Fakenham Racecourse

The first races ever held at the Fakenham racecourse were on Easter Monday in 1905 and were conducted by the West Norfolk Hunt.  Located in rural Norfolk, the course provides a softer soil that is very conducive to horse racing and the first race saw 37 runners.  The races here have been a tradition ever since, only missing the years during World War I and II when they were forced to take a break because of the hostilities.  The first hurdle races were introduced in 1926 after a decline in three mile steeplechase and by 1945 six annual race meetings were being held here.

The popularity of the hurdle racing caused the need to have a grandstand erected and the paddocks enlarged.  The Racecourse Ltd. was formed to get Levy Board support and in an effort to keep the racecourse from being closed, a new sports complex was designed in and around the course.  This complex included tennis and squash courts, improved racecourse facilities, and, of course, Fakenham Golf Course, one of the nicest courses in this area of England.

The racecourse has always had Royal patronage and up until 2000 when HRH The Prince of Wales took over the task, Queen Elizabeth II supported the complex.  The Members’ Stand was named after Prince Charles and he opened the new facility on March 15, 2002.  Admission prices to the racecourse during races are £9.00 for course enclosure, £14.00 for grandstand and paddock, and £20.00 for a day member.  Children under the age of 16 get in free.  Members’ car park costs £8.00 and other car parks are free.