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During the early history of the sport, the initial nineteenth century race meetings in the Taunton area were held in several different locations, and had varying degrees of success.
In the latter part of the nineteenth century, the large membership and financial clout of the Bridgewater Hunt led to the development of a racecourse just outside Bridgewater (somerset), and this course survived until the start of the twentieth century.
However, it was in 1927, when a group of seven businessmen set up the Taunton Racecourse Company, that things really started moving in the direction of a perminent home for racing in Taunton. The company initially secured a site which had been used as a previous venue for horse racing. The land at Orchard Portman, situated off the Shoreditch Road, was sold to the company by Viscount Portman, and following the sale, work on the current course commenced almost immediately.
As a point of interest, prior to 1840, the land purchased for the racecourse had been the site of the ancestral home of the Portman family. Indeed, the back straight of the current course runs over the site of the former house, while the rest of the course is situated on top of the former orchard and gardens.
After the completion of the racecourse, the new Taunton Racecourse Company staged its initial meeting, The first race being the Shoreditch Selling Hurdle, run on 21 September 1927.
In the early years of racing, the underlying Somerset red clay soil was responsible for considerable water retention, which in turn led to heavy going. But during the building of the M5 motorway, drainage on the course was improved by using displaced soil to bank up the racecourse bends and back straight, and in recent years, additional work has also been completed to improve the drainage of the hurdle and steeplechase tracks.
Between November and April, Taunton stages 14 competitive race meetings, and it is used extensively by the numerous local top class stables, including multiple Champion Trainer, Paul Nicholls, who uses Taunton very much as a proving ground for many of the horses based at his nearby Ditcheat yard.
Taunton specialises in national hunt racing.
The track is run right handed over a sharp oval measuring one mile two furlongs in circumference. There are slight undulations and a short run in to the winning post.
The steeplechase course has seven fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: an initial plain fence, an open ditch, a plain fence, the second open ditch, and then another three plain fences. There are three fences in the home straight, with falling ground providing some problems in the approach to the last fence.
The hurdles course has five flights, the last two being sited in the home straight.
In most races, with the possible exception of the 3 mile 3 furlong chase, pace is preferred to stamina.
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.
The grandstand provides the best views of the racecourse, and it is situated directly opposite the winning post. Members of this enclosure have access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The grandstand has its own Bar and Cafeteria. Alternatively, ticket holders have access to all the facilities of the Tattersalls enclosure.
The racecourse not only provides good views of competitive horse racing, there are also excellent views of the distant Blackwood Hills, and the spire of the historic Portman estate church.
The Orchard Grandstand also offers great views of the racing action.
In addition, ticket holders can visit the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The Saddle Room Restaurant is located on the ground floor of the grandstand, and good fayre can also be obtained in the Orchard Restaurant, which is located on the first floor. For race goers preferring a drink, the Winning Post Bar is also located on the first floor.
Blue badge disabled parking spaces are available near the entrances to the racecourse.
There is a raised viewing platform which is situated between the paddock and the winning post.
There is good access to the restaurant facilities in the Orchard Grandstand.
Specialist toilet facilities are available on both sides of the course.
Tauntons Orchard Portman racecourse is located just off the B3170, and is two miles due south of Taunton town centre, on the road which connects Taunton with Corfe and Honinton.
Traffic approaching on the M5 should exit at junction 25, and then follow the signs to the racecourse.
Race goers from Dorset and south Somerset should make for the A358. This road passes under the M5, and there are signs directing traffic to the racecourse.
From Minehead and north Devon, head for the centre of Taunton. At the town centre Sainsburys store, take the B3170. The road is clearly marked as traffic approaches the traffic lights adjacent to the store.
All car parking at the racecourse is free of charge.
Taunton has direct train services from London Paddington, Birmingham New Street, and there is even a direct cross country service from Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne.
National Express coach services operate into Taunton.
There are no local bus services from Taunton to the racecourse. However, a courtesy bus runs from the railway station one hour before the first race, and returns half an hour after the start of the last race. On both journeys, the courtesy bus also calls at Taunton bus station.
Bristol airport is thirty one miles from Taunton.
Subject to prior permission from the racecourse company, helicopters may land on the course.
Taunton Racecourse,
Orchard Portman,
Taunton,
Somerset,
TA3 7BL.
Set in a pleasant suburban area, the Holiday Inn Taunton is just off junction 25 of the M5, and is 3 miles from the town centre and Taunton Racecourse. The hotel has parking for 250 cars, and forms the ideal base for race goers who want to combine a racing break with good access to the major tourist attractions of the South West of England.
The Holiday Inn Taunton has 99 en suite guest rooms, including well appointed standard rooms, enhanced executive facilities, and 2 rooms especially adapted for guests with mobility restrictions. All rooms provide air conditioning, remote controlled television with satellite channels, wi-fi internet access and the usual room amenities of a quality hotel. The executive rooms offer a range of additional features – full details being available on request. There is 24 hour room service throughout the hotel, and there is also a same day dry cleaning service.
The Holiday Inn restaurant provides a fashionable relaxed atmosphere in which guests can choose from the excellent a la carte or daily specials menus. The hotel’s relaxed Lounge Bar also serves a superb range of bar meals, and these can be enjoyed with a comprehensive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The hotel’s Spirit Health Club has a fully equipped air conditioned gymnasium, a 15 metre swimming pool, sauna, spa, and solarium. A range of beauty treatments can also be booked in advance at the hotel’s beauty salon. For further details, or to book directly, use the link below.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/925/en/hotel/TNTSS/welcome
Tel no: 01823 272 083.
The Salisbury House Hotel is ideally located in the centre of the Somerset town of Taunton. With its own private car park, the hotel is a perfect base for race goers attending the nearby Taunton Races. Although recently refurbished, Salisbury House retains many of its initial features, including; a superb oak staircase, and many of its original gothic style arches and stain glassed windows.
The award winning hotel provides accommodation on three floors, including ground floor rooms, one of which is specially adapted for a guest with low mobility. All of the hotels guest rooms are well appointed and comfortable, and provide; en suite bathrooms with luxury fittings and accessories, pocket sprung beds for a good night’s sleep, remote controlled television, wi-fi internet access, an armchair, good desk space, and the standard room amenities expected of a quality hotel. For guests seeking some extra luxury, Salisbury House also has deluxe double rooms and a four poster room.
Because of our concentration on service and hospitality, we can also offer a varied room service menu, and private intimate buffets upon request. Snacks and drinks can also be enjoyed in the hotel’s superb lounge, and on cold evenings, guests can warm themselves in front of a roaring fire. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
For further details on Salisbury House, or to book directly, use the link below.