The National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket was delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to open their new exhibition “Mud, Sweat & Tears – A History of Jump Racing” on 8th July.
The National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket was delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to open their new exhibition “Mud, Sweat & Tears – A History of Jump Racing” in early July.
The history of Jump Racing is strewn with tales of triumph over adversity, quick-witted horses and jockeys with nerves of steel. It’s an unpredictable, exhilarating and thrilling sport. The exhibition explores the history of Jump Racing through the stories of its two largest annual meetings – the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National Meeting.
Racing over fences originated in Ireland in the 18th century. By the early 1800s this type of racing was known as Steeplechasing because competitors raced from one landmark, often a church steeple, to another.
Jump Races pay homage to their early origins by typically covering several miles and featuring fences, ditches, and water jumps. Jump racing has produced memorable stories of bravery, determination and success that have an enduring legacy in the history of horseracing.
Her Majesty The Queen; the Museum’s Patron, officially opened the Museum at its new site in Palace Street in November 2016, after an extensive refurbishment of the Grade I and II listed buildings, which were part of King Charles II’s original palace also still on the site. Palace House has housed royalty and nobility since 1671 and NHRM was delighted that The Princess Royal was able to open this exhibition celebrating the history of Jump Racing.
The museum has re-launched itself not just as a national showcase for racing but also as a community resource for Newmarket. Museum Director, Anne-Marie Hogan: “Not only does the museum present a rich and fascinating insight into a sport which is very much at the centre of the nation’s story, it is also a great day out for everyone, whether or not they have an interest in horseracing. We are a valuable hub for the local community and believe our unique combination of art, heritage, horses, onsite restaurants and gardens is the Jewel in the Suffolk Crown.”
Book online to see the Mud, Sweat & Tears exhibition yourself – click the button below to reserve your tickets at NHRM
Admission to the exhibition is included in general admission, giving you access to all areas including the National Horse Racing Museum, Palace House, and the Rothschild Yard where you can meet ex-racehorses! To buy your ticket, click here. You can choose the date you’d like to attend when you get through to the payment page. If you are an Annual Pass holder, please come to the shop when you arrive so we can scan your ticket and give you a badge for the day.
