Towcester racecourse, the track where Sir AP McCoy rode his 4,000th winner, will reopen for jumps racing in October 2027. The Northamptonshire venue has agreed to host six fixtures in the 2027-28 season, having not staged horse racing since May 2018 when it went into administration with debts of more than £1.3 million.
Landmark Betway partnership
Racing first took place at Towcester in 1876, but the track closed eight years ago after its remaining fixtures were sold. Since then it has operated as a greyhound racing venue, staging various editions of the Greyhound Derby.
The resumption follows a partnership between racecourse owners Orchestrate and online bookmaker Betway. As a result, the track will be renamed Betway Towcester Racecourse, with Betway becoming the exclusive betting partner across all fixtures.
Fixture dates confirmed
Towcester has agreed a programme of fixtures with the BHA, which have been leased for the 2027-28 campaign. The dates are October 20, November 30, December 16, January 16, February 4 and February 15. The racecourse is in the process of applying for a licence.
Richard Thomas, chief executive of Orchestrate, said: “Seeing dates in the diary for the first time in nearly a decade is a genuinely exciting moment for everyone here.
“We said in July that we wanted to bring horse racing back to Towcester for the local community and for the sport, and we now have a clear programme to work towards. There is plenty to do between now and October 2027, but work on the track is already well underway and we can't wait to welcome horses back.”
£2m investment and McCoy tribute
Orchestrate and Betway are investing more than £2 million in the venue. This will fund a comprehensive overhaul of the racing surface, alongside significant improvements and modernisation of the spectator facilities.
McCoy, the 20-time champion, rode his historic 4,000th winner at the track in 2013. He said: "Towcester is a track that means a great deal to me. I rode my 4,000th winner there, which was one of my most memorable milestones, so I have a strong personal connection with this racecourse.
“It’s fantastic to see National Hunt racing returning to the racecourse after such a long absence. It’s a proper Jumps track and with the investment being made and the plans for its future, I’m sure it can re-establish itself as a valuable course for National Hunt racing.”
Towcester is aiming to host Point-to-Point fixtures in spring 2027 ahead of the resumption of Rules racing later in the year.
