Wales has one racecourse that matters on the national stage. Chepstow. Nestled in the Wye Valley on the border with England, it's been the home of Welsh racing since 1926 — and the permanent home of the Welsh Grand National since 1949. If you want to understand Welsh National Hunt racing, you start here.
The Welsh Grand National is the big one. Run the day after Boxing Day over three miles, six furlongs and 136 yards, it's one of the toughest staying chases in the calendar. The ground is almost always testing. The fences are stiff. Horses need to stay, and stay well. It's become a proper trial for the Grand National at Aintree, and trainers from both sides of the Irish Sea target it.
But Chepstow isn't just a one-day wonder. It's a dual-purpose track that runs flat racing through the summer and National Hunt from autumn through spring. The October Festival kicks off the jumps season in Wales with a bang — quality novice chases and hurdles that often produce Cheltenham Festival contenders. The flat programme includes Listed races and competitive handicaps.
What defines Chepstow is the ground. The course sits in a valley with clay-based soil that holds moisture. When the rain comes — and it often does in South Wales — the going turns heavy. Horses that handle soft ground thrive here. It's a proper test of stamina and constitution.
This guide covers everything you need to know. The course layout, the key fixtures, the facilities, how to get there, and the practical details that'll help you plan your visit. Whether you're heading for the Welsh Grand National or a midweek summer card, you'll find it all here.
The Course & Layout
Chepstow's layout is straightforward but demanding. The track is a left-handed, galloping oval of roughly a mile and a half, with a long straight of about five furlongs. What makes it tough isn't the shape — it's the ground and the undulations.
The Jumps Course
The National Hunt course is the star. It's used for the Welsh Grand National and all the major jumps fixtures. The chase course has 12 fences per circuit, including an open ditch. They're stiff, fair fences — nothing quirky, but they take jumping. The hurdle course runs inside the chase track and follows a similar route.
The key characteristic is the climb. The back straight rises noticeably before turning for home, and the run-in has a slight incline. Combined with the heavy ground that Chepstow is famous for, it's a proper stamina test. Horses that win here tend to be genuine stayers who relish a battle.
The Flat Course
The flat track sits inside the jumps course. It's a left-handed oval of about a mile and a quarter, with a five-furlong straight. The surface is the same turf that gets heavy in winter — so even in summer, when the ground is good, it can ride on the soft side after rain. The course is fair: no pronounced draw bias, though low draws can have a slight advantage on the straight course when the ground is soft.
Ground Conditions
Chepstow's reputation for heavy going is well earned. The course sits in the Wye Valley with clay soil that drains slowly. In winter, you'll often see "Heavy" or "Soft, Heavy in places" on the going stick. The Welsh Grand National has been run on heavy ground more often than not over the years. If you're planning a visit in December or January, pack your wellies — and if you're betting, favour horses that act on deep ground.
For more on how the track plays for betting, see our betting guide to Chepstow.
Key Fixtures & Calendar
Chepstow's calendar revolves around two peaks: the Welsh Grand National in late December and the October Festival in early autumn. Everything else slots in around them.
Welsh Grand National Day
The biggest day of the year. Run the day after Boxing Day — 27 December in most years — the Welsh Grand National is a Premier Handicap Chase worth £150,000. It attracts a full field of staying chasers and draws crowds of around 8,000. The supporting card includes quality handicaps and novice chases. Book early if you're planning to go — it sells out.
October Festival
The Chepstow October Festival is the biggest early-season jumps meeting in Wales. Usually held over a weekend in mid-October, it features the Persian War Novices' Hurdle, the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle, and a host of competitive novice chases. Trainers use it as a stepping stone to Cheltenham — several Festival winners have had their first serious run of the season here.
Winter Programme
Between October and April, Chepstow hosts regular National Hunt fixtures. Saturday cards tend to be stronger, with Listed and Premier Handicap races. Midweek meetings are more modest but still competitive. The ground is typically soft or heavy from November onwards.
Summer Flat Season
Flat racing runs from April through October. The programme includes Listed races and Heritage Handicaps. It's not Ascot or York, but the racing is honest and the atmosphere relaxed. A good option if you're in the area and fancy an afternoon at the races without the winter chill.
For a full breakdown of what to expect on a visit, see our day out guide.
Facilities & Hospitality
Chepstow holds around 8,000 spectators. It's not a vast arena like Aintree or Cheltenham, but the facilities are solid and the viewing is good. You're never far from the action.
Enclosures
The main enclosures are the Premier Enclosure and the Grandstand & Paddock. The Premier Enclosure gives you access to the best viewing areas, the parade ring, and the winners' enclosure. It's the place to be on Welsh Grand National day if you want to soak up the atmosphere. The Grandstand & Paddock offers good value — you still get paddock access and decent views of the track.
There's also a general admission area for those on a budget. You won't get the same views, but you'll see the racing and the atmosphere still comes through.
Hospitality
Chepstow offers a range of hospitality packages. The main restaurant overlooks the track and does a good job on racedays. For groups, there are private boxes and party packages. The Welsh Grand National and October Festival are the busiest — book well ahead if you want a table or a box.
Betting and Amenities
There are on-course bookmakers and Tote facilities. The betting ring is compact but adequate. Toilets, bars, and food outlets are spread around the course. Nothing flash, but everything you need for a day at the races. On wet days, covered areas are limited — another reason to dress for the weather.
Accessibility
The course has step-free access in the main areas, though the terrain can be uneven in places. Contact the racecourse in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements — they're helpful and will sort you out.
Getting to Chepstow
Chepstow sits on the English–Welsh border, a few miles from the M4 and the Severn Bridge. It's accessible, but not on a main rail line — most visitors drive.
By Car
The postcode NP16 6BE will get you there. From the M4, take junction 21 (Chepstow) and follow the signs. The racecourse is about two miles from the motorway. Parking is on-site and usually included in your ticket. On Welsh Grand National day, arrive early — the car parks fill up and the roads get busy.
From Bristol, it's about 25 minutes. From Cardiff, 35 minutes. From London, allow two hours. The M4/M48 corridor makes it straightforward.
By Train
Chepstow has a station on the Gloucester–Newport line. Services run from Cardiff, Newport, and Gloucester, but they're not frequent. The station is about two miles from the racecourse — a taxi or local bus will complete the journey. On big racedays, some racegoers get the train to Newport or Bristol and drive or share a taxi from there.
By Bus
Local bus services connect Chepstow town with Newport and surrounding areas. The racecourse isn't on a direct route — you'd need to get off in town and walk or taxi the rest. For most visitors, driving is simpler.
Practical Tip
If you're coming from across the Severn, factor in bridge tolls (westbound only). And if it's Welsh Grand National day, book accommodation early — Chepstow and nearby towns fill up.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Read moreThe History of Chepstow Racecourse
From its 1926 opening to hosting the Welsh Grand National — the fascinating story of Chepstow Racecourse.
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