The Newmarket Training Grounds have been laid out to provide facilities appropriate to each horse’s age, sex and stage of career.  Whilst modern artificial surfaces have taken away some of the nuances, turf gallops in perfect condition remain the ultimate training surface in the eyes of most trainers.

No area of turf on the Heath is used more than once in any year, and much is used only every two years.  Fresh ground is provided each day as appropriate.  The quality of the turf is carefully protected and gallops are closed if conditions are unsuitable.  The Gallops Board outside the Jockey Club Rooms and on the website informs trainers which gallops are open. 

Preservation and improvement of turf quality combined with growing horse numbers has been possible only with the introduction of a large number of artificial, all-weather training tracks.

Artificial tracks, when properly maintained, produce a safe and consistent training surface.  For over a decade, even in the very worst weather conditions, at least one track on each side of the town has always been open.  In addition, the artificial tracks provide essential experience for horses racing on all weather tracks both in the UK and overseas.

The gallops are maintained by a skilled and dedicated team of 25 Heathmen split into two teams of 12, headed by Nick Patton. 

Using an extensive system of horsewalks horses can cross from one side of town to the other without going on public roads, other than to cross them at dedicated horse crossings.