The very first recorded race to take place in Hamilton was held in 1782 at Chatelherault, just outside the town. Set within the Duke of Hamilton’s estate, the course quickly became a popular sporting and social occasion. By 1785, Hamilton was staging three race meetings each year, attracting riders and spectators from across the region. Racing continued at Chatelherault for well over a century until 1907, when the course closed, bringing an end to racing in Hamilton for almost two decades.

In 1888, Glasgow sportsmen and turf enthusiasts, including the famous Turfit Sir John Astley, organised a race meeting on leased land near Hamilton Palace. Management of the old course passed from Hugh Patrickson to Brigadier Sir Loftus Bates, who faced financial challenges, and eventually the Duchess of Hamilton refused to renew the lease, as she was concerned about gambling among working-class communities. By September 1907, racing at Hamilton came to an end, partly due to mining subsidence affecting the old course.

In 1926, racing moved to its current location on Bothwell Road, marking a bold new chapter for Hamilton Park. The revival was the result of the vision and determination of Sir Loftus Bates, Colonel T. Robertson-Aikman, and Lord Hamilton of Dalzell, who worked tirelessly after the First World War to bring racing back to the town. Together, they raised an impressive £100,000 to fund the new course, navigating post-war economic challenges and securing a site safely above mining subsidence. The track was designed in a distinctive ‘button-hook’ shape, to avoid areas affected by mining and to meet the requirements of the Jockey Club for straight run-ins.

Hamilton Park officially opened with a two-day meeting on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th July 1926, drawing around 40,000 racegoers over the weekend, a clear demonstration of racing’s enduring appeal in Lanarkshire. From its earliest days, the new course was praised for its elegant parkland setting and excellent viewing, quickly earning a reputation as one of Scotland’s most attractive and modern venues, with it's unique button-hook-shaped track adds to its charm and challenge, earning it the affectionate nickname the ‘Goodwood of the North’.

In 1947, Hamilton Park became the first racecourse in Britain to stage an evening race meeting, a ground-breaking move that is now common place within the industry. This fixture coincided with a Royal visit, with King George VI, Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) attending, attracting thousands of spectators.

Further securing its future, the Hamilton Park Trust was formed  in 1973 to safeguard the racecourse for future generations, ensuring that all profits would be reinvested into improving the venue. That same year, starting stalls were introduced under Managing Director Bill McHarg, modernising race procedures and aligning Hamilton with other leading courses.

Over the decades, Hamilton Park has continued to combine historic character with modern innovation, from upgrades to its grandstand and paddock to the creation of the Hampton by Hilton Hamilton Park hotel on its grounds in 2019.

As we look forward to the future, Hamilton Park enters its centenary year with pride. From the vision of our founders to a century of pioneering spirit, Hamilton Park has always been a frontrunner in Scottish racing. We remain committed to leading the way, setting the standard for exciting racing, unforgettable experiences, and a legacy that will carry us confidently into the next hundred years.

Read more about the people who made Hamilton Park what it is today here.

Riders in the Lanark Silver Bell Handicap compete for one of the oldest sporting prizes in existence. Legend has it that the original trophy was presented as a gift to the people of Lanark by King William ‘The Lion’ in 1165.  > Read more

Please see below our array of prestigious and sought-after industry awards.