Ludlow racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing track located in Ludlow, Shropshire, England. It is owned and operated by Ludlow Race Club Ltd, and is well known for hosting National Hunt races. The racecourse is just 2 miles away from Ludlow, and is famously known as “Lovely Ludlow.” Its location is strategic, being crossed by the B4365 and other minor roads. Whenever there is a race meeting, traffic on these roads has to be put on halt so as not to interfere with the races. The course offers a calm and relaxed environment for the racegoers to enjoy watching the races from.
Racing at Ludlow is said to have taken place first in1729. The racecourse was used by Ludlow Castle soldiers who went there occasionally to match their horses against each other. The race meetings were held at Bromfield, and it was until 1750 when the meetings were recorded. However, the races did not attract a wide audience since they were less popular at the time. Cock fighting was what most people enjoyed watching. The first flat race to be staged at Ludlow took place in mid-19th century, but ceased happening in 1868. The course built a new grandstand in 1904. Today, Ludlow racecourse shares its facilities with Ludlow Golf Club. It has thrived over the years and stood the test of time unlike it’s neighboring Shrewsbury which closed its gates in 1887.
Each year, racing at Ludlow takes place in the winter, with Forbra Gold Cup being the most notable race. It is run every late February, and was named after Forbra, a winner of the 1932 Grand National race. This year, the racecourse is set to host a good number of fixtures, with gates opening two hours before the first race begins. Admission prices start from 16 Euros depending on the package that one chooses.