and quality of racing are to an exceptional standard and we look forward to the future redevelopments and to continue to provide a quality-racing programme.