Horse racing has been taking place in the Taunton area since the 18th century, initially taking place in Broomhay, West Monkton,[1] though these ceased in 1812 due in combination to the Napoleonic Wars and a lack of interest.

The course was on the site now occupied by King's College, and was praised highly in the annual publication Sporting Magazine.

[3] In 1927, at a meeting held in London, the Taunton Racecourse Company was founded, and agreed to create a new course on land granted for the purpose by Viscount Portman.

The first meeting was held on 21 September 1927, and the first race, the "Shoreditch Selling Hurdle" was won by Baalbek, owned by Mr Rayson.

[7] The course was improved during the building of the M5 motorway, with the removed earth being used to extend the back straight and the bends.