Charges for using the Training Grounds?
The charging system for use of the training grounds at Newmarket is known as Heath Tax. It is paid by racehorse owners rather than their trainers. All racehorses, who they are owned and trained by, are registered at Weatherbys. Each month every trainer using the Heath is sent a list of horses in his care which he “returns” at the end of the month indicating which horses have or have not used the gallops. Owners are then charged accordingly. All the facilities on the Heath are included in this charge with the exception of four “special” gallops – the Golden Mile Trial Ground and the Round Gallop (both peat moss) on the Limekilns, Water Hall Special Gallop (also on Bury Side) and the Watered Gallop (which is irrigated) on Racecourse Side. These special gallops are charged on a per gallop basis. Visiting trainers and permit holders based outside Newmarket (known as Casual Trainers) pay on a per visit basis. Their use of the facilities is restricted to the Links and the Cambridge Road Poly
