Horse’s owner

It is only in relatively recent history that racing has been staged on an organised basis.

The first formal match race

famously took place on Newmarket Heath in 1622, and over the following century the practice grew rapidly in popularity. In 1740 the government of Sir Robert Walpole became concerned at the popularity of racing and the gambling that took place on it. New laws were introduced to

try to regulate the activity and make it less popular, but they proved ineffective. Fearing further government intervention, racing enthusiasts came together in the coffee houses of London and in

1750 they created racing’s own regulatory body: The Jockey Club. Despite its name, The Jockey Club has never been a club for

jockeys. In the 18th century it was traditional for professionals and tradespeople to be described by their occupations, with a first name of “Mr Jockie” for those in

racing. Although early meetings were based

in London, Newmarket was already the home of horseracing and it was just two years before The Jockey Club laid down permanent roots there.

Despite its name, The Jockey Club has never been a club for jockeys

Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath by George Stubbs shows a trainer, stable lad and a jockey. Gimcrack was one of the most popular and admired of all 18th century racehorses.

In 1752 The Jockey Club leased a

plot of land in Newmarket and built a coffee house, and in the 19th century the land was acquired permanently. The original building still exists today and has been restored and maintained as part of The Jockey Club Rooms, which were re-built and expanded in the 20th century. An integral part of Newmarket High Street, the Rooms embody the link between the town of Newmarket and The

Jockey Club, which remains as strong as ever to this day. It is home to one of the finest

collections of equestrian art to be found anywhere in the world, with tours available to the public through Discover Newmarket.