Palace Yard.

Today we headed off to Newmarket to visit the National Horseracing Museum which has been developed at the site of one of the most lovely yards in Newmarket Palace Yard. Until 1985 this was one of the largest and most successful yards in Newmarket run by the legendary Bruce Hobbs who holds the record for the youngest ever winner of the Grand National Race when he was just 17. At one stage he was train8ng horses out of three yard in the town having the largest number of horses in training. From memory it was about 160 horses! My connection with this yard was that my Uncle was Bruce Hobbs headland for many years, and I spent time one summer holidays at the yard riding out to improve my equine skills! It was in 1974 and it certainly did expand my riding experience! This was at the height of the yards success which was lovely to remember. When Bruce retired the yard was not taken on by anyone and fell into disrepair And did look a very sorry site compared to the stunning yard I had know. The basis of the yard had been firstly developed by King Charles ll who loved his racing and also his Orange sellers! He built his own palace here to house himself and quests when he spent time enjoying his racing.

The site was bought a few years ago and has now turned it into an amazing Museum all about the history of the Racing Industry. It has been fabulously done and is full of interesting artefacts about racing plus some superb exhibitions of art all based on equine subjects.

We spent most of the day exploring all it had to offer. Excellent value for money too.

Then back to our grotty hotel to spruce ourselves up before heading out to Browns for an super evening out! Liking Cambridge and area very much!