Jumps racing confirmed to recommence at Towcester in October next year

After a 10-year absence, it was announced in July that bookmaker Betway had entered into a partnership with racecourse owners Orchestrate that would see racing return to the course.

Betway has become Principal Strategic Partner of the Northamptonshire track, officially renamed Betway Towcester Racecourse.

Towcester last staged a race meeting in May 2018, although it does successfully hold greyhound racing, including the Greyhound Derby. It also has its place in history, with Sir Anthony McCoy riding his 4,000th career winner there on November 7, 2013.

Richard Thomas, chief executive of Orchestrate, said: “Seeing dates in the diary for the first time in nearly a decade is a genuinely exciting moment for everyone here.

“We said in July that we wanted to bring horse racing back to Towcester for the local community and for the sport, and we now have a clear programme to work towards.

“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.”

McCoy, who brought up his landmark victory aboard the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Mountain Tunes, said: “Towcester is a track that means a great deal to me. I rode my 4,000th winner there, which was one of my most memorable milestones, so I have a strong personal connection with this racecourse.

“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.”

As part of the new plans, Towcester will see a phased return to equine activity, with the racecourse aiming to host point-to-point fixtures in spring next year ahead of the resumption of racing proper later in the year.