National Hunt racing is a step closer to returning to Towcester after the racecourse confirmed six proposed fixtures for the 2027/28 season.
The Northamptonshire venue is preparing to welcome racehorses back for the first time since May 2018, with its opening meeting provisionally scheduled for Wednesday 20 October 2027.
It is a significant milestone for the team behind the revival, although the six fixtures and Towcester’s racecourse licence remain subject to approval from the British Horseracing Authority.
Towcester Racecourse fixtures for 2027/28
The proposed dates are:
- Wednesday 20 October 2027
- Tuesday 30 November 2027
- Thursday 16 December 2027
- Sunday 16 January 2028
- Friday 4 February 2028
- Tuesday 15 February 2028
Management company Orchestrate is working with the BHA as preparations gather pace, with work on the track already underway.
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.”
More than £2 million is being invested in the venue by Orchestrate and its Principal Strategic Partner, Betway. The redevelopment includes a comprehensive overhaul of the racing surface, together with improvements to facilities for spectators.
For Sir AP McCoy, the return carries particular significance. The 20-time Champion Jockey recorded his 4,000th career winner at Towcester aboard Mountain Tunes in November 2013.
“Towcester is a track that means a great deal to me,” he said. “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.”
Although horse racing has been absent for almost a decade, Towcester has remained an active sporting venue, hosting greyhound racing and major events including the English Greyhound Derby.
Equine activity is expected to return in stages, beginning with Point-to-Point fixtures in spring 2027 before the planned resumption of Rules racing in October.
