National Horseracing Museum
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The Museum opened in 1983 in the former Jockey Club Subscriptions Rooms in the heart of Newmarket. It is a registered charity, governed by a Board of Trustees and receives no government subsidy, relying on the generous support of sponsors and benefactors.
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With an internationally important collection, the Museum cares for thousands of objects relating to racing throughout the UK, ranging from priceless fine art to race badges and horseshoes. Visitors can find out about the history of the Classic races, learn about the life of Fred Archer and see objects associated with their racing heroes such as Frankie Dettori, Red Rum, Lester Piggott and Best Mate.
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Each year we create new exhibitions on subjects related to racing and horses. Recent memorable exhibitions include Mrs Shilling’s Ascot hats, and a celebration of the work of Norman Thelwell and his famous naughty Shetlands.
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The Museum has created major exhibitions which have toured the world, and brought together on display some of the finest artefacts related to racing.
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The Museum also encourages young jockeys and riders of the future by giving visitors a hands-on glimpse of life behind-the-scenes in racing. The Practical Gallery is staffed by retired trainers, jockeys and stable lads, who will help visitors learn how to feed a racehorse and tack up ready for racing. Visitors can put on silks, ‘weigh out’ and learn how fit jockeys have to be to win races by riding the mechanical racehorse simulator.
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It is possible to access some of the Museum collections over the Internet at www.nhrm.co.uk. Horseracing History Online enables members of the public to search for information about people, races and horses featured in the collections. We answer hundreds of enquiries each year ranging from family history requests to detailed academic research.
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The Museum offers an active education programme for school visits and family event days throughout the year.
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The Museum Shop is famous for its wide and unusual range of gifts, souvenirs books and cards, and the Coffee Shop is a favourite spot for lunch with locals.
