Dear Owner/Trainer
We are hugely excited to get our new season underway on Thursday 12 November.
At the time of writing we, along with many other racecourses across the country, are desperate for some decent rain. We have recorded 38mm since the end of August and both our reservoirs are full, but we will need some help from above. Course irrigation began on 9 September and the plan is to tickle away at it with one eye on the weather.
Good news for the near future is that we have applied for planning permission to install a third reservoir. This will significantly increase our water storage capacity and enhance our irrigation capability in the autumn and spring months. Coupled with our two Briggs boom irrigation systems and recently purchased vertidrain equipment, it should stand us in good stead to provide decent jumping ground through the season.
For the colder months we have also invested in a brand-new set of frost covers, which will let us protect the vulnerable areas of the course and give us a better chance of surviving any cold snaps.
Fourteen scheduled meetings.
| Thursday | 12 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Thursday | 26 November 2026 |
| Thursday | 10 December 2026 |
| Monday | 21 December 2026 |
| Wednesday | 30 December 2026 |
| Wednesday | 13 January 2027 |
| Saturday | 23 January 2027 |
| Tuesday | 9 February 2027 |
| Thursday | 18 February 2027 |
| Thursday | 4 March 2027 |
| Monday | 15 March 2027 |
| Wednesday | 31 March 2027 |
| Thursday | 8 April 2027 |
| Wednesday | 21 April 2027 Evening |
Work done over the summer.
Paddock refurbishment - we have widened the paddock and laid a new base and rubber walkway for the horses, and created more space in the winners' enclosure to better accommodate the first four finishers.
Canter down chute - the wooden chain-link fence on the inside of the chute has been replaced with a Duralock crowd barrier safety rail, creating a safer space for horse, rider and any spectators in the centrecourse.
Well above minimum values.
We continue to invest around a third of our Media Rights income in prize money, which will help us offer an anticipated £1.05 million during the coming season. Most of our races carry prize money well above minimum values - and that is on top of the new initiatives set out below.
The Portman Cup returns.
We have resurrected the Portman Cup Steeple Chase over 3m 4f 85y, last run in 2022. Previously a conditions race, it will now be a 0-150 handicap carrying prize money of £40,000. The new date makes it an attractive late qualifier for the Aintree Grand National.
Trophies and season-long contests.
Taunton Top Trainer & Jockey.
A new Taunton Top Trainer and Jockey contest runs across the 2026-27 season, with weighted points allocated for finishing in the first three places in all races. An annual trophy will be presented to the most successful trainer and jockey each season.
We also continue our Best Turned Out contest, where the trainer's yard accumulating the most best turned out horse awards during the season receives a hamper and trophy.
Taunton Horse of the Season.
An annual trophy will be presented to the owner/s of the horse judged to be Taunton's Horse of the Season. This is awarded at the discretion of the Taunton Racecourse Executive, considering performances at Taunton during the season and also taking subsequent performances at other racecourses into account.
Taunton Wall of Fame.
We have created a Wall of Fame in the Paddock Stand featuring the top 20 horses to have won at Taunton since the turn of the century.
Owners & Trainers facilities.
| O&T Car Park | A designated car park in prime position across the road from the main entrance to the course. |
|---|---|
| Stables Business Park O&T Bar | On the ground floor of the Paddock Stand, reserved for O&T badge holders only. A complimentary light lunch, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. |
| O&T Reserved Viewing Area | A reserved viewing area on the grandstand steps of the Portman Stand, opposite the finish line. |
| Annual Members Restaurant | Access to the Annual Members Restaurant on the first floor of the Paddock Stand. Advance booking required to avoid disappointment. |
| Exmoor Suite | Between the Paddock Stand and the Weighing Room, directly opposite the finish line. Caters for larger syndicate groups as an alternative to the very busy Stables Business Park O&T Bar, with a cash bar offering tea, coffee, snacks, soft and alcoholic drinks. |
| Winning Owners Suite | Refurbished this summer. Refreshments while winning connections celebrate and watch a replay of their race, plus a complimentary recording on a USB stick. |
| Memento | Presented to the winning owner of each race. |
| Big Screen TV | In place at all our meetings to enhance your race viewing experience. |
Option A or Option B.
Entry to the racecourse is via the PASS System. Please request your badges before 9am on raceday via the PASS website using your online login - this is essential for us to grant you speedy entrance and to deal with queries in advance.
Please choose either Option A or Option B. A crossover of the two cannot be accepted.
OPTION A
Six complimentary Owners' badges and six complimentary food vouchers per runner, with a further four Owners' badges and food vouchers available to purchase at £10 each. These offer access to the Paddock Stand, Exmoor Suite and all public areas of the racecourse.
OPTION B
For any owner or syndicate who would like to bring more guests or members, we are happy to allocate up to twenty complimentary Exmoor Suite badges. These offer access to the Exmoor Suite and all public areas of the racecourse.
To use Option B, please do not go through the PASS system. Email [email protected] with the name of your horse, the time of your race and a list of those you wish to attend, no later than 9am on raceday.
Before you travel.
Overnight runners - trainers, please remember that as staff are accommodated away from the course, it is essential we are told by noon on the day of declarations if overnight accommodation is required. Please note we are unable to accommodate under 18s.
Horse / rider accidents - in the unfortunate event of an accident to horse or rider, the starter's car is available for owners or trainers to use to get out onto the course. It is based at the foot of the control tower by the main crossing after each race, until all horses and riders are clear of the course.
How to find us - Taunton Racecourse is on the B3170 road from Taunton to Corfe and Honiton, approximately 2 miles south of the town centre. Leave the M5 at junction 25 and travel towards Taunton. At the first set of traffic lights, filter left and you will pick up the brown and white signs to the racecourse. More detailed directions, along with the latest going and weather forecast, are on the Owners & Trainers page.
Parking - please use the No 1 Car Park over the road from the racecourse, as badges are issued at the main entrance.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any enquiries. We look forward to seeing you here.