Fontwell

About

Fontwell lies in the fertile plain between the South Downs and the coast, 4 miles west of Arundel. The shopping parade was built in 1939 and the roadside location also brought cafes and a petrol station. two small factories were established by 1957 before the contruction of the bypass in 1988 which lead to a loss of business but by 1993 a new restaurant , motel and garage had been built.

The areas rich soil had always attracted market gardening - the first was recorded in 1851 and in the late 20th century the award winning Denmans Gardens and Plant Centre was opened. At the turn of the 20th century the racehorse trainer Alfred day had his training gallops at Fontwell. In 1924 the gallops were developed into Fontwell Park Racecourse, built to a figure of eight design it is now the only National Hunt course laid out in such a manner; the first meeting was held on the 21st May 1924. It features the only figure-of-eight chase course in the country and an oval hurdles course.

There are 24 race meetings at Fontwell Park each year, including the busiest fixture of the year on Boxing day.