The new course on the Common was one and three quarters miles around and included within its circuit both the boating lake and artesian well. It looped through the southern part of the Common, but this section was shortened after the mid-1840s, when it was turned into Hill Lane cemetery. The race stand, lined with green baize, was placed near the north turn on the west side of the course facing east.

During the late 1830s the coming of the railway, and development of the docks, changed the atmosphere in Southampton from genteel to industrial. And after 1837 it became increasingly difficult to raise enough subscriptions to employ a steward of sufficient social standing to attract gentlemen of quality. Racecourse debts and expenses grew, and in 1848 the committee had little choice but to sell off the posts, stands, and rails. Although, as it turned out, this lapse was only temporary.

Horse racing was becoming more popular throughout the country. Better transport links, a burgeoning population, and newspaper coverage resulted in millions of people watching the sport each year. Southampton’s population was rapidly expanding beyond its Old Wall into new working-class suburbs of St Marys and Chapel. 

As a result, horse racing was revived on the Common in 1859 with enthusiastic support from the Mayor Fred Perkins, and a local magnate Thomas Chamberlayne, who was the leading country gentleman living near the town. There were two or three golden years. 

The races were attended by a wide spectrum of society. The gentry arrived in their fine carriages. Well to do farmers sporting white top hats came with farm wagons filled with excited country folk dressed in their Sunday best. Southampton’s working classes were conveyed from the Six Dials in St Mary’s for 3 pence per head.