Taunton Racecourse

Taunton Racecourse, a couple of miles from the Somerset town that shares its name, is a good example of the small, rural jump racing tracks that are the backbone of the winter game.

The sharp right-handed track exemplifies how traditional the sport is in Britain through the fact that it is the youngest jump racing track in the country, despite having opened back in 1927.

Taunton races hosts meetings throughout the winter and, unsurprisingly given its location, is extremely popular with the leading West Country trainers.

Taunton Racecourse Events And Fixtures 2021

jan 2021

feb 2021

mar 2021

apr 2021

may 2021

jun 2021

jul 2021

aug 2021

sept 2021

oct 2021

nov 2021

dec 2021

FRI 8th Jan Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

SAT 23rd Jan Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

TUE 9th Feb Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

TUE 23rd Feb Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

THU 4th Mar Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

MON 15th Mar Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

TUE 23rd Mar Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

THU 8th Apr Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

WED 21st Apr Taunton South

Turf Jump Evening

There are no events this month

WED 27th Oct Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

THU 11th Nov Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

THU 25th Nov Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

THU 9th Dec Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

THU 30th Dec Taunton South

Turf Jump Afternoon

Confirmed races in plain text. Confirmed pattern races in bold text. Unconfirmed races in grey text.

Taunton Races Tips

Multiple champion jump racing trainer Paul Nicholls has his base in Somerset, so it is no surprise to see him have plenty of winners at Taunton Racecourse.
Philip Hobbs and Colin Tizzard also do well through weight of numbers, but the smaller yards of Harry Fry and Jeremy Scott have eye-catching strike rates.
Among jockeys, Harry Cobden benefits from riding for Nicholls, but Sam Twiston-Davies also has a notable record at Taunton races and is worth following.
Although Taunton Racecourse has a reputation as an easy track, the chase course takes a significant toll and it is worth avoiding risky jumpers here.

The jockey's view

By Bryony Frost - Most successful female jump jockey in history

Taunton Racecourse is right-handed, relatively flat, and has a very small descent when you turn in to the home straight. There's a hurdle and fence just as it climbs back up which can be tricky for a young horse, you can see them take that half stride out and not have the momentum, so they get quite deep and come in a bit too long.

On the back straight the chase fences come quick, but the hurdle track gives you a bit more time. If you’re in front of the apex of the home bend, if you kick then into the dip before you get on the level you can nick a little bit of distance which can play out on the line. You see quite tight finishes because the leader usually gathers that distance, and then the pack chases them down. It’s good racing round there!