Sandown Park Marks 150 Years with History Exhibit

Esher, Sandown Park, a big race place in Britain, is marking a major year with a show that looks back at its long past and key part in the sport. Sandown Park, made in 1875, hits its 150th year, and to show this, people can now see its path from a bold new place to a known spot in horse races.

The show is held at the House of Killik on Esher High Street and goes until 31 October. It goes over the start of the course, ties to the royals, and how it helped horse races grow.

When Sandown Park first opened its doors, it was unique among race tracks of the time. It was built on purpose with special areas and had an entry fee, making it easy and orderly for people to watch. This way of doing things drew more people to the sport, not just the rich.

The show has old photos, first plans, and newspaper pieces from the late 1800s. These items show the big dreams of the people who started it. They wanted a place for both hard-core fans and newcomers.

As years went by, the track became a spot for royal visits, making it an important part of national sports. The history exhibit shows pictures of kings and queens at races, letters between the track and royal workers, and programs from big race days.

Such times not only brought special meaning but also kept the place known for top sports and big meets.

Sandown Park has seen great races, known horses, and riders whose wins are now part of big sport tales. Guests can see cups, old race cards, and photos of big wins that happened at the track.

The show also looks at new things the track started, like better race times and work on the place, which helped shape other spots in the land.

Sandown Park is known far and wide. It’s also big in Elmbridge. Sarah Drabwell, who runs Sandown Park, said the track is “very proud to have been a big part of the Elmbridge place for the last 150 years.”

A part of the show shines a light on local families who have worked at the track over many years. Tales from groundskeepers, hospitality staff, and race day officials reveal how the site has enjoyed support from local people.

The track has faced many tests over the past 150 years. In both world wars, it held charity meets and backed community efforts even though usual races were not held.

In recent decades, refurbishment projects have aimed to preserve historic horse racing character while providing for modern racegoers. Images and documents from these projects trace the evolution of the facilities and track.

The show was set up with the help of history exhibit experts, race pros, and local stock. On view are old race lists, classic race gear, and cups from old races. Guests can hear old jockeys, long-time staff, and history exhibit buffs talk about big events.

The House of Killik, a well-known part of Esher, makes for a close spot for the show. Planners aim to share the tale of Sandown Park in a way that ties its sports wins with the hard work and care of those who’ve kept it up through the years.

You can get in for free, and it’s open every day until the end of October.

Although the focus is on the past, Sandown Park continues to look forward. Future seasons are planned to keep the course at the forefront of both flat and jump racing. It will keep being a place for both public and work events.

Drabwell said that the big day lets us look back at a great past and get ready for what comes next. Keeping the old ways while also meeting new needs is key to the venue’s goals.

For those who have been going to races for years, people living nearby, and folks who like to learn about sports history exhibits, the display gives a clear and full view of how this race track changed, evolved, and added to British historic horse racing over 150 years.