Members Newsletter September 2026

Improvements to the venue.

“Wall of Fame” in Paddock Stand stairwell - in celebration of the best horses to have won at Taunton since the turn of the century, we have created a “Wall of Fame” comprising stunning images of these 20 horses - who between them have won 222 races to date (including 27 Grade 1’s) and just under £10 million in prize money.

Artwork upgrade - new Taunton racing images have been installed in all stands, modernising and improving the ambience of our facilities.

Viewing area between saddling boxes and unsaddling area - this has been enlarged by a reconfiguration and extension of the Duralock crowd barrier rail. Additional public seating has also been provided in this area.

Additional reservoir for course irrigation - a planning application has been submitted for a third reservoir in the centre of the course. This will provide us with an additional 4,000 cubic meters water storage capacity and significantly enhance our irrigation capability. Whilst it’s unlikely that we’ll receive the required approval in time to have it completed for the autumn, it should be ready ahead the critical spring period next year.

New air-conditioners have been installed in the Owners & Trainers facility in the Paddock Stand - with the same to follow in the Paddock Restaurant early in the new year.

Paddock horse walkway refurbishment - the entire base and rubber walkway in the paddock has been widened and replaced.

Canter down chute - the previous wooden chain link fence lining the canter down has been replaced with Duralock PVC safety crowd barrier railing, thereby creating a safer environment for horses, jockeys and racegoers.

New frost covers have been purchased to help protect us during the cold winter months. We now have the capacity to cover 36 meters on either side of all fences and hurdles as well as any other vulnerable areas.

Winning Owners & Trainers - this suite has had an overhaul which will lighten it up and provide an improved celebratory experience for our successful owners, trainers and race sponsors.

Portman Stand upgrade - the entire stand has had a long overdue refurbishment with new décor and carpets throughout this popular public facility.

Modern big screen TV’s have been installed in both the Saddle Room and Winning Post Bar in the Portman Stand.

A nursery for future champions.

The Portman Cup returns.

9 FEBRUARY 2027

We are also pleased to advise that we have resurrected the Portman Cup Steeple Chase as a 0-150 handicap over 3 and a half miles. It will carry prize money of £40,000 and is scheduled to be run on 9 February 2027. In conjunction with BHA’s race planning team, we believe the new race conditions and date will make it a valuable late qualifier for potential Grand National candidates.

The Golden Ace Mares Novices’ Hurdle.

30 DECEMBER

Other racing news of interest is that we have a new registered name for our Listed Mares Novices’ Hurdle on 30 December. With the kind permission of Owner Ian Gosden, the race will now be known as the Golden Ace Mares Novices’ Hurdle - named in recognition of the brilliant mare’s two consecutive wins at Taunton in 2024 en route to landing the Dawn Run Mares Novices’ Hurdle (G2) at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and the Champion Hurdle (G1) in 2025. The race continues to be generously sponsored by Byerley Stud and will again carry prize money of £45,000.

Fourteen meetings, plus reciprocals.

So, onto the 2026-2027 season. We are delighted to advise that Taunton has been awarded two BHA leasehold fixtures and will therefore have 14 meetings. In addition, you will continue to benefit from over 50 exciting reciprocal race meetings and other equestrian / sporting events around the country as part of your membership. As always, to take advantage of the reciprocals, please make sure you have your membership card with you and are familiar with any applicable dress codes.

Rates for 2026-27.

Easing the congestion.

The Paddock Stand remains the exclusive facility for Annual Members (and their guests) and Owners & Trainers - an arrangement we believe is unique to Taunton. Due to the popularity of these facilities, we are however acutely aware that both the Paddock Restaurant and Gallery Bar are incredibly busy, with some Members struggling to get a table reservation in the restaurant. As such we have carried out a full review of our arrangements and will implement the following changes to help alleviate the congestion and give our members an improved experience:

1. Cancellation of the complimentary “green members day badges” that were previously handed out in abundance - any such badges still in your possession must be redeemed at one of our two November 2026 meetings. Thereafter, they will no longer be valid to gain admission to the course and Paddock Stand.
2. The price of members guest badges to be increased to £20 (on top of the applicable general admission ticket) - and will remain limited to two per meeting per member. All such upgrades will need to be processed with Vicky in the racecourse office.
3. Any additional tickets offered to members in line with public offers (e.g. the 2-for-1 on 13 January and FREE meeting on 15 March) will going forward only be general admission tickets and will NOT provide access to the Paddock Stand.
4. Where previously any raceday tickets given as charity prizes also allowed access to the Paddock Stand, going forward all such prizes will be restricted to general admission to the course only - and NOT give access to the Paddock Stand.
5. We will stop the arrangement whereby we hold tables in the Paddock Restaurant for owners with runners (who only know 48 hours before whether they’ve got a runner) and make alternative arrangements to accommodate them.
6. The soft seating area for non-diners in the Paddock Restaurant will be replaced by additional tables that can be reserved by diners going forward. This will provide increased dining capacity in the facility.

We appreciate that some of these initiatives may not be popular with some of you from time to time, however we hope that you’ll appreciate they are being introduced in the best interests of ALL members generally. It’s worth adding that the above changes will be implemented on a trial basis for the coming season to see if they have a positive impact on your experience and we will conduct a further review at the end of the season.