We’re heading towards Christmas at a rate of knots. It means that time is starting to run out to find the perfect Christmas gift for the racing fans in your life. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a selection of ideas that could help you avoid leaving it to the last minute.
For racing fans, the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see what happens within the various sectors of horseracing can provide a wonderful thrill. If you’re looking to get someone the gift on an unforgettable experience then this is where Discover Newmarket can help. Our Gift Vouchers make fantastic stocking fillers and these can be purchased for a specific tour or for an amount to be redeemed for any of our tours. These can be purchased by clicking here. And we can guarantee that whoever receives this gift will have a memorable time!
Whether they go on a tour of The National Stud, take in the art and history on a Champagne Afternoon Tea & Tour at the Jockey Club Rooms or go on a Race Day Tour, they’ll definitely love it
Given its reputation as provider of massive thrills and dismal lows, horseracing has proved a host of stories of heroism, of great battles and personal triumphs. These tales can be found in the pages of a number of books and this wouldn’t go amiss to fill a stocking or provide something to leave on the bedside table. Visit Tindalls on the High Street or pop into the shop at the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art at Palace House and browse their extensive collections of racing literature offered for sale.
Some titles to consider include:
Taking My Time by George Baker.
Another tale that reminds us how incredibly tough life can be as a jockey as George Baker discusses the accident that curtailed his riding career in the blink of an eye one day on the snow covered track in St Moritz in 2017. Baker knew all about the highs of racing thanks to a career highlight win in the St Leger but also had first hand experience of the crushing lows as he was forced to overcome serious head injuries and trauma after his career-ending fall. Now, with a new lease on life, Baker regales readers with his tale as he adjusts to life out of the saddle.
The Heath & The Horse: A history of racing and art on Newmarket Heath by David Oldrey, Timothy Cox and Richard Nash.
This book offers a fascinating look at the history of Newmarket from its early roots during the reign of King Charles right through to the town in its current guise as the Home of Horseracing. With musings from Sir Mark Prescott in the foreword right through to the final chapter this book will have the reader enthralled as it examines some of the horses and personalities who played a part in shaping the heritage of this wonderful place. This book is also filled with richly illustrated maps, paintings and prints which capture the topography, the buildings and of course the racehorses.
Birdie: The Best of Darren Bird
He’s become one of the most popular characters in racing thanks to his fantastic drawing skills and the ability to capture some of racing’s brightest moments as cartoons and caricatures. This collection of drawings is a perfect coffee table book and will no doubt bring a smile to the faces when this one is unwrapped. Birdie has a great talent for immortalising some of racing’s best moments and characters with the coloured pens and pencils in his box of tricks.
No, we’re not pulling your leg. Buying someone a horse could make for a wonderful gift. We don’t mean that you should wrap it in a bow and let it live in the garden though. We’re referring to the world of racehorse ownership. There are a number of options for people to take part in if ever they wanted to experience the thrill of owning a racehorse with several syndicates and racing clubs offering loads of benefits at a host of various rates. If you’re looking at getting involved in a syndicate, why not head over to our Racehorse Ownership page by clicking here to learn more about an exciting partnership with Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.
A phone call to any of the yards in Newmarket or a quick look at their websites and social pages will also reveal a number of options for anyone wanting to get involved at any level.
Here’s a quick list we pulled together of trainers offering various deals at the moment and it’s best to send enquiries directly to them.
21/11/2023
Six ways to get in the Christmas spirit
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, especially in Newmarket where we’ve been busy planning festive fun for everyone.
14/11/2023
Five of the tastiest afternoon teas
On a brisk autumn day, there are few better ways to get cosy than with a piping hot cup of tea.
07/11/2023
We are hiring!
THIS POSITION HAS NOW CLOSED.
Job Opportunity: Marketing Executive
Discover Newmarket is the official tourism body for Newmarket and the surrounding area.
06/11/2023
Everyone’s welcome in Newmarket
We’re working hard to make Newmarket a more inclusive and accessible place – we want everyone to have a fantastic time in the home of horseracing.
02/11/2023
Newmarket Christmas Lights Switch On!
Join us for this year’s ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ on Friday 17th November, with the fun starting at 4.30pm!
20/10/2023
Dine out on sausages all week with our Sausage Safari!
In celebration of Newmarket’s annual Sausage Festival on Saturday 4th November, some of our wonderful cafes and restaurants will be serving specially created sausage dishes on their menus during the preceding week (28th October to 4th November).
16/10/2023
Discover Newmarket is recruiting!
PLEASE NOTE THIS POSITION HAS NOW CLOSED
Sales and Tours Co-ordinator
Discover Newmarket is the official tourism body for Newmarket and the surrounding area.
11/10/2023
The Annual Newmarket Sausage Festival is Back!
From royalty to the hard-working groom, sizzling Newmarket Sausages are every race-goer’s favourite, and to mark the long-tradition of this award-winning street food, the annual Newmarket Sausage Festival returns for the second year on Saturday 4 November.
