Plumpton Races

Sussex is a special county, filled with heritage, beauty and residents who are known for being friendly and hospitable. Come winter, there is a feeling that this county bands together, comes alive and shares in one of the most traditional aspects of local life, namely the pleasures and excitements of National Hunt Jump Racing which are the Plumpton Races.

There are many fixtures which dot the calendar and can be enjoyed from December through to May. Those who have an affinity for this exceptional racecourse, will probably know a little of its history. The first proper meeting was held in 1876 and the grounds and track have, since then, remained a popular venue for all who love equestrian sport.

While those who first came to enjoy the spectacle of fine horses racing towards the finishing post experienced the track in pretty much the same way as the 21st century racegoer, the world has changed considerably.

As the course became more popular, the facilities and services expanded to incorporate the needs and desires of new generations of racegoers.

All with more than a nodding acquaintance with the ‘Sport of Kings’ will know that there are many ways to enjoy a day of National Hunt Racing. You don’t have to don a designer’s unusual hat or be seen to be sipping limited edition Champagne to be a part of the action. In fact, Plumpton Races takes no small amount of pride in being a great place for all, young and old, who want to surround themselves with the beauty of the animals, the expansive grounds and a wealth of enticing edibles.

The most economical option for a family day out is when there is a weekend meeting. Families can then venture to the Course Enclosure with a picnic, and they will find that there are additional entertainments provided for the young and young at heart. The atmosphere is always festive and air rich with a sense of excitement which doesn’t come only from the ardent punters anticipating the outcome of the next event.

Although families and children are most welcome at Plumpton Races, there are other ways to enjoy this marvellous centre for equestrianism. Various packages are on offer for different needs, and these are generally the best way to go if you know how you want to spend your day. Most familiar with the course, and all its facilities and areas, tend to book their tickets in advance. Aside from not having to wait to get through the turnstiles, this allows for a better degree of planning.

Many opt for a Grandstand Enclosure badge, which allows access to everything one would need to have a traditional day of great Plumpton Races action. While it won’t allow you access to the Premier Enclosure, it will allow you easy access to other Grandstands, including the Southdown and Lewes Stands, both of which offer lovely places to have a drink, meal and watch the thrills. It almost goes without saying that a Grandstand Badge holder will have access to the on-course bookmakers, tote facilities and the betting shop, ensuring that you never have to miss out on laying a wager, even if you’re the type of punter to head to the parade ring and wait until the last few minutes to catch the updated odds.

Annual Badge holders and those who have a Premier Enclosure Badge or package, are those who are going to be able to furnish their day’s action with the elements of luxury and sophistication which have their own place in equestrian sporting history.

The Paddock Bar and Paddock Restaurant are both located in the Premier Enclosure, on the ground floor and first floor of the Sussex Stand respectively.

The bar overlooks the parade ring and has a range of delicious gourmet light meals, like baguettes and pieminster pies, perfect accompaniments for a pint of local ale. For the racegoer who wants nothing less than the most prestigious day out, a pre-booked table at the Paddock Restaurant is the way to go.

With spectacular panoramic views of both the parade ring and winning post, it offers the most enviable vantage of any of the Grandstand facilities and, for only £37 per person, your table can be booked for the duration of the meeting. The price includes a delightful 3-course meal and a welcome drink.

Other options for enjoy a day of Plumpton Races include corporate hospitality. Theses range from private suites, which mostly can be booked for groups of 8 to 12, although there are two more capacious private boxes and the beautiful Galleano Suite which can hold up to 20 people. Packages for the hospitality suites offer everything from Premier Enclosure Badges to a full meal of three courses, CCTV, tote facilities and personal waiters. Another attractive option for corporate of social hospitality is to book the semi-permanent Pavilion Marquee, which can accommodate around 400 guests. There is also the option to take shared bookings of the lovely marquee. With great views of the thrills on the track and all the betting and service aspects you could need, it remains one of the finest ways to experience a fixture of National Hunt racing.

From weddings to conferences and just about any occasion which can make use of the myriad venues, indoor and out, of one of Britain’s finest racecourses, the dedicated and widely revered team of catering and hospitality professionals will ensure your experience, raceday or not, is something which lives up the course’s great reputation for excellence in all areas.

This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses.