Kempton Park Racecourse

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Kempton Park Racecourse is a horse racing track in Sunbury-on-Thames, UK; the site is set in 210 acres (84 hectares) of land.

The racecourse was the idea of 19th century businessman (and Conservative Party agent) S.H. Hyde, who was enjoying a carriage drive in the country when he came across Kempton Manor and Park for sale. Hyde leased the grounds in 1872 and six years later in July 1878 Kempton opened as a racecourse.

Kempton Park stages both National Hunt racing and Flat racing, with the most famous race being the King George VI Chase held every Boxing Day.

The site closed on the 2nd of May 2005 and reopened on 25th of March 2006, with a new all-weather track and floodlighting to facilitate racing in all conditions and at all light levels.

In addition the site is home to weekly market on Thursdays, and an Antique market on the second and last Tuesday of every month.

The racecourse has its own railway station, on the South West Trains, Shepperton to Waterloo line.

[edit] Racecourse details

All-weather Opened in March 2006, this floodlit Polytrack course is a right-handed oval of 8 or 10 furlongs, depending on whether the inner or outer bend is used.