KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE.
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Introduction:
When the Parkland at Kempton was put up for sale in 1872, it was immediately bought by the visionary Henry Hyde, as he had long thought it would make an excellent racecourse, and after six years of hard work by Hyde and his associates, the new Kempton Park Racecourse was able to open its turnstiles for the first time, with the initial flat race meeting being staged in front of a large enthusiastic crowd on 18 July 1878, with flat racing on grass then continuing for a further 127 years.
In the early part of the twentieth century, a national hunt course was added, and after the introduction of the Grade 1 King George VI Chase in 1937, the national hunt cards staged at Kempton Park grew in importance, and over the years, the greats of national hunt racing have won this most prestigious of Kemptons races. Arkle, Wayward Lad, Best Mate, Desert Orchid (4 time winner) and Kauto Star (4 time winner) are just five examples of the high class chasing talent seen at Kempton Park over the years.
In 2005, the turf based flat surface was removed, and two parallel
Floodlit polyfibre all weather circuits were constructed. At the same time, the national hunt course was restructured and rebuilt.
Kempton now stages over seventydays of all weather flat racing, and around seven days of top quality national hunt racing.
In the national hunt calendar, the afore mentioned King George VI Chase, is ably supported by the stanjames.com Christmas Hurdle, the Lanzarote hurdle, and the Racing post Chase.
The all weather flat meetings include several Group and Listed races, and these Pattern and Listed contests are sscheduled at opportune times throughout each year's racing programme.
Track facts:
Kempton combines all weather flat racing with an early year campaign of top notch national hunt racing.
There are two parallel right handed flat circuits. The outer circuit is an oval, measuring one mile two furlongs in circumference, with a bend radius of 137 metres. The major flat circuit is 20 metres wide in the straights, and 16 metres wide on the bends. This provides the safety factors necessary for up to 17 runners in all races except five and six furlong events. This circuit is currently used for races over: 6 and 7 furlongs, 1 mile, 1 mile 3 furlongs, 1 mile 4 furlongs, and 2 miles.
The inner track is an oval approximately one mile in circumference. It is currently used for five furlong, and one mile two furlong races.
The circuits are surrounded by 42 floodlight pylons for evening racing. However, 28 of the pylons are collapsible, so as to avoid viewing difficulties during afternoon all weather meetings, and national hunt fixtures.
The national hunt courses are very roughly triangular in shape, with a circuit measuring one mile five furlongs in circumference. Like the all weather tracks, they are flat and level throughout their length.
During the 2005 reconstruction, the home straight of the right handed national hunt course was brought even nearer to the grandstand, and is now a wonderful spectacle for Kempton race goers.
The steeplechase track was also redesigned, with the ten fences now laid out in the following circuit pattern: after the tight right hand turn at the end of the home straight, runners face the water jump, followed by a plain fence, the first open ditch, another plain fence, the second open ditch, and five more plain fences. The last three fences are in the home straight, and have been made equidistant to ensure a fair and fast conclusion to races. After the last fence, there is a one furlong run in to the winning post.
The fences are stiff, but the course suits speed. As a result, Kempton suits the rare breed of top notch steeplechasers who can maintain clean jumping at high cruising speeds.
The hurdles course has six flights. They are evenly spaced, with two being situated prior to the winning post in the home straight. The course is sharp and quick, and demands a horse with lots of pace.
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.
Premier Ticket.
This provides access to the first floor of the grandstand, with excellent views of the racecourses, home straights, and winning posts. A balcony on the grandstand also allows views of the parade ring and winners enclosure. The premier ticket also permits access to all the other public areas of the racecourse.
For the inner race goer, the glass fronted, three tiered Panoramic Restaurant provides a great culinary experience. Diners receive well prepared food, top quality service, and superb views over the racecourses. It is considered by many to be the best seat in the house. From 02 November 2009, the Bistro at the Panoramic Restaurant also offers the facility of quick quality repast for those who like to keep on the move.
Other facilities include the Bistro, the Cocktail Bar, and the Sports Bar.
Paddock Ticket.
The ticket gives access to the lower level of the grandstand, the parade ring, and winners enclosure.
The Paddock area has a food hall, and several bars offering snacks.
Silver Ring Ticket.
This enclosure is only open at larger meetings.
There is covered viewing, plus a food hall and bar.
Disabled Facilities:
For annual members, there is a lift to the annual members bar.
There is a designated viewing area at the front of the grandstand.
Specialist toilet facilities are available in the grandstand, and silver ring.
Fixtures:
In the following dated list, jump meetings are indicated by the letters NH next to the appropriate date.
2011:
May: 17, 18.
June: 01, 08, 15, 20,
Transport Links:
By Road:
Kempton Park is located on the A308 between Sunbury and Hampton Court. M25 traffic should leave at junction 12 and join the M3. At junction 1 of the M3, turn right and join the A308. Follow the road for about half a mile, and the racecourse entrances are to be found on the left.
With the exception of the members car park, all car parks are free of charge.
By Rail:
Kempton Park has its own railway station, which is around two hundred metres from the racecourse entrances.
There is a half hourly service between London Waterloo and Kempton Park station. Journey time is around forty minutes.
The Tube also operates a service to Heathrow terminal four, which is around three and a half miles from the racecourse.
By Bus:
Kempton is served by greater London bus services.
By Air:
Heathrow airport is approximately four and a half miles from the racecourse, with Gatwick being within a forty minute taxi ride.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address:
Kempton Park Racecourse,
Sunbury on Thames,
Middlesex,
TW16 5AQ.
Tel No: 01932 78 22 92.
Fax No: 01932 78 20 44.
E-Mail: kempton@jockeyclubracecourses.com
Accommodation:
Carlton Mitre Hotel Hampton Court.
Tel no: 0208 979 99 88.
First established in 1665 as a popular Inn used by the many distinguished characters of the seventeenth century, the Carlton Mitre Hotel’s picturesque riverside location has been renowned as one of London’s most exclusive out-of-town venues for the past 350 years.
Since its beginnings, the hotel has had a close relationship with horseracing, with Andrew Snape, the second proprietor of the Mitre Inn, having written the groundbreaking folio – The Anatomy of a Horse and King Charles II, the founder of modern horse racing, also using the hotel to accommodate royal guests visiting him at the adjacent Hampton Court Palace.
Nowadays, the 4* Carlton Mitre Hotel achieves the perfect balance between modern comfort and historic charm, providing an oasis of calm for discerning race-goers visiting the many race meetings at nearby Epsom, Kempton, and Sandown Park.
With 36 elegantly designed bedrooms, many of which offer breathtaking views of the River Thames and Hampton Court Palace, as well as the unashamedly opulent King Henry and Catherine Parr Suites; a stay at this hotel is always a special one.
Each room at the Mitre offers well appointed en suite facilities, air conditioning, satellite television and high speed wireless internet access, as well as a complimentary mini bar with a selection of treats and the many other room amenities a discerning guest would expect from a superior modern hotel.
And for when guests want to spend a little time away from their room; the Carlton Mitre is able to offer something for every mood. Whether an aperitif in the Library, a relaxed meal whilst taking in the superb views from either of the hotels riverside restaurants or a chilled glass of wine whilst watching the swans glide by from the beautiful sun terrace…the Mitre has it all.
The luxury Carlton Mitre Hotel offers the perfect location for race-goers who wish to combine their trip to the races with a mini-break taking in all the historical, retail, and recreational facilities afforded by the City of London. So to ensure a booking in one of our 36 rooms well in advance of your next trip, please click on the link below:
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