The Jockey Club

The Jockey Club was founded in 1750 by a group of gentlemen brought together by a shared passion for horseracing. They were some of the most influential people in the country. Initially meeting in London at the Star and Garter in Pall Mall and also in St. James’ Street and Hyde Park, the Club soon relocated to Newmarket.

The first written reference to The Jockey Club came in Pond’s annually published racing ‘Kalendar’, which gave notice in April 1752 that there would be a race at Newmarket for ‘horses the Property of the Noblemen and Gentlemen belonging to The Jockey Club’.

In 1752, The Jockey Club leased a plot of land in Newmarket where a Coffee House was constructed in the High Street as a meeting place for its members. Soon The Jockey Club purchased the freehold, which became known as the Jockey Club Rooms, as it is today.

Today, operating under a modern corporate structure, The Jockey Club leads the investment and innovation in British racing, as the largest commercial group in the sport.

With a portfolio of 15 racecourses including Aintree, Epsom Downs and Newmarket, Jockey Club Racecourses is the largest racecourse group in the UK by turnover, attendances and contributions to prize money, with a focus on hosting the highest quality Flat, Jumps and All-Weather Track racing.

The National Stud

The National Stud is the only working stud farm in the UK which opens its doors to the public and offers them a unique behind the scenes look at a working thoroughbred farm. Visitors will learn about the history and purpose of The Stud as a commercial thoroughbred breeding operation and have the opportunity to meet mares, foals and stallions which include Gregorian, Acclaim and Spill The Beans.

Public tours of The Stud run daily from Wednesday to Sunday between February half-term and the end of October. Additional dates during school holidays make this the ideal day out for all the family. Private tours and large group tours are also available by advance booking. Discover Newmarket manage tours of the National Stud, visit their website here.

Find out more about the National Stud 

Palace House Newmarket

The National Horseracing Museum is a 5-acre site in the heart of Newmarket. It comprises three complementary attractions; National Horseracing Museum in the Trainer’s House and King’s Yard Galleries, the Packard Galleries of British Sporting Art in Palace House, and a chance to meet former racehorses in the flagship home of Retraining of Racehorses. There is a fabulous restaurant and gift shop on-site and visits can take from 3 hours to a full day, and sometimes even more…! However, don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in in one day – upgrade your ticket to an annual pass for free when you arrive – so you can return as many times as you like for 12 months after purchase. Find out more about The National Horseracing Museum at www.nhrm.co.uk