PLUMPTON RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Plumpton is a very successful country racecourse situated on the picturesque South Downs, and with it's proximity to Brighton and London, it can call on a very large reservoir of potential race-goers.
The current racecourse site was originally the home of a hare coursing enclosure which was constructed in 1882, and even after horse racing was introduced at Plumpton, hare coursing events continued right up until 1908.
In many respects, the 1847 opening of the Haywards Heath to Lewes railway line proved the most important factor in enabling the transition to horseracing rather than hare coursing at Plumpton. The new line provided good transport links to Plumpton, and as railway transport became more popular amongst the Victorian public, local entrepreneurs realised the potential of a race track at Plumpton, and so, the first officially recognised horse races were staged on a purpose built course in February of 1884.
The early race meetings were so successful, in 1892, the steeplechase course was extended to provide a better racing circuit for owners, trainers and jockeys. While at the same time, the public facilities at the course were also improved, allowing for better viewing and social amenities for the growing number of spectators attending the Plumpton races.
In 1901, the South Down Hunt moved there annual meeting to Plumpton, and this move ensured the local gentry began to attend the Plumpton races on a regular basis.
Like most British racecourses, Plumpton was closed for racing during both World Wars of the twentieth century, but from 1946 onwards, Plumpton has undergone consistent development, including the building of two additional grandstands, and the upgrading of the racing circuit. Consequently, Plumpton attracts good sized crowds to its usual 16 annual racing fixtures - the meetings being staged during the main months of the national hunt season - September to May.
One of Plumptons premier races, the Sussex Grand National, is now regularly shown on television, and several winners at the meetings staged in January and February go on to figure amongst the principals at the Spring Festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree.
Track facts:
Plumpton only stages national hunt racing.
The course is run left handed over a severely undulating and sharp track, which measures one mile one furlong in circumference.
The steeplechase course has six fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: three plain fences, a single open ditch, and two more plain fences.
There is a very noticeable down hill run in the back straight, with gradual climbs and undulations throughout the remainder of the course. Although the fences are not testing, the course does not suit large galloping types.
Statistics suggest, course specialists and front runners do best at Plumpton.
The hurdles course has five flights, and is a good test. The home straight suits nippy types, as prior to the short run in, there are two hurdles located in quick succession after the home turn.
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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.
All three enclosures offer a free race card as part of the admission price.
Premier Ticket.
The Sussex Grandstand overlooks the winning post. There is a mixture of seated and standing terraces, both of which provide great views of the racing action. Ticket holders also have access to the parade ring, winners enclosure, and all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The Paddock Restaurant is on the first floor of the Sussex Grandstand, and offers a combination of fine dining and panoramic views of the racecourse. While the Paddock Bar, on the ground floor of the Grandstand, provides hot and cold snacks along with a fully stocked bar.
Grandstand Ticket.
Viewing is from the indoor and outdoor seating provided in the South Downs and Lewes Grandstands. There is also access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The Lewes Bar offers snacks and a fully stocked bar. Whereas, the South Downs Fish Bar offers seafood, pies, sandwiches and soup. There are also a selection of other fast food outlets.
Course Ticket.
Viewing is from the running rails, but there is no access to the parade ring or winners enclosure.
There is a bar facility, but most race goers in this enclosure bring a picnic.
Disabled Facilities:
There are ramps, and disabled toilet facilities in both main enclosures.
For further details on facilities, contact the racecourse.
Fixtures:
All races at Plumpton are held under national hunt rules.
2011:
Sunday 08 May
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Transport Links:
By Road:
Plumpton is situated 5 miles north west of Lewes, and is just off the A275.
Traffic from the M25 should join the M23 southbound, and then the A23 to Brighton. Exit for the B2116 Hurstpierpoint road. As traffic approaches Hassocks, there are directional signs to the racecourse.
Car parking at the racecourse is free of charge.
By Rail:
Plumpton railway station is on the London Victoria to Hastings line. Trains run on an hourly basis.
London Victoria to Eastbourne services offer a direct link between Gatwick Airport and Plumpton.
The railway station at Plumpton is situated adjacent to the racecourse entrances.
By Bus:
There are local services to several other Sussex destinations.
By Air:
Gatwick is the nearest London airport, being around 17 miles from Plumpton, and as stated above, there are direct train services between Gatwick Airport and Plumpton railway station.
Subject to racecourse company permission, helicopters may land on the course.
Contact Details:
Address: Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton, East Sussex, BN7 3Al.
Telephone Number: 01273 89 03 83.
Fax Number: 01273 89 15 57.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Pelham House Hotel Lewes.
UK Tel no: 01273 488 600.
From Eire tel no: 00 44 1273 488 600.
Overlooking tranquil and picturesque gardens, and with extensive views of the South Downs National Park, Pelham House Hotel in Lewes, forms the perfect oasis for race-goers visiting any of the 16 national hunt fixtures staged at the nearby Plumpton Racecourse, and race-goers should note - by pre-arrangement, the hotel will be happy to arrange private hire transport to and from Plumpton races.
Pelham House is located in the centre of Lewes, not far from the main London to Brighton road, and being just a few minutes from Lewes railway station – with its regular connections to Gatwick Airport and London Victoria – The hotel is easily accessible by both road and rail - But once inside Pelham House, guests step into a most pleasant world of 4 star elegance, comfort, and superb personal service, reminiscent of bygone days.
While the main building of the hotel can trace its fine architectural origin and heritage back to the Sixteenth Century, with many of the hotels rooms still incorporating historic architectural gems, Pelham House has been tastefully and thoughtfully converted to provide stylish and comfortable modern accommodation to suit even the most discerning taste.
Pelham House offers 31 charming boutique style guest rooms, and while each room of the hotel has been individually designed to provide maximum contemporary comfort, many still retain some of the historic charm and character of the original building.
The majority of the 31 rooms provide stunning views over the hotel gardens and the South Downs, all of the guest rooms are equipped with modern en suite facilities, contemporary handmade oak furniture, comfortable beds, remote controlled television, Wi-Fi internet access, and the other standard room amenities discerning guests expect from a quality hotel. There is also a totally accessible room on the ground floor which is designed specifically to cater for the needs of the hotel’s disabled visitors.
Pelham House Restaurant and Bar uses, where possible, the finest locally sourced ingredients to provide simple but delicious and well-priced cuisine. The restaurant is set in two of the most historic rooms of the original house – the Panelled room and the Garden Room – both dating back to the sixteenth century, and while enjoying breakfast, lunch or an evening repast, diners in both of the restaurant rooms can enjoy superb views over the hotel gardens and the South Downs. For those with an interest in art, the Panelled Room also has magnificent wood carvings which are one of the treasures of Pelham House.
The artistic theme is continued throughout the whole of the Pelham House Hotel, with local artists displaying an ever changing background tableau of fine art in the hotel’s rooms, while there is a constantly changing display of sculpture in the hotel’s grounds.
For guests who just want to kick-back and relax, the Pelham House bar and lounge is the ideal place to chat with old or new friends while enjoying a light meal or a fine selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
For guests wishing to turn their trip to Plumpton Races into a mini-break, it is well worth noting, the Pelham House Hotel is just a short trip from many of the historic and sporting facilities of East Sussex.
To view full details on the Pelham House Hotel, or to ensure your quality accommodation ahead of your next visit to Plumpton Races, please click on the link Below:
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