Kelso Racecourse
Coordinates: 55°36′49.01″N 2°25′52.02″W / 55.6136139°N 2.4311167°W
 | |
| Location | Kelso, Scotland |
|---|---|
| Owned by | Kelso Races Ltd. |
| Date opened | 1822 |
| Screened on | Racing UK |
| Course type | National Hunt |
| Notable races | Premier Kelso Hurdle |
| Official website | |
Kelso Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue located in Kelso, Scotland. The official website describes the course as Britain's Friendliest Racecourse. It was voted the Best Small Course in Scotland and the North of England in 2007, 2012 and 2014 by the Racegoers Club.[1]
History
The first recorded race meeting in Kelso took place at Caverton Edge in 1734. Races were also later held at Blakelaw. The foundation stone of the stand at the current racetrack at Berrymoss was laid on the 12 July 1822. It was initially known as the Duke's Course.[2]
Kelso was a flat racing track until 1888, when the United Border Hunt moved to the course. Since then, Kelso has run exclusively under National Hunt rules.[3]
Layout
Kelso consists of two sharp, left-handed tracks - a chase track of 1 mile 600 yards and a hurdle course of 1 mile 330 yards. The course also has a punishing uphill run-in of 2 furlongs.[4]
Grandstand
The classical style grandstand building was erected in 1822, though it was designed in 1778 by York-based architect John Carr (1723–1807). The building, incorporating a private viewing area for the races' patron the Duke of Roxburghe, remains largely unchanged since its construction. In 2011 it was protected by Historic Scotland as a category A listed building, as "the finest example of its building type in Scotland and a particularly rare and important survival in a wider UK context."[5]
Notable races
| Month | DOW | Race Name | Type | Grade | Distance | Age/Sex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February | Thursday | Morebattle Hurdle | Hurdle | Conditions | 2m 2f | 4yo + |
| March | Saturday | Premier Kelso Hurdle | Hurdle | Conditions | 2m 2f | 4yo + |
One notable steeplechase is the King's Own Challenge Cup, named after the King's Own Scottish Borderers who were based nearby.[6]
References
- ↑ Racegoers Club Awards
- ↑ Haig, James (1825), A Topographical and Historical Account of the Town of Kelso, and of the Town and Castle of Roxburgh, Edinburgh: John Fairbairn, p. 137.
- ↑ "Kelso Racecourse". 2006. Retrieved 2 Feb 2011.
- ↑ White, John (2003). Racecourses. London: Collins. p. 98. ISBN 0-00-716655-9.
- ↑ "Kelso Racecourse, Grandstand". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
- ↑ White, John (2003). Racecourses. London: Collins. p. 98. ISBN 0-00-716655-9.