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Prior to 1922, Fontwell Park had been used for many years by Alfred Day as the training area for his stable of thoroughbred race horses. Fontwell had proved a good training base, for one of his charges, BBarmecide, had won the Goodwood Cup in 1893.
Realising the potential of the site as a racecourse, a syndicate purchased the Park, and after obtaining a license from the Jockey Club, they constructed Fontwell House and it's accompanying racing circuit, the unique figure of eight track staging its inaugural meeting on 21 May 1924.
Racing at Fontwell Park got off to an auspicious start for punters, as the first race of the inaugural meeting was won by the favourite, Gem, ridden by the champion jockey of the day, Dick Lees.
Over the next twenty five years, despite the second world war, Fontwell Park grew in popularity amongst owners and trainers, and it is a matter of record, the young Princess Elizabeth gained her first victory as an owner when Monaveen won at Fontwell on 10 October 1949. The following year, the same horse went on to be fifth behind Freebooter in the 1950 Grand National, and to commemorate this first racing win for the reigning monarch, in 2002, the racecourse management introduced the annual Monaveen Chase - one of the highlights of the annual Fontwell Park racing programme.
Due to its sharp nature, the course demands a combination of speed and agility, so it is therefore not surprising to note, some of the finest hurdlers have recorded victories at Fontwell. The role of honour includes, Salmon Spray, Comedy of Errors, National Spirit, and Nickel Coin.
The current course stages approximately twenty three race days every year, and is active in both the winter and summer jumping programmes. Highlights include the Southern National Handicap Chase, and the Grade Two National Spirit Hurdle.
To ensure the level of services demanded by modern race goers, the current owners, The Northern Racing Group, have recently completed a multi million pound redevelopment of the racecourse.
At Fontwell Park, race goers get two national hunt racecourses for the price of one.
The steeple chase course is a right handed figure of eight. Including the bends and diagonals, the course is approximately one mile in circuit length. It is flat, and very sharp in nature. There are six fences, which are jumped in the following pattern. At the entrance to the home straight of the hurdles course, a running rail takes the steeplechasers to the left, so they are facing the first diagonal, they then jump three plain fences, before taking the right hand bend at the top of the course, which takes them round to face the second diagonal. On this section of the course, they jump an open ditch, and two more plain fences. Before the first of these plain fences, a chute joins the main course. Set in the bend area, this chute has one plain fence which has to be jumped in two and a half, and three and a half mile races. After the last jump, the steeplechase course follows the bend around, and then links up with the last one hundred yard flat run in section of the hurdles course.
The steeplechase course does not suit long striding gallopers, and it can be very testing on soft ground in the winter months. The ditch fence is also a real test of jumping ability.
Front runners, and horses who can lay up close to the pace, dominate the statistics of past winners at Fontwell Park.
The hurdles course does not use the figure of eight. It runs around the outside of the steeplechase bends at either end, but maintains a straight line in its own back and home straights. The course is run left handed. It is sharp and flat, one mile in circumference, and comprises four evenly spaced hurdles per circuit. The last hundred yards of the run in is marginally uphill, but it is not enough to alter the outcome of races. The minimum trip run on the hurdles course is two miles two and a half furlongs.
Due to the sharp nature of the hurdles course, eventual winners invariably maintain a prominent position.
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Ticket holders have access to the Premier Grandstand, with its great views of the winning post. The ticket also allows entrance to all the public areas, including the areas around the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The Silks restaurant, in Fontwell House, offers superb three course dining, and can also be used as a base for the race meeting. Tables can be booked in advance, or on the day, if space allows.
The Garden Bar overlooks the topiary lawn, and offers a carvery facility, hot and cold snacks, plus a great choice of beers, wines, and spirits.
There is also the Premier Bar, which sells sandwiches and snacks in addition to its excellent array of alcoholic beverages.
A most convivial enclosure, with viewing from the Grandstand, and access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The Salmon Spray bar, located between the paddock and grandstand, offers a good selection of food and drink, including the Barrie Cope sea food bar.
Other facilities in this enclosure include, the Comedy of errors, National Spirit, and Nickel Coin bars. Fast food is also available in the Nosebag facility.
Disabled badge holders can utilise the car parking spaces designated for that purpose.
There are specialist toilet facilities in the Grandstand, paddock and premier enclosure.
Sunday 29 May
Wednesday 01 June
Thursday 09 June
Located between Arundel and Chichester, Fontwell Park is situated adjacent to the roundabout which links the A27 and the A29 trunk roads. At the roundabout, take the A29 exit, signposted Bognor Regis. After travelling around four hundred yards down Fontwell Avenue, the entrance to the racecourse car parks is located on the right hand side of the road.
Parking in the centre of the course or the picnic area cost five pounds per car. All other car parks are free of charge.
The nearest railway station is located one point seven miles from the racecourse at Barnham. This station has frequent direct connections with London Victoria, Portsmouth, Brighton, Southampton, and Winchester.
For race goers staying in the Arundel area, Arundel railway station is about three miles from the racecourse.
On race days, a shuttle bus service leaves Barnham station two hours before the first race, and returns immediately after the last race.
The nearest international airport is London Gatwick, approximately twenty nine miles from Fontwell.
By prior arrangement, private aircraft can land at Goodwood airfield.
Telephone, 01243 75 50 61.
The other alternative is Shoreham airfield. telephone 01273 29 69 00.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land at the racecourse.
Fontwell Park Racecourse,
Fontwell,
Near Arundel,
Sussex,
BN18 0SX.
Situated at Arundel, and only 1 mile from Fontwell Park racecourse, the Hilton Avisford Park is a top quality four star hotel, which incorporates an 18 hole golf course within its 89 acre site. The hotel can offer its visitors a choice of accommodation including; well appointed suites, deluxe rooms, family rooms, or standard en suite guest rooms. All rooms are fitted with remote controlled television, many have high speed internet access and garden views, and all guests can enjoy 24 hour room service, and a same day dry cleaning service.
The Cedar Restaurant is a well appointed facility which offers high quality Hilton breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Guests can also enjoy an al fresco drink and snack in the Lounge Terrace and Bar. Apart from the magnificent golf course, the hotel’s Living Well Health Club has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and offers health and beauty therapies within its treatment rooms.
http://www.hilton.co.uk/arundel
The Old Station Petworth is an exclusive four star hotel masquerading as a guest house. The main station buildings have been magnificently restored to provide a nostalgic but beautifully appointed guest lounge, breakfast room, two guest rooms, and even a small library. The four accompanying Pullman Carriages on either side of the station platform combine loving restoration and innovation, and offer eight unique en suite guest rooms. If you don’t fancy the walk to the station buildings in the morning, you can even enjoy your breakfast, and possibly a bottle of champagne, in your Pullman room.
For Fontwell Park race goers who want to maximise memories of an excellent racing experience, the Old Station Petworth offers a unique and unforgettable base for your visit.