Towcester agrees to lease six fixtures as return of racing moves closer after almost a decade away

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The eagerly awaited return of horseracing at Towcester has taken a major step closer with the course set to stage six fixtures from October next year.

Towcester announced in July its intention to stage racing from next year, starting with a point-to-point meeting in the spring of 2027 before a fixture under rules in the autumn. It has now agreed to lease six fixtures for its 2027-28 campaign, with a return date set for October 20, 2027.

Six fixtures agreed:

• Wednesday, October 20, 2027
• Tuesday, November 30, 2027
• Thursday, December 16, 2027
• Sunday, January 16, 2028
• Friday, February 4, 2028
• Tuesday, February 15, 2028

The news follows a historic agreement between the track's management company, Orchestrate, and bookmaker Betway. In a British first, the track will be known as Betway Towcester when it returns.

The 2027 fixture list is expected to be released this week, although the BHA said last week that Towcester will not appear on it for now. 

A BHA spokesperson said: "Any possible fixture transfers would be subject to BHA approval, and would only be considered should the racecourse be granted a licence."

Orchestrate's chief executive Richard Thomas said: "Seeing dates in the diary for the first time in a decade is a genuinely exciting moment for everyone.

"We said in July that we wanted to bring racing back to Towcester for the local community and the sport, and we now have a clear programme to work towards. There's plenty to do between now and October 2027, but work on the track is already well under way and we can't wait to welcome horses back."

Towcester's half-dozen fixtures will run through the winter, with its last meeting of the 2027-28 season provisionally set for February 15, 2028.

Towcester: hosted this year's Greyhound DerbyCredit: Steve Nash

Betway will be Towcester's exclusive betting provider as well as the track's principal strategic partner. A £2 million investment into the course to redevelop the racing surface and facilities to meet BHA requirements is ongoing.

Betway's PR manager Lewis Knowles said: "We've had a fantastic response from racing fans and industry professionals alike following our announcement, and we're delighted to confirm the dates for six fixtures from the 2027-28 season.

"Following the announcement, the first question everybody asked was, 'When?' We're thrilled to be now able to give racing fans a date to circle in their calendars for next year."

The intended return date will be nearly a decade after Towcester last staged horseracing. It has since become a vital greyhound racing venue and hosted this year's Greyhound Derby.

Tony McCoy famously rode his 4,000th winner on Mountain Tunes at the track in November 2013, and the 20-time champion British jump jockey is excited about racing's return.

He said: "It's a track that means a great deal to me and I have a strong personal connection with it. It's fantastic to see jump racing returning after such a long absence.

"It's a proper jumps track and with the investment being made and its plans, I'm sure it can re-establish itself as a valuable course for jump racing."

Read more:

Horseracing could return to Towcester as early as next year after racecourse agrees partnership with bookmaker Betway 

'It is a gamble in terms of investment, but we think it's worthwhile' - what can we expect as horseracing return edges closer at Towcester? 

Jumps fans warned to expect small field sizes as tracks battle unprecedented conditions 

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