Scotland’s National Chef serves up equine inspired amuse-bouche at Hamilton Park Racecourse

Multi-award winning Scottish chef Gary Maclean has unveiled a delicate dish inspired by the diet of a racehorse ahead of his appearance at Hamilton Park Racecourse’s 2018 season launch on Sunday 6 May.

Glasgow born Gary (45), winner of Masterchef: The Professionals, is designing an innovative menu for visiting horse Owners’ and Trainers’ at the Totepool Family Raceday, and teased his menu by revealing the amuse-bouche alongside the retired and retrained racehorse Anna Isabella.

In a nod to the event, his creation of hay smoked celeriac with carrot caviar, parsnip crisps, carrot tuile and wheat grass dressing has been specially designed to suit the palates of humans whilst taking inspiration from equine taste buds. Gary will also be overseeing the hospitality menu for the fixture, with dishes influenced by his time on Masterchef, and racegoers can enjoy cookery demonstrations from the man himself on the day.

Gary said: “I absolutely loved creating this dish that will be served to the Owners and Trainers. Thankfully, horses eat really good food so taking inspiration from their diet allowed me to create a fun and playful dish.

“I’m honoured to kick off the 2018 season at Hamilton Park Racecourse with dishes that got me through to the MasterChef final and look forward to showcasing my style of cooking during the demonstrations to show how you can make exciting and vibrant family friendly meals.”

Vivien Currie, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “We have been totally blown away by Gary’s creativity and this fantastic, equine inspired dish is just a taste of what’s to come at the Totepool Family Raceday next month. We are eagerly awaiting the launch of our new season and our first fixture has the perfect ingredients for a great family day out.”

The first of 18 exciting fixtures for the season, the Totepool Family Raceday – with children going free – combines top class racing action with a host of fun-filled activities for the kids, all included in the ticket price. Enjoy human table football, pony rides, Wii Switch battles, as well as firm favourites laser tag, face painting and bungee trampolines.

On the course, look out for the highlight £30,000 Totepool Tangerine Trees Conditions Stakes over six furlongs and the famous £22,000 Totepool Buttonhook Handicap Stakes.

The racecourse’s new-look hospitality boxes will also be unveiled to guests at the opening fixture, with those taking advantage of the exclusive packages for the 6 May benefiting from Gary’s culinary expertise.

Gates open at 11.30am on the day, with thoroughbred action getting underway at 1.30pm. Individual tickets are priced at £19 when booked online during the advanced booking window and are available now at www.hamilton-park.co.uk or by calling 01698 283806. Children under-18 go free, under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.