Newmarket Final Meeting

Newmarket Final Meeting – Newmarket Racecourse

The History of the Newmarket Final Meeting

1. Roots of Racing at Newmarket

Horse racing at Newmarket has a storied beginning. The first recorded race took place in 1622, a high-stakes match for £100 between horses owned by Lord Salisbury and the Marquess of Buckingham. The racecourse itself was formally founded in 1636

One of the cornerstones of modern horse racing, the Newmarket Town Plate, was launched by King Charles II in 1665, with official rules, making it one of the earliest regulated races

2. Rise of Scheduled Meetings

Until 1744, formal racing at Newmarket was limited to a couple of annual fixtures—the King’s Plate and Town Plate. But as interest surged, structured meetings were added:

  • Second Spring Meeting (1753)

  • July Meeting (1765)

  • Houghton Meeting (1770)

  • Second October Meeting (1762)

  • The Craven Meeting (1771) followed shortly

By 1840, Newmarket hosted seven annual meetings, including Spring fixtures, the July festival, and autumn gatherings

3. The Final Meeting Emerges

Though exact historical origins of the Final Meeting—Newmarket’s concluding meeting of the season—are less documented, its significance is clear in modern times. Today, it’s recognised as the end-of-season finale, sometimes called the “End of Term”

As of 2025, the Final Meeting spans two days, held at the Rowley Mile Course from Friday, 31 October to Saturday, 1 November. It serves as the ultimate curtain‑closer, gathering enthusiasts for a last flourish of top-level flat racing.

4. Modern Celebrations & Traditions

Today’s Final Meeting is not just about the races—it’s a social highlight featuring hospitality packages, restaurants like the panoramic Champions Gallery, private balconies, and exclusive enclosures

Racegoers often refer to it as the “End of Term”, ushering the season out with style. A glance at the 2024 iteration reveals its star-studded line-up, including races like:

  • The British EBF Conditions Stakes

  • The Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Bosra Sham’ Fillies’ Stakes

    • Winner: It Ain’t Two

5. A Legacy of Continuity and Celebration

The Final Meeting embodies centuries of evolving tradition—from early match races to a formal, festive close of the racing calendar. It’s a testament to how Newmarket has grown into the undisputed headquarters of British horseracing, blending heritage with contemporary flair

Summary Table

Era Highlights
17th Century First recorded races (1622), formal founding (1636), Town Plate (1665)
18th–19th Centuries Expansion to multiple annual meetings; establishment of seasonal structure
Modern Era Final Meeting as the season’s conclusion, rich in hospitality & celebration
2025 Schedule Final Meeting: 31 October – 1 November at Rowley Mile

A Closing Thought

The Final Meeting at Newmarket is more than just a fixture—it’s the grand farewell of the racing year. It merges deep-rooted tradition with festive modernity, inviting fans both seasoned and new to raise a toast to the season’s conclusion amidst the historic corridors of Newmarket.

Would you like to dive deeper into specific races from past Final Meetings or explore the architectural and social heritage of the venue?

For details of Newmarket Final Meeting Hospitality, please follow this link or click below