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Located on the High Street in the
centre of the town known as ‘HQ’, the Jockey Club Rooms
have been at the heart of British horseracing for over 250 years.
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A body of influence and a source of sustained investment in racing
over a period spanning four centuries, the Jockey Club as an organisation
is known worldwide. In 1752 the Jockey Club leased a plot of land
in Newmarket where a Coffee House was constructed as a meeting place
for its Members. On the expiration of the lease, the Jockey Club
bought the freehold, which is known today as the 'Jockey Club Rooms'.
Records show that at least six Prime Ministers were also Members
of the Jockey Club - dividing their time between Parliament and
conducting racing’s affairs from the Rooms, some arguably
spending more time on the latter when it may have been considered
prudent to be doing the former!
All these years later the Rooms, with Classic Derby Winner Hyperion
standing sentinel outside, have retained a degree of mystique.
The interiors are magnificent and house a renowned collection of
British sporting art, including works by such famous artists as
Sir Alfred Munnings and George Stubbs, as well as trophies and racing
memorabilia, which have been collected over 300 years. There are
six public rooms in all including the original Committee Room, with
its interesting collection of Victorian voting boxes, and the Coffee
Room with its wonderful collection of silhouettes caricaturing Newmarket’s
racing personalities of the past.
Outside of its sacrosanct Members Days this historic private club
is now opening its doors for business events and private celebrations
as well as exclusive tours - which include humorous tales of the
rich and famous racing gentry.
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