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NEWMARKET RACECOURSES: ROWLEY MILE & JULY COURSE

A number of courses have been in use in Newmarket over the centuries. The evolution of Rowley Mile and the July Course reflects how the sport has changed to be enjoyed by all, and not just the privileged few.

17th Century

The most significant early development within racing in Newmarket came in 1665, when King Charles II, added a third “Round Course” to the

two already existing courses in Newmarket, the Beacon Course (today the Rowley Mile) and the Cambridgeshire Course. All three courses were

to be used for a new race

which was first run in 1666, the Newmarket Town Plate.

It was stated that the race

should be run “forever”, and it continues to be run today. Due to the nature of racing at the time agile viewing was required, with spectators largely looking on from horseback or carriages.

19th Century 18th Century

The Jockey Club’s presence in Newmarket in the 1750s had a

significant impact on Newmarket heath’s physical environment, increasing racing provisions and changing it from the playground of the nobility it had been up to that point. By 1756 the Round Course built its first stand, simple in nature with stables below and viewing above. At The Rowley Mile, smaller racing facilities, a weighing house and stables were added

and in 1774 the land used

for racing was extended and formalised to become the

Ancaster Mile.

Over the late 18th and 19th Century, races were changing – shorter distances and more fixed finishing posts meant the nature of spectating was equally shifting. The 1850s brought significant reorganisation on the heath associated with the growing focus on the Rowley Mile, including its first stand. This was replaced by the Astley Stand in 1875, when a stand exclusively for trainers and jockeys was also built, located on the site of the current Head-on Stand.

20th Century

1911 saw further development with a new weighing room at Rowley Mile (now known as the Hong Kong Suite) designed by Walter Brierley. New and more modest stands

for the public and Jockey Club members were also built.

As crowds grew at the July Course’s summer meetings, concern over extending facilities and ruining the ‘picnic atmosphere’ were debated. In the 1930s, five main buildings were constructed – The

Weighing Room, Head-on Stand, and 3 similar structures for Members, Tattersalls, and Silver Ring patrons. These still form the primary trackside viewing facilities today.

The Round Course at Rowley Mile (1958-1973) Head-On Stand (1889-c.1929) right of Astley Stand, photographed 1896 1945 Derby at the July Course drew bigger crowds than we see today.

Post-War Decades 1980s to Present

The most recent stage in the Rowley Mile’s evolution is the Millennium Stand, which was unveiled by the Queen on 6 May 2000. The Rowley Mile and July Course can welcome up to 20,000 people.

Rowley Mile’s Millennium Grandstand Today. Known for its racing and live music, The July Course remains one of Cambridgeshire’s most popular summer venues.

Immediately following the second world war, the July Course saw crowds grow for its summer Derby Day to levels of attendance not seen today. However, it was not to last and in 1954 declining attendance figures brought proposals for a round course in front of the Rowley Mile stands, with the suggestion it would make it easier for spectators to view. In 1958 a round course was laid out

and it was used until 1973.