About
About Taunton Racecourse
Established 1927 - Somerset's home of Jump Racing.
Welcome to Orchard Portman
One of the most beautifully located courses in the country
England’s youngest jumps racecourse - and one of the most beautifully located in the country. Taunton Racecourse sits in the Somerset countryside with outstanding views to the wooded slopes of the Blackdown Hills, yet only minutes from the M5 and the centre of Taunton.
We’ve been racing here at Orchard Portman since 1927. From a relaxed family fixture to corporate hospitality and championship racing, Taunton offers everyone a warm welcome and a memorable day out.
By the numbers
£ 45,000
Most Valuable Race
14
Jump Racing fixtures a season
3 miles 4 furlongs 85 yards
Longest Race
The setting
Racing beneath the Blackdown Hills
Racing at Taunton is played out in front of a stunning backdrop, with views across to the Blackdown Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Somerset clay has been carefully drained over the decades to provide the best possible going throughout the season, and spoil from the M5 was once used to build up and extend the bends and back straight.
The course is ideally located for many of the top west country trainers, who regularly send their most promising recruits to Taunton en route to bigger prizes.