Cartmel History

Monks on mules probably started the racing tradition at Cartmel, way back in the twelfth century but the annual Whit Monday race meeting only started in 1856. A year later the railway came to Cark-in-Cartmel, which dramatically increased the visitor numbers. Originally a flat race, the move to jumps happened in the late 1900s, reflecting the hunting and farming roots of our local community.

Racing was understandably suspended during both world wars and until 1947 there was only one race day in the season. An extra Saturday was added after the war, with the August meeting introduced in the 1960s. At that time, the jockeys were almost all amateurs until military men Colonel Davy Pain and Major Tim Riley brought their army experience to Cartmel.

Between them they transformed what had been a sleepy local course into a major National Hunt venue, attracting professional jockeys from far and wide, as well as boosting the number of visitors with improved facilities and the introduction of the now legendary funfair.

Holker Estate, home of the Cavendish family, has always owned the racecourse and in 1974 Lord Cavendish joined the Board of Directors. Such was his enthusiasm for the racecourse, in 1998 he bought the business, and continued to develop the facilities, including a new Grandstand and hospitality venue in 2004.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!