Racecourse celebrates 150 years with exhibition

Sandown Park will be the centre of an exhibition marking 150 years of the racecourse

A museum exhibition is exploring the history of one of the UK's most important racecourses as it marks a significant milestone.

Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey, is celebrating 150 years since it was founded in 1875 with exhibits showing the origins of the racecourse, its royal links and the part it played in developing modern horse racing.

The course, the first purpose-built venue with paid admission and enclosures, is the centre of the exhibition at the House of Killik in Esher High Street, which runs until 31 October.

Sarah Drabwell, general manager of Sandown Park, said the racecourse was "hugely proud to have been part of the local Elmbridge community for the past 150 years".

In 1875, Sandown's entry fee of at least half a crown made it one of the first courses to charge racegoers to attend its events.

During World War One and Two the racecourse was sown with crops to support war efforts, while housing the Royal Engineers during World War One and the Welsh Guard during both conflicts.

The course continued to make history when, in 1948, it hosted the first ever televised horse race.

In 1957, Sandown also hosted the first sponsored race in British history.

Nowadays, the venue also hosts music events, exhibitions and has its own golf course.

A spokesperson for Elmbridge Museum, which helped to create the exhibition, said: "One hundred and fifty years is a momentous milestone and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage, defining moments, and communities that have shaped the racecourse over the years.

"We hope visitors enjoy exploring its fascinating story and legacy, and we're grateful to Killik for kindly hosting the display at their premises."

The exhibition is free to attend, but visitors are invited to make a donation to The Community Fund, a new charity which aims to pool funds for projects in Elmbridge.