Our Story
Plumpton has a story full of character, milestones, and memorable moments. Over nearly 150 years, the course has witnessed royal visits, record-breaking rides, music festivals, and legendary horses – all set against the backdrop of the beautiful South Downs. Here's a look back at the key events and fascinating facts that have shaped Plumpton Racecourse through the decades.
The Beginning of Plumpton
Plumpton began life as a coursing venue, officially opening on 28th December 1876 with the Plumpton Coursing Company Ltd officially formed in 1882 under Mr W.F. Wheatley.
In 1884, Plumpton held its first horse racing meeting. The opening race, a hunters’ selling hurdle, was won by Cowslip, ridden by Harry Escott, who remarkably rode a treble that day. The first steeplechase was won by Olanleigh, ridden by his owner, Captain Fisher.
Mr Alexander Popham purchased the Plumpton Sporting Estate in 1888, bringing coursing to an end in 1889. He opened a new steeplechase circuit in 1890, but declared bankruptcy three years later in 1893 with management passing to Mr Bleakley.
Fun Fact (1906):
On 17th December, two unrelated horses, Mr. Schomberg and Lord Schomberg, both won races on the same day.
Becoming Plumpton Racecourse
In 1902, Plumpton officially became Plumpton Racecourse, with Pratt & Co. appointed as racecourse managers. That year, a new 2-mile hurdle chute was introduced in the centre of the course, coursing was briefly reintroduced, and the first Easter Sunday meeting was held.
The final coursing meeting at Plumpton took place on 2nd October 1908.
Racing was suspended in 1916 due to World War I, resuming on 17th December 1919.
Fun Fact (1909):
Plumpton hosted its last dead-heat runoff on 10th April between Marcellin and Santa Claus, with Santa Claus winning the decider.
Growth and Challenges
1937 Plumpton received a £877 drainage improvement grant from the Racecourse Betting Control Board. In todays money this would be around £75,000.
Racing was again paused in 1942 during World War II, resuming on 20th February 1946. Pennywise won the first race back, and the course layout was adjusted, with the water jump repositioned.
Fun Fact (1939):
On 15th March, Silver Grail, ridden by future Olympic gold medallist Harry Llewellyn, won the Hunters’ Chase.
The Modern Era
- 1961: Plumpton was purchased by Isidore Kerman, who in 1962 improved visibility by reducing the brow of the hill.
- 1963: The Queen Mother celebrated her first winner at Plumpton on 15th April with Super Fox.
- 1964: The stable staff hostel opened.
- 1967: The Regency Stand (now the Sussex Stand) was completed.
- 1968: Bob Champion rode his first career winner (Altercation) at Plumpton on 17th January.
- 1969: The 9th National Jazz & Blues Festival, now Reading and Leeds Festival, was hosted at Plumpton, featuring Black Sabbath and later a concert by The Who.
Notable Moments
- 4th March 1980: HRH The Prince of Wales rode Long Warf to finish second in the Mad Hatters private sweepstake, behind Classified ridden by TV presenter Derek Thompson.
- 26th April 1983: A new weighing room was opened by Sir Ian Trethowan.
- 1987: On 3rd March, the Southdown Stand opened.
- 1990: The Kybo Stand (now the Lewes Stand) was opened.
- 1993: On 30th August, Manhattan Boy won the Peacehaven Selling Hurdle for a record fifth time, achieving 14 wins at Plumpton.
Fun Fact (2003)
On 15th December, Plumpton omitted a chase fence due to low sun for the first time
Changing Ownership and Celebrated Horses
- 1996: Lingfield Park assumed management of Plumpton.
- 1998: Current owners Peter Savill and Captain Adrian Pratt purchased the course.
- 5th April 1999: The Joker Jack Retirement Chase commemorated Joker Jack, who ran 34 of his 99 races at Plumpton. He finished last and became the last horse to ever jump the water jump.
- 2005: On 12th December, Voy Por Ustedes won and later took the Arkle Challenge Trophy, claiming the Plumpton Bonus.
- 2009: On 9th February, Tony McCoy rode his 3,000th winner. Plumpton’s Groundstaff won the Best Jumps Course Award.
- 2014: Clerk of the Course Mark Cornford received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 2022: On 19th January, Mark of Gold gave Gary Moore his 200th Plumpton-trained winner.
- 2023: Plumpton’s Groundstaff were named Racecourse of the Year.
- 2025: On 3rd April, Marc Goldstein achieved a remarkable 5,745-1 four-timer. On 21st April, Tom Cannon celebrated his 100th Plumpton winner.
