Course Overview
Set on the highest point in this Sussex seaside city, Brighton Racecourse is a challenging, unusual racecourse on the edge of the South Downs.
Its quirky track – in the shape of a horseshoe – has similarities to Epsom, but certainly provides a unique test for runners and riders.
The course features a left-hand dog leg turn which is said to include one of the steepest descents in the world of racing. The descent, combined with testing undulating turf, guarantees one of the trickiest rides in the UK for jockeys.
The rolling nature of the course means Brighton favours small, agile types; especially front runners
Course Details
Brighton Racecourse
Freshfield Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 9XZ
By Foot or Car – Brighton racecourse is just a mile from the town centre, so there’s not far to travel once you’ve made it there. Car parking is all free. Details for your sat nav are Freshfield Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 9XZ
By Train – Rail services run to Brighton from London Bridge, Kings Cross, Victoria, Eastbourne, Lewes, Hastings, Portsmouth and Worthing. From the station, you can walk, or take a taxi. For large events and race days, shuttle buses are available. Similarly, coaches and other bus services also run scheduled to coincide with racecourse events.
By Air – Helicopters may land at Brighton racecourse if arranged in advance. Gatwick is 30 mins away by train for international visitors.
Hotels close to Brighton Racecourse
Brief History
The Duke of Cumberland organised the first public racing at the current site in 1783 although racing had been taking place in Brighton from before 1713. Early races were contested by members of the armed forces who were garrisoned in the town. The principal meeting took place in July or August and was timed to fit with the local Whitehawk Fair, which was discontinued by the 1820s.
According to legend, King George IV, when still Prince of Wales, invented hurdle racing at Brighton while out riding with aristocratic friends. They found some sheep pens which they proceeded to jump. A grandstand was erected in 1788, but burnt down on 23 August 1796, a fire blamed on a family of paupers who had been allowed to live in it.
In 1805, the races were faced with severe disruption when the farmer who leased the racecourse threatened to plough it up unless he received the complimentary gift of wine he usually got each season. He was in the process of beginning to plough when he was chased off by a press gang and the races allowed to continue.
The course was home for a while to top class racing, and was attended by fashionable society, but it drifted out of fashion when the Prince and his friends ceased to attend in 1816. By 1850 the railway had arrived in Brighton, allowing greater access for Londoners, and the course began to thrive again. A new stand was built, and the Brighton Cup inaugurated. Brighton's main meeting formed part of the "Sussex Fortnight" in summer - where the Glorious Goodwood festival was followed up by big meetings at Brighton and Lewes.
Crowds rose to over 20,000 in the period following the Second World War. At the time, grandstands existed on both sides of the home straight. In the 1960s, the course held a Derby Trial for six years. No runners went on to win the Derby, but two won the St. Leger. A new stand was built for £400,000 in 1965. Attendance declined as Brighton's tourist industry did, and the facility became run-down.
Racecourse owning group Northern Racing took a majority stake in 1998 and spent £4m refurbishing the course. As of 1999, Northern owned 81% of the course with Brighton & Hove City Council retaining a 19% interest. Northern Racing merged with Arena Racing in 2012 to become the Arena Racing Company.
Race Calendar
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Saturday 17 April – Evening Racing
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Tuesday 27-28 April – Afternoon Racing
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Tuesday 18 May – Afternoon Racing
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Monday 24 May – Afternoon Racing
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Friday 28 May – Gentlemen’s Afternoon
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Tuesday 1 June – Afternoon Racing
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Tuesday 15 June – Evening Racing
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Tuesday 22 June – Afternoon Racing
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Tuesday 29 June – Afternoon Racing
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Tuesday 6 July – Evening Racing
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Tuesday 13 July – Evening Racing
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Wednesday 4 August – Festival Of Racing
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Thursday 5 August – Festival Of Racing (Ladies Day)
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Friday 6 August – Festival Of Racing
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22-23 August – Afternoon Racing
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Monday 6 September – Afternoon Racing
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Monday 13 September – Afternoon Racing
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Tuesday 5 October – Afternoon Racing
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Thursday 14 October – Afternoon Racing
Summary
It’s a great seaside resort with plenty of things to keep you occupied, places to stay and a feeling of fun at all times. There is also a great nightlife in Brighton and make sure you visit the lanes for memento's!
The course itself is quirky and although the action isn’t as high class as some other courses, the sense of occasion, atmosphere and beautiful surroundings more than make up for it.
The three-day August Festival is a particular highlight.
This sunny, quirky seaside track should be on everyone’s bucket list! We love Brighton.