The Past & Future of Horse Racing in Somerset & Bath

Bath and Somerset have a long tradition of horse racing excellence stretching back to the early 18th century. A permanent racecourse was established in Bath in 1811 and the site has been hosting race meetings ever since. The region has also enjoyed its fair share of success stories over the years.

Elite training Somerset is the home of the stables of legendary trainer Paul Nicholls. Previously a jockey himself, Nicholls has trained over 3000 winners, claiming many of the sports top prizes including the Grand National, four Cheltenham Festival Gold Cups and 12 King George VI Chases along the way. His rivalry with fellow trainer Martin Pipe and his recruitment of jockey Ruby Walsh produced some of racing’s greatest moments, and made household names out of horses such as Kauto Star and Denman.

All-time greats

Another star of Somerset racing is the Thoroughbred horse Makybe Diva. Despite being famous for becoming the first horse to win the Melbourne Cup in Australia three times, the mare was actually foaled at the Britton House Stud in Somerset in March 1999. She remained there for 18 months before being shipped to Australia having failed to sell at an auction in Newmarket. Now retired, she resides at a thoroughbred farm in Victoria.

Rising stars

Also from Somerset is rising star jockey Harry Cobden who has eight Grade 1 races to his name and was a challenger for the most recent jockey’s championship until an injury ruled him out for the rest of the National Hunt season. Still aged just 23, he still has plenty of time to fulfill his potential.

Ready for the future

With such heritage, it is no wonder the Bath and Somerset region is seeing renewed growth in the sport, despite the challenges faced by a traditional sport in a modern environment. Bath racecourse updated their facilities in 2016 to bring it in line with the needs of a new era. They have also embraced modern culture at the venue by hosting concerts by globally recognised

music artists such as Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and the Kaiser Chiefs. But the changes to the sport go much deeper than just improved physical infrastructure and live events.

A high-tech industry

Horse racing is now steeped in technology; from data and statistics to broadcasting and wagering, every area is now powered by state-of-the-art systems. For example, we have seen artificial intelligence make its mark in the sport through services such as the Beth AI betting tool whose algorithms minimise risk and optimise winnings for punters. Thanks to modern technology, it‘s never been easier to use analytics to predict how your favourites horses from Somerset or elsewhere might perform.

A level playing field

As well as embracing technology, horse racing has also recognised its uniqueness as a sport where men and women can compete side-by-side. In the last decade, we has the seen many more female jockeys rise to the top level. And in 2021, we saw the first-ever female winner of the Grand National when Rachael Blackmore rode Minella Times to victory.

Just when you thought @rachaelblackmor's season couldn't get much better...

The Grand National-winning rider is now just four winners behind Paul Townend in her bid to become the first female champion jockey in Ireland!

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 23, 2021

After centuries of history and through many social, industrial, economic and technological changes, horse racing has defied the odds and managed to remain relevant and adaptable. Yet, throughout all this, the true essence of the sport, from the stables to the race-going experience, has also been retained. And long may it continue.