It is situated on Whitehawk Hill, on the edge of the South Downs, about four hundred feet above sea level and a mile from the coast.

[4] According to legend, King George IV, when still Prince of Wales, invented hurdle racing at Brighton while out riding with aristocratic friends.

[5][6] Wigstead and Rowlandson comment in "An Excursion to Brighthelmstone made in the year 1789", "The race-ground is exceedingly well adapted to the purpose for which it is intended and is one of the most beautifully situated spots in the world..." It was the custom of the Prince of Wales, later George IV, in the early 19th century to make his way up Race Hill in a barouche drawn by six greys.

Today, Brighton is one of the smaller racecourses in Britain in terms of the quality of racing and prize money offered.

[12] The main event is the Brighton Mile Challenge Trophy Handicap, worth £9,450 to the winner in 2021, and sponsored by Wainwright.

The Jockey Club had only granted women training licences after a legal challenge was taken to the Court of Appeal by fellow trainer Florence Nagle in July 1966,[15] citing the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919.

[16] Prominent racehorse owner Sheikh Mohammed had his first winner at Brighton racecourse on 20 June 1977 when his filly Hatta, trained by John Dunlop, won the £968 Bevendene Maiden Stakes.

[17] Top American jockey Steve Cauthen also reached a milestone at the course, winning his 1000th British race on odds-on favourite Picnicing on 5 August 1987.

Trained by A W Carroll (Tony) and owned by Curry House Corner and Partner who announced his retired immediately that famous day.

The course is also available as a venue for exhibitions, conferences, car rallies, circuses, antique fairs, business promotions and product launches, wedding receptions and other private parties.