The Racecourse-class minesweeper design was developed during the First World War after the earlier success of converted paddle wheel ships.

The vessel was propelled by a paddle wheel powered by diagonal compound engine fed steam by cylindrical boilers rated at 1,500 indicated horsepower (1,119 kW).

[1] The ship was constructed by McMillan at their shipyard in Dumbarton, Scotland with the yard number 465 and launched on 20 March 1916.

In keeping with the class, the ship was named for the racecourse in Plumpton, East Sussex and construction was completed in June 1916.

[2] Plumpton was attached to the Grand Fleet on completion, being part of the 3rd Minesweeping Flotilla, which was equipped with Racecourse-class ships.