Cartmel Racecourse
Cartmel Racecourse is a unique national hunt racecourse located in the picturesque village of Cartmel, which is part of the ceremonial county of Cumbria. Historically, the racecourse was situated in Lancashire. The venue is renowned for hosting nine racedays annually, beginning on the Whit Holiday weekend at the end of May and concluding on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Cartmel offers a distinctive racing experience, with events that spread over multiple days, giving racegoers the opportunity to explore the stunning Lake District countryside between race days.
Race Meetings and Key Events
The racing season at Cartmel kicks off with a three-day May race meeting, which uniquely takes place over five days. This allows racegoers to enjoy a day off between each racing day, making the most of their visit to the Lake District. The July meeting, another highlight of the racing calendar, is a two-day event that spans three days, also with a day of rest in between. This meeting features the prestigious Cumbria Crystal Hurdle Race, the most valuable race at Cartmel, with a prize of over £40,000. The season culminates with the August race meeting, which includes significant races such as the Cartmel Cup, a hurdle race, and the Cavendish Cup, a steeplechase.
Racecourse Layout and Attendance
Despite being considered small in size, Cartmel Racecourse often boasts the third-highest average attendance of any jumps track in Britain, trailing only Aintree and Cheltenham. On peak days, the racecourse can attract crowds exceeding 20,000. Visitors gather primarily in the center of the racecourse, which is divided by the finishing straight. One side of the straight is home to a large fairground, while the other houses the Parade Ring and Winners' Enclosure. Although Cartmel has a small grandstand, most of its facilities are temporary. The nearby village shops are within walking distance, and a visit to the village is often regarded as an integral part of the Cartmel racing experience.
Unique Features of Cartmel Racecourse
Cartmel Racecourse is known for its distinctive four-furlong run-in on the Steeplechase course, the longest in Britain. The run-in on the Hurdle track is slightly less than two furlongs. A charming tradition at Cartmel is that all winning connections are awarded a Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding to take home, adding a unique and local flavor to the victory celebrations.
Historical Significance and Memorable Moments
The earliest documented account of racing at Cartmel dates back to 1856, though the course was likely active even earlier. Initially supported by local landowners, the racecourse remained a small venue featuring primarily amateur jockeys until World War II. In the latter half of the 20th century, the racing program at Cartmel was expanded and professionalized. The racecourse and its surrounding land have long been owned by the Holker Estate, with the Cavendish family playing a pivotal role in its development. Notably, Hugh Cavendish became a Director of Cartmel Racecourse in 1974 and later purchased the management team in 1998, driving the racecourse's growth. Cartmel was also the site of the infamous Gay Future 'coup' in 1974, a scheme involving the switching of horses before a race. Among the notable horses in recent Cartmel history is Soul Magic, who won at the track seven times before the 2014 racing season.
