FAKENHAM RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
In 1884, the West Norfolk Hunt started an annual race meeting at East Winch, close to Kings Lynn, and this Easter Monday event was actively supported by the then Prince of Wales, (later Edward VII).
However, the prevailing muddy conditions at East Winch made the hunt look for a more suitable venue, and after some searching, they decided on the current Fakenham racecourse site due to it's absorbent sandy sub-soil.
The first official race meeting was staged on the current course in 1905, and apart from breaks due to the world wars, racing has been continuous ever since.
In keeping with it's hunt origins, for the first twenty years of its existence, the course was used exclusively for a single annual day of steeplechase racing, with the three mile event starting in fields next to the course.
With the introduction of the hurdles course in 1926, racing became confined to the existing circuit, but it was not until 1947, a second fixture was introduced on Whit Monday. The additional meeting in 1947, which incorporated a six race card, attracted a massive two hundred and eight runners - a record one day entry for the course which still exists to the current day.
After some difficult years, and to safeguard the future of the racecourse, in 1965, the new racecourse company sold some of its adjoining land to allow the construction of a caravan park and leisure complex. This nearby facility provided a degree of financial security, and the racecourse was able to gradually expand its facilities. In 2002, the old 1953 Grandstand was replaced by a newly constructed one million pound Grandstand development, and in the same year, and in keeping with the racecourses royal connections, the Prince of Wales succeeded Her Majesty the Queen as the patron of the racecourse, and the prince then opened the new grandstand, which was named in his honour.
Despite its proud royal connections, Fakenham has no official dress code, as the racecourse company try to create a friendly and casual atmosphere to attract race goers from all sections of society.
In most years, Fakenham hosts 9 national hunt meetings, and the course is often used to provide up and coming steeplechasers with experience prior to major festival outings.
Track facts:
True to its roots, Fakenham is dedicated to national hunt racing.
The racecourse is run left handed, and is a very tight track, being only one mile in circumference.
The track has four sharp corner bends and several undulations. this combination makes the racecourse suitable for nippy, well balanced horses. Indeed, a large percentage of eventual winners take a prominent position in the early stages of a race, before going on to take victory in the latter stages. Due to the individuality of the racing circuit, it is worth following previous course winners.
The steeplechase course has six fences, laid out in the following circuit pattern: the first plain fence is situated after the winning post and towards the end of the home straight, another plain fence is located between the two sharp bends at the top of the course, there are a further two plain fences in the back straight, and then the open ditch comes between the two sharp bends at the bottom of the course, with the final plain fence being located on the bottom section of the home straight.
The only time stamina is required on the steeplechase course is in the three mile five furlong race when the course is officially designated as having soft going.
The hurdles course has four obstacles. One at the top of the course, one in the back straight, another at the bottom of the course, and the final hurdle is located on the run in.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
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.
Members Ticket.
Provides access to the members section of the Prince of Wales Grandstand. From these seats, race goers obtain panoramic views of the racecourse and surrounding Norfolk countryside. This includes close up views of the winning post, parade ring, and winners enclosure. The Members ticket also offers entrance into all the other public areas of the racecourse.
Three course dining can be prebooked in the grandstand restaurant. This facility can cater for up to one hundred and ten race goers, and has its own viewing balcony.
Drinks and snacks are also available in the Chase Bistro, and Members Bar.
Grandstand and Paddock Ticket.
The seating provided by this ticket gives views of the racecourse and home straight. There is also access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
Drinks and snacks are available in the Long Bar, and Long Bar Café. There is also access to The Westen Restaurant, Westen shellfish bar, Graves hog roast, Garfield hot doughnuts, and Spuds for you.
Course Ticket.
Viewing is at trackside, either in a small grandstand, or on the running rail. It is also possible to view from certain parking areas, while possibly enjoying a car boot picnic. There is also access to the centre of the course and the parade ring.
The inner race goers can receive sustenance from the Final Furlong Bar, Graves hog roast, and Garfield hot doughnuts.
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Disabled Facilities:
There is designated car parking for disable visitors.
There is also a viewing platform which is suitable for wheelchairs.
Fixtures:
All races at Fakenham are run under National Hunt Rules.
2011:
Sunday 22 May
Transport Links:
By Road:
Travelling from the north, it is best to use the A1, and then the A17. From the south, the A1065 is suggested as the best route. From the west, use the A148. Finally, from the east, the A1067 is suggested.
With the exception of the Members carpark, all parking is free.
Early arrivals secure front rank parking. In certain areas, this ensures good views of the racing action.
By Rail:
The nearest station is Sheringham, approximately seventeen miles from Fakenham. Trains to Sheringham run from Norwich.
Kings Lynn railway station is twenty two miles from Fakenham, but services are more frequent. Either way, some form of road transport will be required to reach the racecourse.
By Bus:
The First Group operate bus services throughout East Anglia, including Norwich to Fakenham.
For full details telephone 0871 200 22 33.
By Air:
Norwich airport is twenty one miles from the racecourse. Norwich airport offers domestic flights to eight United Kingdom destinations, plus a daily flight to Dublin.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land at the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address:
Fakenham Racecourse Ltd, The Racecourse, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 7NY.
Telephone Number: 0132886 23 88.
Fax number: 01328 85 59 08.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Titchwell Manor Hotel.
Tel No: 01485 21 02 21.
located on the beautiful North Norfolk coast, titchwell Manor Hotel offers the ideal base for
race goers attending Fakenham races. This family run hotel has 27 luxury en suite bedrooms, 13 of which are situated at ground floor level in the walled garden area. In this latter section of the hotel, dogs may stay in some of the rooms, whilst others are fully equipped for disabled use. Rooms in the main hotel retain many original Victorian features, and they also offer stunning views to the nearby golden beaches. Guests visiting Titchwell Manor are also attracted by the RSPB reserve at Titchwell, as well as championship golf courses nearby at Brancaster and Hunstanton.
Eric Snaith, the owners son and Head Chef, produces a fabulous menu using locally sourced ingredients, including; oysters, mussels, fresh crab and Lobster as well as rare breed beef and pork, much of the produce being obtained from the nearby Houghton Estate.
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