'The Valley of the Racehorse'

The Lambourn Valley, situated in the north-east corner of Berkshire, is recognised as one of the major racehorse training centres in the United Kingdom.

Racehorse training in Lambourn can be traced back to the 18th century and the Earl of Craven, who held regular meetings at his home, Ashdown Park, situated a few miles away.

Mandown Gallops in Upper Lambourn, covering over 500 acres, have produced National Hunt and Flat champions trained by the likes of Fulke Walwyn, Fred Winter, Peter Nelson, Peter Walwyn and Jenny Pitman.

Having been owned by the Nugent Family since the 1930s, Mandown Gallops was purchased by Jockey Club Estates in January 2006. Using experience gained over centuries in Newmarket, Jockey Club Estates has worked hard and invested heavily in upgrading the training facilities.

Whilst traditional maintenance of the wonderful turf gallops has continued much as before, artificial tracks have been refurbished and resurfaced, replacing woodchip with modern, waxed-sand surfaces. In addition, much work has gone into improving schooling facilities, horsewalks and traps, roads and fences.

Whilst much has been achieved, leading to more horses using the facilities, and improvements resulting in more winners, the planned improvement programme will continue into the future.