Hexham racecourse - set in a natural amphitheatre is situated on the rolling Northumbrian hills two miles south-west of the historic market town. The site has been home to steeplechase contests for the best part of 200 years. Now the only racecourse in Northumberland, racing in the district was first recorded in the 1720s. Records show that the site was farmed during the mid 1800s, but racing was started again in 1890 by a great local enthusiast, Charles William Chipchase Henderson of the Riding. Mr. Henderson died in 1914 and ownership of the racecourse passed on to his son Captain Stephen Henderson, who in 1926 turned the racecourse into a private limited company in which several local families had shares although the Henderson family has kept the controlling shareholding. The course and buildings were requisitioned as an ammunition site during the 1939-1945 war. Racing started again at Whitsun 1946 under the direction of Mr. C.D. Patterson and has continued without a break until the present day. Hexham hosts the Heart of All England Maiden Hunter Chase, a competitive local derby for point to pointers. By Car: Hexham is 20 miles from Newcastle and 35 miles from Carlisle, a mile south of Hexham off the A69 between the B6305 and the B6306. By Train: Hexham station is on the line between Newcastle and Carlisle. A free bus service runs from the station on racedays. Disabled facilitiesA special car park gives disabled racegoers a superb view of the racing. The new Ramshaw Stand has a lift. The Racecourse Office The Riding Hexham Northumberland NE46 4PF Email: hexrace@aol.com Website: www.hexham-racecourse.co.uk | 
