Welcome to our new chess-themed public art trail bringing Newmarket’s identity to life through the world of chess, horse racing, and symbolism. The trail opens on 21st July 2025 and runs throughout the school summer holidays. Created by artists Neith Art & Sculpture and commissioned by Discover Newmarket, Newmarket Town Council, and Love Newmarket, this interactive trail creatively tells the story of the home of horseracing. See how the town centre turns into a game-board this summer, where each large-scale chess piece tells a different part of the story through carved symbols, architecture-inspired design, and rich, readable symbolism.
Eight sculptures, each representing a chess piece, are installed across key Newmarket locations. But these aren’t just game pieces. They are symbols of power, purpose, and place — inspired by:
The downloadable map and trail worksheet shows the location of the eight pieces and invites you to find and then study each one and then complete three tasks.
Each sculpture is carved from timber, adorned with symbols and paired with a unique 18-character motto – drawing inspiration from the wit of racehorse names and the formality of heraldic escrolls. Can you work out the saying? If not, read on where the answers will be revealed!
Motto: Sovereignoftheturf
The King anchors the board, just as Newmarket anchors the world of racing. This piece embodies ceremonial significance and heritage — the enduring force at the centre of it all.
Motto: Guardianoflegacy
The Queen protects what matters. She’s about oversight, integrity, and guardianship — representing the institutions that uphold the sport and its traditions.
Motto: Planofaction
Strategic, quiet, essential — the Trainer sees the whole game. This piece honours those who shape victory behind the scenes, guiding from the edges.
Motto: Dadwasfasttoo
This horse-shaped piece symbolises legacy, genetics, and performance. It celebrates the bloodlines that define Newmarket’s global impact on breeding and excellence.
Motto: Stablefoundation
The Rook is the base, the bricks, the rhythm of daily work. This sculpture honours the stables, gallops, and training grounds — the places that hold it all together.
PAWNS – “The People’s Pieces”Designed by local residents through a public competition, the three Pawn sculptures represent individual stories, told through personal symbols and original mottos. They reflect how everyday voices shape Newmarket’s living legacy. See if you can work out what the mottos are on all three.
As you study the chess pieces, look closely. Every symbol has meaning — but it’s up to you to interpret it. Heraldry is a system of storytelling through images — used for centuries to represent people, families, and values. The symbols carved into the chess piece sculptures draw on this tradition and are bold, meaningful, and open to interpretation. Use the symbols chart on the downloadable map and worksheet or look below and decipher what role each one plays in telling the trail story.
Have a go at your own heraldic design! It’s easy, fun, and full of meaning.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose Your Symbols
Pick 1–3 symbols from the Heraldic Library above — or invent your own. What describes you? What connects you to Newmarket?
Step 2: Combine and Create
Sketch a design or describe how your symbols work together. Do they tell a story? Do they clash or complement?
Step 3: Write Your Motto
Keep it snappy! Your motto should be max. 18 characters, no spaces — just like on a racehorse registry or coat of arms.
Examples:
Share It With Us!
Post your design on social media using #HorseplayComp or tag @Neithsculpture — we’ll showcase some of our favourites online. In addition, you can download a colouring sheet here inspired by the trail.
For more games entertainment this summer, download our Newmarket in Play leaflet here or visit the Horseplay Exhibition at the National Horseracing Museum, which has provided the inspiration for all the games-themed activities.
