Chepstow Racecourse Guide

Chepstow racecourse is one of the three tracks that Wales has to offer and plays host to the famous Welsh Grand National.

The racecourse has been in existence since the early 20th century and still holds both Jumps and Flat racing, although it's better known as a jumps track these days.

We have put together the ultimate guide for everything you need to know about the famous racecourse.

Chepstow Racecourse Location

Where is Chepstow?

Chepstow Racecourse is located just north of the town of Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales.

It is situated close to the border with England and it is one of the 16 racecourses operated by the Arena Racing Company.

How to get to Chepstow Racecourse

By Train

Chepstow station is a 10-minute walk from the town centre. There are direct trains to Chepstow from Birmingham, Cardiff, Cheltenham Spa, Derby, Gloucester, Newport and Nottingham.

By Bus

A shuttle bus service is provided by Newport Transport, which operates from Chepstow Train Station to the Racecourse via the town's bus station.

By Car

The racecourse is on the A466 Chepstow to Monmouth road, which is not far from the toll-free Severn Bridge.

From the M4 East (Junction 21) or M4 West (Junction 23), take the M48 and exit at Junction 2 (Chepstow). Then follow the brown racecourse signs.

Chepstow Racecourse Layout

Track Layout

Chepstow's Racecourse is roughly an oval circuit which is used for both Flat and National Hunt racing.

The finishing straight can be difficult to handle as it is five furlongs in length and there are five fences on the chase course to be jumped. There are eleven fences on a complete circuit, while there is also a straight-mile course.

Enclosures and Viewing Areas

There are plenty of options with regards to tickets and restaurants at Chepstow.

The View offers a fantastic experience in their glass front restaurant where you have unparalleled views of the racing action. There is hospitality available including private boxes and a Trackside Marquee is another option for those that require a table and seating.

There is also general admission and premier admission to ensure the racecourse meets the needs of all their guests at any meeting.

Children 17 and under go free to the races when accompanied by an adult (some exclusions apply) and concession discounts are only available on the day.

There's no formal dress code at Chepstow with the exception of "sporting team shirts" being banned but racegoers are encouraged to dress smart in the hospitality and restaurant areas.

Key Races at Chepstow

Welsh Grand National

The Welsh Grand National is a Premier Handicap National Hunt steeplechase which is open to horses aged four or older.

The race takes place over a distance of about 3m6f and there are 23 fences to be jumped throughout the event, which takes place on 27th December each year.

The race is now worth roughly £150,000.

While the Welsh National is the biggest betting race throughout the year at Chepstow, there's also Grade 2 action at both the opening meeting of the Jumps season in October and the Welsh National meeting on 27th December each year.

The Persian War Novices' Hurdle, one of the biggest races for novice hurdlers at the start of the campaign, has been won by the likes of future staying stars Silviniaco Conti and Thyme Hill in recent times. It was won by Captain Teague, a top prospect for Paul Nicholls, in impressive fashion in 2023 and the Ditcheat trainer often targets the big meetings at Chepstow.

Later in the season on Chepstow's big day (27th December), the Grade 2 Finale Juvenile Hurdle is the main support to the big race. A race for juveniles only, it can often be seen as a useful trial for the Triumph at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The Silver Trophy Handicap and a Listed novices' chase are two other notable races on the calendar, they are both held at the October meeting

The Golden Daffodil Stakes, a middle-distance race named after a national emblem of Wales, was a Group 3 race on the Flat and was the only Group race held in Wales at one stage. However, the race was discontinued in 2005.

Chepstow Racecourse History

Chepstow Racecourse Opening Date

In 1925, a group of 10 South Wales gentry and businessmen formed a company to buy Piercefield House and designed a new racecourse in its estate.

The racecourse opened in August 1926.

When was the first Welsh Grand National?

The first race was run in 1895 at the Ely Racecourse in Cardiff. After the Second World War, the event was then moved to Newport Racecourse in 1948 and then on to Chepstow in 1949.