From the pier to the stalwart white cliffs, Brighton is famed for many reasons, with so much packed into the city and surrounding area, but often overlooked is the Brighton Racecourse.
While the likes of Cheltenham and Ascot may be the go-to when we think of horseracing, Brighton’s very own course is a fantastic alternative, especially for those who haven’t been to many racecourses but want to get involved in horse racing betting.
What better time to bring it up than now as the season kicks off in just a month and a half, leaving you with ample time to book the race day experience that suits you.
Brighton’s race course, in typical Brightonian fashion, is a little different from others in that it encourages comfort and inclusivity among its patrons.
By that I mean there is a much more laid-back culture when it comes to what you wear. Of course, many attendees will still make the effort to dress up, but above all your comfort is their priority.
With no dress code, unique events with interesting and niche spins on a typical race day, and a gorgeous backdrop, set atop one of Brighton’s steepest points, you can be sure of a memorable day out even if some of your party are not interested in the races themselves.
Even the course itself is a little different. Brighton Racecourse is one of the only British courses that is not a complete circuit.
On the face of it, that may sound like a negative, but it allows for a unique challenge as horse and jockey must battle the undulating, left-handed mile and 4-furlong track.
The final 2 furlongs offer a dramatic prospect, as the race ends with an uphill climb, sure to create drama that will both devastate and elate.
The highlight of the racing calendar is the three-day Brighton festival, attracting 15,000 or so spectators, and catering to all: From casual first-timers to grizzled veteran spectators, to those wanting a bespoke experience, you can enjoy whatever kind of race day you’re looking for.
But those veteran racecourse goers need not be put off either, there is still everything you would expect of your typical race-day experience. Fantastic hospitality and food, private suites and of course staff on hand to take your bets and the option of “pool betting”.
A day at the course is easily worth it for the view; it was described by Henry Wigstead and Thomas Rowlands in 1789 as “one of the most beautifully situated spots in the world…“.
This sentiment is still echoed some 235 years later, as Channel 4 described the backdrop as “Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque settings of any course”.
Words don’t do it justice, and the sight of the sun beaming down on Brighton below on a perfectly temperate Spring afternoon just can’t be beaten by any other course.
The races themselves are unique in that they reward the runners who can adapt to the irregular course. The typically sought-after horses, in the big powerful long-striding stallions, can often come unstuck here, leaving those with the right balance of agility and power to prosper.
This can make for an even more entertaining race, as those who may not shine at other courses can make a name for themselves, while the usual favourites may find themselves in a losing battle against the steep inclines and declines. Truly anything can happen here on a race day!
Those unmoved by ‘the sport of kings’ can still yet get a great day out at Brighton Racecourse, with much more than just Raceday’s to enjoy.
Outside of the usual opportunity for private hire and corporate events, the race course hosts vintage and antique fairs, themed race days and even car rallies. That’s just to name a few alternative events the course has been known to put on.
One such themed race day is the ever-popular ‘Retro Race Day’; an event that takes you back to the 1920’s. “enjoy non-stop sporting fun with roaming bands and Charleston dancers.”
There is no dress code, but of course, many will turn up and look the part to better immerse themselves in the celebration of both Brightonian and British racing history.
The Brighton Racecourse is so much more than an average day out, with the attraction worth the price of admission for just the view alone.
Throw in the stellar hospitality, variety of events outside of racing, welcoming atmosphere and of course the drama-filled races themselves, and you’ve got one of Brighton’s most overlooked attractions.
The price of a typical race day ticket is around £20.00, and they even throw in a free alcoholic/soft drink with your voucher.
