Newmarket facts for kids

Newmarket is a historic town located in Suffolk, England. It is famous around the world for its strong connection to horse racing. In 2001, about 15,000 people lived in Newmarket.

What is Newmarket Famous For?

Newmarket is often called the "Home of Horseracing." This is because it has been a center for horse racing for many centuries. The town has many important places for horses. These include large training grounds and two famous racecourses.

Newmarket's Racecourses

Newmarket has two main racecourses. They are the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. These courses host many important races each year. People from all over the world come to watch these events.

The Rowley Mile Course

The Rowley Mile is used in the spring and autumn. It is known for its long, straight track. It hosts some of the most important races in the British racing calendar. These include the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas.

The July Course

The July Course is used during the summer months. It is a more relaxed and scenic course. It hosts the popular July Festival. This festival is a big event for horse racing fans.

Horse Training and Breeding

Newmarket is also a major center for training racehorses. There are many stables and training yards here. Horses are trained on vast open lands called the Newmarket Gallops. These gallops are special tracks designed for horses to exercise.

The town is also home to many stud farms. These farms are where racehorses are bred. Some of the world's best racehorses have been born and raised near Newmarket.

History of Newmarket

Newmarket's connection to horses goes back a long way. King James I visited the town in the early 1600s. He enjoyed hunting and horse racing there. Later, King Charles II made Newmarket even more popular. He built a palace in the town. He also helped to set up some of the first horse races.

The Jockey Club

The Jockey Club is a very important organization in horse racing. It was founded in Newmarket in 1750. The Jockey Club helps to set the rules for horse racing in Britain. It also owns the two racecourses in Newmarket.

Life in Newmarket

Newmarket is a busy town. Its economy is largely based on the horse industry. Many people work in jobs related to horses. These include trainers, jockeys, stable staff, and vets.

The town also has a market. It has shops, restaurants, and schools. It is a lively place with a strong community feel.

Location and Transport

Newmarket is located in the county of Suffolk. It is close to the A14 road. This road connects Newmarket to other major towns and cities. This makes it easy for people to visit.

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