Our trained guides hold a wealth of information between them and are passionate about the town’s history and heritage. Many have worked within the horse racing industry for most of their lives and are keen to share their personal knowledge and stories with you. In booking a tour with us you can be assured of first class service, in depth knowledge and a style and humour that will ensure you are entertained and educated at the same. Come and meet the guides:
Ann used to work for John Warren, Willy Hastings-Bass and Banstead Manor Stud. She has a degree in modern languages speaking French, Italian and the basics of other European languages. Ann has worked for a tour guide for many years whilst also running her own e-commerce business.
Char was born and bred into racing and has ridden out for many trainers including Bruce Hobbs and Sir Henry Cecil. She grew too tall to be a jockey so turned her hand to Point to Pointing with her best result being a brave 2nd! Char has a huge wealth of knowledge, having lived and breathed racing for all her life and is one of our long standing guides.
Malcolm was a National Hunt Amateur Jockey at the age of 23, and later in life went on to be a designer and builder of stables and other buildings for the racing industry in Newmarket. Malcolm is our longest serving tour guide, having taken up guiding in 1995, and so can tell a story or two!
Larry has worked in racing since 1968, starting as a stable lad then going on to become an Apprentice Jockey on the flat. His achievements include a winner on the flat and 24 winners over jumps in both the UK and Italy. He worked for many years on thoroughbred stud farms. As well as tour guide for Discover Newmarket he also works at the National Horseracing Museum.
Sandie’s career in the racing industry started in the 1970’s when she rode out, and was secretary to, a Lambourn trainer. Following this she was secretary/PA to a leading Newmarket stud farm before joining her husband in his bloodstock agency. She has attended all bloodstock sales in the UK, Ireland, France and the USA, and works alongside her husband in stud and racing management.
Annie has a passion for horses and has ridden all her life. Exposed to racing as a youngster thanks to her mother, a keen racegoer, as well as her uncles – one was a commentator and another an owner – Annie has enjoyed horseracing ever since. Living in Newmarket has also seen Annie, who holds a diploma in French, befriending many of the industry role players including vets, trainers and bloodstock agents.
Wendy’s stepfather was a National Hunt trainer – he was a Grand National winner and also formed 4 champion jockeys, including Dick Francis. She was married to a trainer in France and worked for the French racing authorities and the Bloodstock sales. On her return to England she started a catering company and was based at the Jockey Club Rooms for 15 years.
Nigel started his racing career at 14 riding for Fulke Walwyn. He rode a number of winners over fences and on the flat as an amateur. He has served in the Military, on Stud Farms in New Zealand, the US and the UK and train privately at Stetchworth Park Stud. He is a member of the TBA Council and won the TBA Dominion Prize for services to Racing and Breeding.
Welsh by birth and optician by profession, Gaynor rode before she could walk and is fiercely passionate about all things equine. She fell in love with Newmarket when she came to the races 24 years ago and has now lived here for several years. She has been racing around the world, including Australia, France, Dubai and Wales!
In his early life Richard was a journalist in East Anglia before moving into public relations, working mainly in London. He has lived in the Newmarket area for over 40 years and, with family connections to the world of horseracing, he has developed a keen interest in the bloodstock industry.
Frankie spent her early life in show business, travelling the world, and then had a successful career in tourism and hospitality. She has been a qualified Blue Badge Guide for over 15 years and is passionate about the history of Newmarket and how the ‘Home of British Horseracing’ developed.
25/04/2022
Newmarket’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Newmarket’s Town Council has organised a splendid, three day party and everyone is invited!
11/04/2022
Become an Annual Badge Holder at Newmarket Racecourses
This week sees the long awaited return of racing at Newmarket.
04/04/2022
Out and About this Easter
Easter is a lovely time of year with the expectation of warmer weather and lots of things to do.
Dynamic, entrepreneurial, driven and quite possibly mad!
Introducing Ben Cockhill of Stellar Catering, one of Newmarket’s great Covid success stories.
31/03/2022
Suffolk Walking Festival Returns
Tickets are now on sale for The Suffolk Walking Festival as it returns for its 14th instalment after a two year absence due to Covid.
17/03/2022
You’re Welcome at the Home of Horseracing
This week we join our tourism colleagues and businesses across the country in celebrating English Tourism Week.
15/03/2022
Special Treats for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day marks a special day in the calendar as we show our mums just how much they mean to us.
04/03/2022
Meet the new chef at Wavertree Coffee House
Discover Newmarket speaks with Stuart Drake, head chef at the newly, re-opened Wavertree Coffee House.