The History of Brighton Racecourse
Brighton has a long history of horseracing, with records dating back to the early 1700’s. The current site held its first public racing event in 1783 and was regularly attended by royalty, rumoured to be the place George IV invited hurdle racing on one of his frequent visits to the top-class course.
With its horseshoe layout and undulating ground, the racecourse is one of Britain’s most unique and one of its most picturesque, situated four-hundred feet above sea level and against the backdrop of the beach and coastline.
While it is one of the smaller racecourses in Britain in terms of prize money, the stunning venue is still popular today, bringing in huge crowds for its spectacular race days and events held throughout the year.
Brighton Racing Highlights
Brighton Racecourse has twenty-one flat racing fixtures you can attend over the year, held between the months of April and November.
The highlights these include the Mad Hatter’s Raceday in April, Gentlemen’s Day in June, and the hugely popular Festival of Racing. The Festival of Racing is a jam-packed three-day entertainment and racing event in August which also includes Ladies Day, one of the biggest events on the lineup.
Whether you’re a racing fan or just want to soak up the atmosphere and take in the stunning sea-side view, a day at the racecourse will be a highlight of your summer.
If you’re looking for a great day out with the kids, the racecourse also holds family fun days at the end of the summer holidays, featuring a whole host of children’s activities and entertainment that they’ll love!
Music and Events
Alongside its impressive lineup of racing highlights in spring and summer, Brighton Racecourse is also home to a variety of music and entertainment events throughout the year, and doubles as a popular venue for business and private functions.
While the racecourse is renowned for its world-class racing, it also boasts big-name bands and live
music acts in its calendar, with Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and Doves set to take the stage this summer.
If you’re looking for hotels near Brighton racecourse, we’ve got ideal options to choose from. Our ibis Brighton City Centre Station is just two miles from the racecourse and its central location makes it ideal for catching the train! Or, the Mercure Brighton Seafront is another fantastic option, situated just two miles away from the racecourse with stunning views of the beachfront.