Taunton Racecourse will welcome racegoers back for the 2026/27 jumps season following an extensive programme of improvements across the venue, with upgrades ranging from new safety and racing infrastructure to refurbished public facilities and an enhanced experience for owners, trainers and visitors.
With the new season getting under way on Thursday 12 November 2026, the summer months have provided an opportunity for the racecourse team to undertake a wide-ranging programme of work designed to improve both the raceday experience and the long-term operation of the course.
A refreshed experience for racegoers
One of the most visible changes for returning visitors will be the refurbishment of the Portman Stand, which has undergone a comprehensive upgrade with new décor and carpets throughout the popular public facility.
Modern large-screen televisions have also been installed in both the Saddle Room and Winning Post Bar, while new racing photography has been introduced throughout the racecourse stands to create a fresher and more contemporary environment.
Racegoers will also benefit from improvements alongside the paddock. The viewing area between the saddling boxes and unsaddling area has been enlarged through a reconfiguration and extension of the crowd barrier, with additional public seating introduced to provide more opportunities to watch the horses at close quarters.
Celebrating Taunton's racing heritage
A new Wall of Fame has been created in the Paddock Stand stairwell to celebrate some of the outstanding horses to have won at Taunton since the turn of the century.
Featuring 20 horses, the display recognises a remarkable group which has collectively won 222 races, including 27 Grade 1 contests, and earned just under £10 million in prize money.
The new installation reflects Taunton's proud reputation as a racecourse where talented horses have taken important steps on their way to success at the highest level.
Investment in equine and raceday safety
A number of important improvements have also been made behind the scenes.
The horse walkway within the paddock has been completely refurbished, with the base and rubber walkway replaced and widened.
Along the canter-down, the previous wooden chain-link fencing has been replaced with Duralock PVC safety crowd barrier railing, creating an improved environment for horses, jockeys and racegoers.
The racecourse has also invested in new frost covers ahead of the winter months. Taunton now has sufficient coverage to protect 36 metres on either side of every fence and hurdle, as well as other vulnerable areas of the track when required.
Strengthening the racecourse for the future
Taunton is also progressing plans for a third irrigation reservoir within the centre of the course.
Subject to planning approval, the new reservoir will provide approximately 4,000 cubic metres of additional water storage, significantly increasing the racecourse's irrigation capacity. While completion is not expected in time for the beginning of the autumn programme, the project is anticipated to be ready ahead of the important spring racing period in 2027.
The investment forms part of the racecourse's continued focus on maintaining high-quality racing conditions throughout the season and strengthening its infrastructure for the years ahead.
Improved facilities for owners and trainers
Owners and trainers will also see a number of changes when racing returns.
New air-conditioning has been installed within the Owners & Trainers facility in the Paddock Stand, with a similar upgrade planned for the Paddock Restaurant early in the new year.
The Winning Owners & Trainers Suite has also undergone an overhaul, creating a brighter and improved environment in which successful connections and race sponsors can celebrate following a winner at Taunton.
A new digital home for Taunton Racecourse
The improvements extend beyond the racecourse itself, with Taunton also launching a completely redesigned website ahead of the new season.
The new site provides visitors with improved access to raceday information, tickets and hospitality, membership, owners and trainers information, venue hire and the latest news from the racecourse, with further enhancements planned as the platform continues to develop.
The programme of work represents a significant off-season investment across virtually every part of the Taunton Racecourse experience, combining improvements that visitors will immediately notice with important infrastructure designed to support the racecourse well into the future.
The 2026/27 season begins at Taunton Racecourse on Thursday 12 November 2026, the first of 14 scheduled fixtures running through to April 2027.