Ludlow Races

Rumour has it that races began in the historic town of Ludlow in Shropshire in the fourteenth century, when soldiers from Ludlow Castle came to the same site where the races are held now to match their horses. If you'd rather go on fact, then there are records proving that races began at least in the year 1729, as noblemen from the surrounding area found Ludlow an excellent place to exercise their mares. The Ludlow Races course has as strong club atmosphere, matching its bold and opulent Edwardian character. Originally it was not a National Hunt course, and jumping Ludlow Races did not begin until the mid-nineteenth century. Evidence of this can been seen even today, as the hurdles track is mostly seperate to the original flat course, following it for only a mile Ludlow Races run all year round, even in the colder and wetter winter months, although in January this year races were called off due to heavy rain making the track unsuitable. "Country Life" Magazine has described the town of Ludlow as "England's finest market town", as it boasts over 500 listed buildings (including the historic castle from which the the horse racing soldiers first came, high across the River Teme). Many festivals are held across the year in Ludlow - such as the September Food Festival, the Autumn Medieval Fayre and the mid-summer Shakespeare Festival, often coinciding with the Ludlow races and making for a fantastic weekend away.

 Getting There

The Ludlow Races are held 162 miles from London, 39 miles from Birmingham, 24 from Hereford and 29 from Shrewsbury, making it easy to travel either by road, rail and even by air! By road, it is advised drivers take the A49, A4113 and the A4117, with the race course located 2 miles north of Ludlow itself off the A49. By rail from Paddington take a train to Newport, then the local line to Ludlow on the Newport to Crewe line. On race days there is a free bus service provided from the Ludlow train station, at a quarter past the hour before the first race begins - returning after the last has finished. If you are lucky enough to have access to a helicopter, there are helicopter landing facilities available on request.

Ludlow Races Facts

The Ludlow Races track is a National Hunt Course with a right handed oval track of 1 mile 4 furlongs including a 185 yard run-in. The Chase course is completely flat, boating sharp bends which run into and out of the home straight. The Hurdle course runs along the outside of the chase track, and is not as sharp. If race goers fancy a little bit of luxury, Ludlow offers Jubilee Stand Boxes - a set of luxury private viewing boxes from where the jump races can be viewed. These boxes come with an exclusive area for Tote betting, and are designed for private hospitality, boating a private balcony each which provides a panoramic view of the Ludlow Races and the countryside surrounding Ludlow.