The first ever race held at Kempton Park took place on the 18th July 1878. The Park had been bought by Henry Hyde six years earlier, who went on to fulfil his ambition of building a racecourse on the site.

A Royal Box was constructed in just 21 days in 1889 to cater for a visit from the Prince of Wales.

The racecourse suffered major damage to the grandstand, restaurant, member’s stand and tattersalls bar as a result of fire in 1932.

Kempton Park was a major victim of both World Wars when all racing was abandoned and the site was used for a number of purposes related to the war. During the First World War, the park was used as a transit depot for military vehicles. The Racecourses at Gatwick, Hurst Park and Sandown adopted Kempton Park’s fixtures until 1919, when racing resumed at Kempton.

The site played a major role in accommodating prisoners of war throughout World War II. The main line rail station situated on the grounds of the racecourse allowed German and Italian soldiers to be directly routed to the temporary camp that was set up.

After the War had ended it became clear that the events of the previous six years had ruined much of the racecourse and a major reparation project ensued, before racing re-commenced in 1947.

The current grandstand was completed in 1997 after some redevelopment work. The racecourse was closed in May 2005 for the construction of the all-weather floodlit course which was completed eleven months later.

The rest, as they say...is history...

Community

Horseracing Education & Standards Trust (BHEST)

Run British horseracing’s free education programme, Racing to School. The programme enriches the National Curriculum with hands-on learning at racecourses across the country and introduces new audiences to the sport and associated career opportunities.

You’ll be amazed how much young people take in when they spend a day behind the scenes at the races. The unique racecourse environment offers a wealth of educational opportunities at all levels.

Take the Parade Ring, where the very young can learn to count (Key Stage 1) or older pupils can put mathematical calculations into practical use (KS 3 & 4). Whether it’s maths, the design of racing silks (KS 2) or the science of jockey nutrition (KS 3 & 4), we always see an enthusiastic show of hands – except when students are too busy clutching the reins of our mechanical horse (life lesson: the centre of gravity).

Racing to School is a free education programme for pupils and students of all ages at racecourses up and down the country. Our practical, lively approach enriches a range of National Curriculum subjects, sparks interest in the sport of horseracing and opens minds to the many different career opportunities within the industry.

Work Experience

We accommodate at least one work experience placement a year.

St Paul's Catholic College

Kempton Park accommodates the college's annual sponsored walk within the grounds.

Police Dog Training

Kempton Park enables them to use the premises whilst the dogs undertake their training.

Annual STEPS Inclusion programme with local schools

Surrey Care Trust visited the racecourse with a group of secondary school pupils for an inside look at what it takes to work successfully within a team at a leading sporting venue. The five gained first-hand knowledge of the skills needed to run one of the busiest racecourses in Britain.

Charity

Kempton Park supports several worthy causes:

The JCR has a dedicated charity – Racing welfare
Hersham Hounds have done many bucket collections
London Irish Youth Tournament we support annually by providing them with use of our car park facilities
Regularly donate many prizes for raffle prizes
Starlight

THE JOCKEY CLUB CORE VALUES

Best Racing
We are dedicated to delivering best-of-class competitive horseracing in a safe and sustainable environment.

Best Experience
We will deliver an exciting and passionate experience that's ‘close to the action’ and great value for money.

Best for the Future
By maximising profit and continuing to re-invest we will ensure the long-term sustainable future success of our business.

Best People
Our commitment is to develop and empower our people within an inspirational environment.

Best Heritage

Lead the investment and innovation in British Racing as the largest commercial group in the sport.

Find out more about the Jockey Club at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

The Team

Kempton Park is one of 14 racecourses run by the Jockey Club.

The team is headed by General Manager, Phil White who is supported by a permanent staff of around 30.

The team is split into the following departments:

Racing & administration
Sales
Operations & maintenance
Marketing
Finance
Estate, including grounds

The team are supported by the work of three key partners.

Jockey Club Catering

Jockey Club Catering is a joint venture between the Jockey Club and Compass. We have a permanent general manager on site who is supported by a full time dedicated team. This team is supplemented by casual staff who cover sales, waiting and food preparation positions on racedays.

CSP

CSP are a key partner to delivering the Kempton Park experience. They are responsible for supplying and managing the staff for cleaning, car parking, security and most importantly stewarding for the whole Kempton Park site.

Wayahead Group/See Tickets

In order to offer our customers the greatest opportunity to purchase tickets the Jockey Club are partners with Wayahead Group/See Tickets who sell tickets on behalf of all 14 Jockey Club racecourses from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.

Jobs

Jockey Club Catering

Our people are at the heart of what we do, and provide friendly, welcoming and expert food and drink service to our guests within the Retail and Hospitality outlets at Kempton Park Racecourse.

Positions within our team include:

Back of House Staff: You will be mainly based in the kitchen, operating dishwashers and ensuring that all cutlery, crockery and glass is cleaned and ready for use by staff and customers. You will also ensure a clean working environment is maintained.

Bar Staff: You will serve drinks, and sometimes food products to our guests in a friendly, efficient and knowledgeable manner. This may include the operation of an electronic till. You will also be responsible for ensuring the bar is prepared for service and maintained in line with company standards. You must be above the legal age to serve alcohol for this position.

Waiting Staff: You will serve food and drink to our guests correctly in a polite, efficient and courteous manner. You will also be expected to familiarise yourself with the customer order, menu information and special requirements, communicating and recording these to relevant parties as appropriate. You will also be expected to assist with clearing and relaying your area of work as directed by your Manager.

Catering Assistant: You will serve food and drink to our customers quickly, efficiently and correctly. You will also be expected to clear and keep your area of work to a high standard of cleanliness, ensuring all Health, Safety and Hygiene regulations are adhered to. You may also be expected to operate an electronic till.

Work is available throughout the year. Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to work at other Jockey Club Racecourses should they wish.