After a lengthy absence of almost ten years, Towcester Racecourse in Northamptonshire is set to reintroduce National Hunt racing, with the first fixture scheduled for October 20, 2027. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the historic venue, which has been closed to horse racing since 2019 when it entered administration due to debts exceeding £1.3 million.
Despite the closure of its horse racing operations, Towcester has remained active by hosting greyhound racing events, including the prestigious English Greyhound Derby. The return of National Hunt racing is seen as a significant step forward for the racecourse, which has a rich history dating back to its first race in 1876.
Richard Thomas, the chief executive of Orchestrate, the management company overseeing the racecourse, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming fixtures. He stated, "Seeing dates in the diary for the first time in nearly a decade is a genuinely exciting moment for everyone here." The management team is committed to revitalizing the venue, which will see an investment of over £2 million in improvements to the racing surface and spectator facilities, thanks to a partnership with Betway.
Orchestrate is collaborating with the British Horseracing Authority to finalize a schedule of races that will run from October 2027 through February 2028. Thomas emphasized the goal of bringing horse racing back to Towcester not only for the local community but also for the sport as a whole. He noted, "There is plenty to do between now and October 2027, but work on the track is already well under way and we can’t wait to welcome horses back."
Former champion jockey AP McCoy, who has a personal connection to Towcester, expressed hope for the racecourse's future. McCoy, who achieved his landmark 4,000th career victory at Towcester in 2013, remarked, "Towcester is a track that means a great deal to me. It’s fantastic to see National Hunt racing returning to the racecourse after such a long absence. It’s a proper jumps track and with the investment being made, and the plans for its future, I’m sure it can re-establish itself as a valuable course for National Hunt racing."
The return of National Hunt racing at Towcester is not just a revival of a beloved local venue but also a reflection of the broader efforts to enhance the sport in the UK. As preparations continue, the excitement builds for what promises to be a significant chapter in the racecourse's storied legacy.
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