The Essential Guide to Kempton Park Racecourse
A short trip from Teddington, situated in Sunbury on the Thames, lies Kempton Park Racecourse. Well-known as one of the UK’s premier horse racing tracks, it also has an illustrious and interesting history. Today, it is also a meeting place for the community, serving as an entertainment hub and events space.
If you are planning a trip to Middlesex, then Kempton Park Racecourse must be on your itinerary. Below, we give our essential guide to the course.
The History of Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park was private land as far back as the 13th century and became a racecourse in 1876, with the first race taking place in 1878. However, it has had many other notable use changes throughout its tenure, most notably during wartime. It became a transit hub for military vehicles during the First World War. Racing was abandoned completely during that time.
In the Second World War, it became a prisoner-of-war camp for inmates that could easily be transported due to its direct rail links. However, the period left the course in need of repairs and soon after this, a period of rebuilding the course along with its reputation took place.
Race Meetings
Kempton Park Racecourse has several meetings throughout the year. If your visit is lucky enough to coincide with one, then you can enjoy some fantastic racing along with the excellent hospitality on offer. You can check all events on their own website found at https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/kempton
Don’t be put off if you have never been to the races. Horse racing is now more popular than ever with people from all walks of life joining in. This has been down to the accessibility afforded to it by the internet and technology. You can make a bet on races at Kempton Park and other courses from anywhere in the world, and watch the action all at the touch of a button.
Other schemes that have brought more people into horse racing have been online syndicates. Websites like https://raceshare.com/racehorses allow people to buy shares in quality horses for entry-level prices. Along with great provisions for statistics and training, you may be able to find one running at Kempton Park when you visit.
One of the biggest meetings is the annual Boxing Day racing event known as the King George VI Chase Day. It holds the namesake event, along with the Christmas Hurdle and the Kauto Star Chase. While it is often a wet and wild day, you can upgrade to several hospitality packages if you fancy some style and comfort.
Getting There and About
For those living or staying in Teddington, the Kempton Park Racecourse is a short 15-minute drive along Park Way and Country Drive. Trains that take 20 minutes also depart every half hour from Teddington Station on Southern Western Railway. You can check the departures here https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/live-trains/departures/teddington/
Accommodation in the area is plentiful, but on race meetings, it gets booked quickly, and prices rise accordingly. This only increases when the biggest of the meetings take place. Make sure you book well in advance and there should be a range of options to suit all budgets. Once you have a place to stay, you just need to enjoy your day out at Kempton Park Racecourse.
