It has been a long time since Birmingham had its own racecourse. Few today will remember Bromford Bridge which closed in the 1960s. But it’s part of the second city’s proud horse racing legacy. It was here in May 1747 that the first-ever horse-related meeting took place in England. And the famed National Hunt jockey Bernard Wells once claimed Bromford Bridge, thanks to its stellar facilities and the best stables in the country, was only surpassed by Cheltenham for race meets.
The course wasn’t just famous for its jumps either. According to Ruff’s Guide to the Turf, Bromford Bridge represented the best straight mile course in the UK after Newmarket. But with the rise of competing racecourses nearby including Warwick, Worcester and Stratford, attendances began to dwindle in the 1960s. Midway through the decade, Bromford Bridge closed. Its last meeting was June 21st, 1965.
With its closure went the only racecourse in the city. So where can fans go for their racing entertainment today?
Horse racing remains very popular
Given the huge popularity of horse racing, Birmingham is somewhat lucky in that it’s a short distance away from some of the UK’s most renowned courses. While attendances have fallen in recent years and the sport has been criticised for its low prize money compared with international competitors, it remains, in terms of revenues and overall attendance, the second largest sport in the UK.
Indeed, its appeal is underlined by the expansion of its market in recent years. The rise of horse racing syndicates, for example, has introduced fans to a new way to enjoy their favourite pastime. Ownership is now a possibility for everyone. Forget the spa day gift vouchers, you can give your racing-fan friends and family a share of a racehorse instead. Elsewhere, horse riding itself has become more accessible through the ultra-realistic JockeyCam, a virtual reality experience created by Sam Fleet and his UK-based tech firm.
The best racecourses near Birmingham
In terms of watching the action, the nearest meetings take place around 40 minutes outside the city centre at Wolverhampton Racecourse. This is one of Britain’s busiest race tracks. On its all-weather course, it hosts around 80 horse racing fixtures annually. Some of its most popular events take place on Friday and Saturday evenings as part of its “Under the Lights” programme.
Within an hour’s drive of Birmingham are Warwick and Worcester racecourses. The former hosts jump meetings from September through to May while Worcester, which is situated in the heart of the city centre next to the River Severn, hosts National Hunt meets from April to October every year.
As well Stratford-on-Avon’s racecourse, the next-best option for those travelling from the UK’s second city is the world-famous Uttoxeter. Recognised as the Midlands leading National Hunt track, races take place throughout the year at this wonderful venue set in 110 acres of Staffordshire countryside.
While Birmingham might not have its own racecourse anymore, the passion for the sport is still alive and well. So thankfully, there are plenty of great places to enjoy horse racing just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
