Worcester Racecourse

 

A Full History of Worcester Racecourse (Pitchcroft)

Origins – 1718 and Early Years

  • Horse racing has been taking place at Pitchcroft—Worcester’s racecourse—since at least 1718, making it one of the oldest continuously used courses in Britain

  • The course originally hosted flat racing, earning popularity among locals, especially during the 18th and early 19th centuries

Sporting Diversions & Memorable Events

  • In 1824, Pitchcroft even played host to bare-knuckle boxing, including a famed bout between Tom Spring and Jack Langan that drew massive crowds (~40,000 spectators) despite freezing conditions and a temporary stand collapse.

  • Its terrain also accommodated other sports: from rugby, when Worcester Rugby Club used parts of the grounds starting in 1893, to football—Worcester City F.C. played on the Pitchcroft fields until 1905

Transition to Jump (National Hunt) Racing

  • By the mid-19th century, steeplechasing rose in popularity. The Worcester Grand Annual Chase, initiated in the 1830s, became a key race until patron support waned after 1866. It continued on in a diminished role until 1933

  • Alterations to the course layout—including a figure-of-eight design in the 1880s—drove flat racing’s decline as the shape favored jump racing

  • Ultimately, flat racing was discontinued in 1966, solidifying Worcester’s identity as a National Hunt venue

A Landmark Year – 1965

  • Just before flat racing ended, the racecourse witnessed an extraordinary day: an 8-race card featuring 229 runners in January 1965—a record for the venue

  • Around this time, HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) famously rode her horse, Cnoc Na Cuille, to victory at Pitchcroft

Modern Era & Summer Jumping

  • In 1995, Worcester became one of the pioneering venues for summer National Hunt racing, often referred to as “summer jumping”—a rarity during the summer months

  • The course is laid out as a left-handed oval circuit of approximately 13 furlongs, situated alongside the River Severn, with nine fences—five along the back straight and four on the home straight

  • It remains a busy summer destination, hosting around 20 National Hunt fixtures annually between April and October, including popular themed days like Ladies Day, Family Fun Days, and regional-themed events such as Pershore Plum Festivals or even Rum & Reggae nights

Ownership & Infrastructure

  • The racecourse is leased from Worcester City Council and operated by the Arena Leisure Group (since merged into Arena Racing Company, or ARC, in 2012)

  • In 2007, severe flooding forced cancellation of fixtures after 30 June due to the venue being inundated

  • More recently, by May 2024, a new weighing room complex was scheduled for completion, supporting its continued seasonal operations

Cultural Significance

  • Alongside racing, Pitchcroft has become a cultural hub—hosting events like the Worcester Balloon Festival, music festivals, and seasonal gatherings—reflecting how integral the course is to the city’s life beyond equestrian sport.

Quick Overview Table

Era/Aspect Highlights
Early Years (1718+) Flat racing established; one of the UK’s oldest tracks.
19th Century Steeplechasing rise; Grand Annual Chase; boxing bouts; layout changes.
Early 20th Century Rugby and football held onsite; end of football use in 1905.
1960s Record runner day (1965); flat racing discontinued (1966).
Late 20th Century Summer National Hunt racing begins (1995).
21st Century Operated by ARC; flood disruption (2007); infrastructure upgrades (2024).
Cultural Role Hosts festivals, themed racedays, and community events.

In summary, Worcester Racecourse is a storied venue whose 300-year-plus legacy spans flat and jump racing, varied sporting use, royal connections, and modern community events—making it a uniquely enduring and vibrant part of Worcester’s heritage.

Worcester Racecourse sponsored Day Racing Packages