The History of Beverley Racecourse

From its humble beginnings in 1690, Beverley Racecourse has since witnessed legendary races, hosted royal visits, and fostered a spirited community of racing enthusiasts. Today, Beverley Racecourse stands as a testament to the passion for horse racing, firmly rooted in the heart of Yorkshire.

1690: Beverley Racecourse first opened its doors to the public.

1752: With the establishment of the Jockey Club, Beverley Racecourse gained official recognition, marking a pivotal moment in our development.

1767: Building commenced of our first grandstand, costing the racecourse £1,000.

1800s: The 1800s witnessed a unique tradition emerge at the racecourse. On the Sunday of race week, a football match would take place through the streets of Beverley, putting the town against a team of neighbouring visitors. This spirited competition served as a lively prelude to the racing that awaited.

Between 1813 and 1833, locally based Squire Watt owned and trained no less than four St.Leger winners. Upon the death of the Squire’s son William Watt, a memorial race was established in 1874 and named ‘The Watt Memorial’. In 2024, we will run the 138th renewal of the race.

1914 – 1918: Wartime brought an unexpected transformation to Beverley Racecourse, During World War I, the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) and the Canadian RAF (Royal Air Force) took over the venue as an aerodrome. The uphill finish of the racecourse was repurposed as a runway, safeguarding the Humber ports from aerial threats.

1965: One of our longest-standing sponsored races, the Hilary Needler Trophy, first took place. In 2003, Attraction became one of the greatest winners of the Hilary Needler trophy and has since won the English and Irish 1000 Guineas – this is where our popular Attraction Restaurant gained its name.

2002: Beverley Racecourse received a royal honour when Queen Elizabeth II graced the course as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations. Her attendance marked a momentous occasion in our history, solidifying the racecourse as a cherished landmark in the region.

2023: We celebrated the 20th running of the Beverley Bullet, our only Class 1 race of the season. The victory was taken by Kerdos who was trained by Clive Cox, making him the only ever trainer to win this race for three consecutive years.

As we approach 2024 and embark on the next chapter of Beverley Racecourse’s history, we remain committed to preserving the traditions that have brought us to where we are today. We are excited to continue showcasing the finest thoroughbreds, engaging our community, and creating unforgettable memories for generations to come. 

Secure your tickets for the 2024 racing season and come to see what the racecourse has to offer!