There is a unique feeling of sadness and reflection when visiting the site of a former racecourse. For decades, these venues were the beating hearts of their local communities – places where fortunes were made, legends were born, and the thunder of hooves provided the soundtrack to the weekend.

While the big three; Newmarket, Ascot, and Cheltenham remain the crown jewels of the sport, the 20th and 21st centuries have seen several iconic tracks disappear from the map. According to records held by the British Horseracing Authority, over 50 tracks have closed since the turn of the 20th century. Here, we look at the most famous lost racecourses of England and what remains of them today.

Lincoln (Carholme) – Closed 1964

For many years, the Flat racing season traditionally began at Lincoln with the running of the Lincolnshire Handicap. The Carholme was a historic, sprawling common land course that had hosted racing since the 1700s.

Despite its prestige, the local corporation decided that the cost of modernising the facilities was too high. Racing moved to Doncaster in 1965 (where the Lincoln is still run today). While the grandstand still stands as a Grade II listed building—now used as a community space—the track itself is a public park and golf course.

Wye (Kent) – Closed 1974

Wye was the epitome of “shabby chic” in the racing world. A small, tight, and somewhat primitive National Hunt track, it was a firm favourite with jumping purists and local farmers. It was notorious for its sharp bends and a pond in the middle of the course that occasionally claimed a stray jockey.

The course closed suddenly in 1974 after the Jockey Club refused to renew its licence due to the deteriorating state of the track and facilities. Today, the land has returned to its agricultural roots, though the layout of the old circuit can still be traced from the air.

Birmingham (Bromford Bridge) – Closed 1965

Bromford Bridge was once the premier racing venue of the West Midlands. A dual-purpose track that attracted massive crowds, it was perhaps most famous for its misfortune; the grandstand was notoriously burnt down by Suffragettes in 1914.

The track eventually succumbed to the post-war housing crisis. On 21 June 1965, the aptly named Farewell Plate marked the end of racing in Birmingham. Today, the Bromford Bridge housing estate sits on the site, though if you look closely at the street signs such as Arkle Croft, Vaguely Noble, and Hyperion Road. The ghosts of the turf are still very much present.

Hurst Park – Closed 1962

Situated on the banks of the Thames in Surrey, Hurst Park was once considered one of the most picturesque tracks in the country. It was a high-quality Flat racing venue that hosted the prestigious Victoria Cup (now run at Ascot).

Despite its popularity with London punters, the soaring value of land in the commuter belt sealed its fate. The course was sold for luxury housing in 1962. During the extreme heatwave of 2018, local residents were stunned to see the parch marks of the old parade ring appearing through the grass of the riverside park, a literal shadow of its former glory.

Alexandra Park – Closed 1970

Known affectionately as “The Frying Pan” due to its bizarre, ornate layout, Alexandra Park was London’s quirkiest track. It featured a three-furlong straight that led into a tight, circular loop, making it a nightmare for jockeys but a dream for spectators.

It was a particular favourite of the legendary pundit John McCririck, who once remarked that a part of him died when “Ally Pally” closed. Today, the “pan handle” is a cricket pitch, and while you can still walk the perimeter of the old track, the roars of the crowd have been replaced by the quietness of a North London public park.

Manchester (Castle Irwell) – Closed 1963

Manchester Racecourse was a powerhouse of Northern racing, famously hosting the November Handicap and the Lancashire Oaks. Based at Castle Irwell, it was a grand venue that fell victim to the city’s industrial expansion and the University of Salford’s need for space.

The final winner at Manchester was trained by a young Dick Hern, and the site eventually became a student village. While the horses are long gone, the original Members’ Stand remained for decades as an entertainment venue, serving as one of the last physical links to a golden era of Northern racing history.

Folkestone – Closed 2012

The most recent major casualty on our list, Folkestone, was Kent’s only racecourse. It was a tricky, undulating track that tested the mettle of the best National Hunt stayers. In 2012, its owners, ARC, announced a “temporary” closure to allow for redevelopment and housing.

Sadly, that “temporary” closure became permanent. The site is currently being transformed into the Otterpool Park garden town, with thousands of homes planned for the land where the steeplechase fences once stood.

Towcester: The Track That Found a Second Life

While the courses above were lost to housing or parks, Towcester Racecourse in Northamptonshire offers a rare story of survival through evolution. Today, fans often look to BresBet’s greyhound racing platform to follow the action at this historic venue, which has transitioned from thundering hooves to the lightning speed of the greyhound circuit.

For nearly a century, Towcester was a shrine for National Hunt fans. It was a stiff track, legendary for its gruelling uphill finish that required immense stamina. It was the scene of Sir AP McCoy’s historic 4,000th career winner in 2013 – a moment etched into the annals of the sport.

From Turf to Sand (and back again?)

Instead of the bulldozers moving in, Towcester pivoted. By constructing a world-class greyhound circuit inside the original horse racing track, the venue’s sporting legacy was preserved. The greyhound track even mimics the famous topography of the original course, featuring a six-metre rise to the finish line.

Today, Towcester is the premier destination for the sport, serving as the permanent home of the English Greyhound Derby. However, the story might not be over for horse racing fans. As noted in recent reports on the potential for a Towcester comeback, the current owners are exploring the possibility of bringing horse racing back to the track in the near future.

It has proven that even when the horses stop running, the spirit of a racecourse can live on in a new form, and sometimes, the ghosts of the turf eventually come back to life.