One of the two flat racecourses at Newmarket, the home of British horseracing, reopens in June following a £9 million redevelopment. The July racecourse takes on a garden party atmosphere in summer with its flowers and thatched buildings, attracting those looking for an entertaining and social occasion. The course, second only to Newmarket's Rowley Mile with the Millennium Grandstand as its focal point, hosts the annual Ladies' Day on the first day of the July Festival Meeting (July 11-13). So named because women don their most glamorous and stunning outfits (hats are de rigueur), it includes a best dressed lady competition. Newmarket Nights, a series of Friday evening race meetings followed by open-air pop concerts which start as dusk falls, are also held at the July Racecourse (various dates in June, July and August).
Steeped in history and heritage, Newmarket has been the home of British horseracing since the 17th century when King James I spent much of his time living in the town. King Charles II was also a regular visitor, reinforcing the town's regal equestrian link. The Jockey Club established its original headquarters here in 1752.
Newmarket is the only place in the world where every aspect of the horseracing industry is concentrated, from training yards, studs and sales rooms to a horse hospital and museum. It has two racecourses on the edge of town, offering regular race days this year until the end of October. There is also the National Horseracing Museum. Newmarket is near Cambridge, 68 miles north of London. Website: www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk.
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