One of Britain’s most distinctive National Hunt racecourses is set to welcome horses back after an absence of eight years, with Towcester Racecourse aiming to stage its first jumps meeting of the 2027/28 National Hunt season.
Located just outside the market town of Towcester in Northamptonshire, close to the A5 and within easy reach of Milton Keynes and Northampton, the course has long been regarded as one of the most unique tests in British racing.
Its demanding uphill finish earned it the nickname “the home of the slow horse,” with stamina often proving more important than outright speed.
Towcester Racecourse Closed In 2019
Towcester last staged horse racing in 2019 before the racecourse closed following financial difficulties and administration, bringing the curtain down on a venue that had hosted racing for generations.
Since then, the site has continued to operate as one of Britain’s leading greyhound racing venues, hosting the prestigious English Greyhound Derby while plans were developed to bring horse racing back.
Those plans have now taken a major step forward. A landmark partnership with Betway will see the venue rebranded as Betway Towcester Racecourse, with more than £2 million being invested in refurbishing the track and facilities ahead of the planned return of National Hunt racing in autumn 2027.
Racecourse owners Orchestrate are also working with the British Horseracing Authority to secure the necessary licences and fixtures for the relaunch.
Towcester has produced plenty of memorable moments over the years, perhaps most famously when Sir Anthony McCoy partnered Mountain Tunes to record the 4,000th winner of his remarkable career in November 2013.
The track’s stiff uphill finish made it one of the most demanding jumping courses in the country and a favourite among many racing fans, trainers and jockeys.
The racecourse was also well known for its welcoming approach to racegoers. Between 2002 and 2006, admission was free for most fixtures, helping attract larger crowds and giving Towcester a reputation as one of the most affordable days out in British racing.
Only its busiest meetings, including Boxing Day and Easter Sunday, later introduced an admission charge.
The return of horse racing will mark an exciting new chapter for one of the sport’s most historic venues.
After years as a successful greyhound stadium, Towcester is preparing to welcome jump racing back to Northamptonshire, restoring a much-loved course that many feared had been lost for good.
