Introduction
Huntingdon Racecourse has been a fixture of British jump racing since 1886. Located at Brampton, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, the course has evolved into one of the most respected National Hunt venues in the East of England. The Peterborough Chase — first run in 1969 — has become a recognised stepping stone to the Cheltenham Festival and has attracted some of the sport's greatest names.
What makes Huntingdon's history distinctive is the quality of racing it has consistently attracted. The flat, right-handed track suits slick jumpers, and the course has produced its share of future stars. Desert Orchid, Edredon Bleu, Best Mate, and One Man have all won the Peterborough Chase — a roll call that speaks to the race's standing.
This guide traces Huntingdon's story from its origins through the Peterborough Chase era, famous moments, and the modern era. For the course today, see the complete guide. For the Peterborough Chase and its place in the calendar, we've got that covered too.
Origins
Huntingdon Racecourse was established in 1886, making it a relative newcomer compared to venues like Newmarket or Cheltenham. The course was built at Brampton, near Huntingdon, in the Cambridgeshire countryside. From the outset, it was designed for National Hunt racing.
Early Years
The late Victorian era saw a surge in the popularity of jump racing. Huntingdon was part of that expansion — a new venue built to serve the East of England. The flat, well-drained site was well suited to racing, and the course quickly established itself in the regional calendar.
The Track Takes Shape
The oval, right-handed layout that defines Huntingdon today was established early. The flat profile favoured speed and jumping fluency, and the course developed a reputation for producing slick, fluent jumpers. That character has endured for over a century.
Building a Reputation
Through the early 20th century, Huntingdon staged regular meetings and attracted horses from the Midlands and the South. The course was a reliable fixture in the jumps calendar, though it lacked a flagship race that would define its identity. That would change with the creation of the Peterborough Chase.
The Peterborough Chase Era
The Peterborough Chase was first run in 1969 as the Peterborough Handicap Chase. It received its current name in 1979 and quickly established itself as Huntingdon's flagship event. The race is run over approximately 2 miles 4 furlongs with 16 fences — a test of speed and jumping that suits the course's flat, oval layout.
A Grade 2 Stepping Stone
The Peterborough Chase was upgraded to Grade 2 status, recognising its place in the jumps calendar. The December timing positions it as a useful prep for the Cheltenham Festival, and the race has attracted some of the sport's greatest chasers. Nicky Henderson and Henrietta Knight have each trained eight winners — a testament to the race's appeal to top yards.
Edredon Bleu's Dominance
Edredon Bleu won the Peterborough Chase four times in a row from 1998 to 2001 — a record that stands today. The Henrietta Knight-trained chaser was the archetypal Huntingdon horse: slick, fluent, and suited to the flat track. His dominance helped cement the race's reputation.
A Key Date in the Calendar
By the turn of the 21st century, the Peterborough Chase was firmly established as one of the season's key two-mile-plus chases. The roll call of winners — Desert Orchid, Remittance Man, One Man, Best Mate — spoke to the race's standing. For the full story of the Peterborough Chase, see our dedicated guide.
Famous Moments
The Peterborough Chase has produced more than its share of famous moments. Desert Orchid's victory in 1986 was one of many highlights in the grey's remarkable career. Remittance Man, One Man, and Best Mate — all Cheltenham Festival winners — also triumphed at Huntingdon, underlining the race's role as a stepping stone to the sport's biggest stage.
Edredon Bleu's Four-Timer
Edredon Bleu's four consecutive wins from 1998 to 2001 remain the standout achievement in the race's history. The Henrietta Knight-trained chaser was perfectly suited to Huntingdon's flat track, and his dominance drew national attention to the course. He would go on to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2000.
Best Mate at Huntingdon
Best Mate, the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, won the Peterborough Chase in 2002. His victory was a reminder of the race's quality — horses that win at Huntingdon often go on to bigger things. The course's flat track suits classy, fluent jumpers, and Best Mate was the epitome of that type.
Modern Highlights
The Peterborough Chase continues to attract high-class fields. The race's December slot and its Grade 2 status ensure it remains a key date in the calendar. For the latest great winners and betting angles, see our Peterborough Chase guide.
The Modern Era
Huntingdon entered the modern era as part of The Jockey Club's portfolio of racecourses. The course has benefited from investment in facilities and track maintenance whilst retaining its distinctive character. It has been voted Best Small Racecourse in the South Midlands and East Anglia — a reflection of its excellent viewing, dining, and spectator facilities.
The Peterborough Chase Today
The Peterborough Chase remains the centrepiece of the Huntingdon calendar. The race is typically run in early December, and it continues to attract high-class chasers. The roll call of past winners ensures it remains a target for top yards.
Novice Season
The Huntingdon novice season fixtures have become increasingly popular. The flat track suits slick, fluent jumpers, and the course has a reputation for producing future stars. Trainers use Huntingdon to develop young horses, and the novice events often feature competitive fields.
A Favourite Venue
Huntingdon continues to stage fixtures from autumn through spring. The combination of quality racing, excellent facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere keeps it popular with racegoers and professionals alike. For the course today, see the complete guide.
Huntingdon's Legacy
Huntingdon's legacy is one of quality and consistency. Over 130 years of racing have left a course that punches above its weight — the Peterborough Chase has attracted some of jump racing's greatest names, and the flat track has produced its share of future stars.
What Huntingdon Represents
Huntingdon represents the best of regional jump racing — quality without the crowds of Cheltenham or Aintree. It's a course where you can get close to the action, enjoy excellent facilities, and watch high-class chasers in a welcoming atmosphere. The Peterborough Chase and the novice season fixtures anchor the calendar.
Looking Ahead
The course is well placed for the future. The Jockey Club's ownership brings stability, and the investment in facilities has been recognised with industry awards. The Peterborough Chase remains a key date in the jumps calendar, and Huntingdon's reputation for quality racing is secure.
A Quintessential Experience
For racegoers seeking quality jump racing in a welcoming setting, Huntingdon delivers. The combination of the Peterborough Chase, the flat track, and the excellent facilities is hard to match. Whether you're planning a day out or studying the betting angles, Huntingdon is well worth a visit.
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