By Paul Winchester
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July 4, 2025
Did you know that the month of July is named after Julius Caesar? Originally the fifth month of the Roman calendar (called Quintilis), it was renamed in honour of Caesar in 44 BC. Why? Because it was the month of his birth – and the Roman Senate wanted to mark his legacy with something more enduring than a statue. Since then, July has always carried connotations of power, leadership, and a touch of grandeur. Fast forward a few centuries and you’ll find another famous leader – King Charles II – very much embracing the spirit of July in a rather different setting: Newmarket. Often referred to as “the father of English horse racing,” Charles II made Newmarket his summer retreat, especially during the warmer months when London stifled under heat and politics. In fact, it was in July of 1671 that Charles rode in the Newmarket Town Plate—a race which still exists today. Uniquely, he wasn’t just a spectator; he raced, won, and set the rules himself (some of which are still quoted in the modern version of the race). For Charles, Newmarket in July was a place of sport, escape, and celebration – themes which remain alive and well today. From Royal Races to Modern-Day Brunches At The Tack Room, set within the National Horseracing Museum – part of Charles II’s original racing palace – we like to think the spirit of July still lingers. Whether you're here for the buzz of the July Festival, a quiet summer brunch in our courtyard, or a chilled glass of something sparkling before Ladies Day, you’re experiencing a corner of Newmarket’s royal history. As the town fills with racegoers, sunshine, and spectacle, The Tack Room becomes a perfect pause in the pace. Our seasonal menu, locally sourced ingredients, and air of relaxed sophistication make it the ideal spot for everything from alfresco brunches to post-race conversations. So this July, while the horses thunder by and the crowds turn out in their finery, remember: you're not just enjoying summer – you’re stepping into a tradition that began with emperors, kings, and champions.