The History of Newton Abbot Racecourse

Newton Abbot's racing story begins in 1866, when the course was established on land to the east of the town. The South West had long had an appetite for racing — Exeter had been staging meetings for decades — and Newton Abbot offered a new venue in a growing market town.

The Early Years

The course was laid out on a natural bowl, which provided good viewing and a compact layout. From the start, it was a jumps-only venue — hurdles and chases — and the summer schedule filled a gap when many other courses were closed. The railway had reached Newton Abbot in the 1840s, making the course accessible to racegoers from Exeter, Plymouth, and beyond.

Building a Reputation

By the end of the 19th century, Newton Abbot had established itself as a reliable summer jumping venue. The track attracted local trainers and horses, and the meetings became a fixture of the Devon calendar. The Newton Abbot Cup emerged as the feature race, though it would take time to develop the prestige it holds today. For more on the course's development, see the complete guide.

The interwar and post-war decades saw Newton Abbot flourish as a summer jumping stronghold. With many jumps courses concentrated in the winter months, Newton Abbot's May-to-September schedule gave trainers and owners a valuable outlet for their horses during the flat season.

Summer Jumping Takes Hold

The course became a favourite among West Country trainers, who could keep their jumpers ticking over without the rigours of winter ground. The track's right-handed layout and sharp turn into the straight created a distinctive test, and the Newton Abbot Cup grew in stature. Good horses began to target the meeting as a stepping stone or a summer target in its own right.

Facilities and Growth

Improvements to the grandstand and enclosures made the course more comfortable for racegoers. The natural bowl meant that even basic facilities offered decent views, and the relaxed Devon atmosphere attracted holidaymakers as well as racing regulars. The day out guide has more on what a visit was like then and now.

Newton Abbot has hosted plenty of memorable races and winners over the years. The Newton Abbot Cup has produced its share of stories, and the course has been a springboard for horses who went on to bigger things.

Cup Heroes

The Newton Abbot Cup has been won by horses who later made their mark at Cheltenham and Aintree. Summer jumping often attracts horses who are being prepared for the winter campaign, and a win at Newton Abbot can be a confidence booster before the big meetings. The cup guide covers the race's history in more detail.

Memorable Renewals

There have been close finishes, surprise winners, and days when the weather and the racing combined to create something special. The course's summer slot means the crowds are often in good spirits, and the Devon sunshine has produced its share of memorable afternoons. For betting angles on the key races, see the betting guide.

The modern era has seen Newton Abbot consolidate its position as Devon's premier summer jumping venue. The course joined the Jockey Club portfolio, and investment in facilities and drainage has improved the racing surface and the racegoer experience.

Investment and Upgrades

The grandstand and enclosures have been upgraded, and the track has benefited from better drainage. Summer ground can still vary — good to soft is common — but the course is in better shape than it was a generation ago. The complete guide has the full picture on facilities.

The Calendar Today

Newton Abbot stages around 15 fixtures per year, concentrated in the summer months. The Newton Abbot Cup remains the highlight, and the course continues to attract competitive fields. The summer jumping guide covers what to expect from the current programme.

Newton Abbot's legacy is as a summer jumping institution — a course that fills a gap in the calendar and does it with character. The Devon setting, the natural bowl, and the relaxed atmosphere have made it a favourite among those who prefer jumps to the flat.

What sets it apart is the timing. When Cheltenham and Aintree are closed, Newton Abbot is in full swing. The Newton Abbot Cup gives the meeting a focal point, and the course has been a reliable part of the South West scene for over 150 years. For a day out, see the day out guide; for betting tips, the betting guide has you covered.