Lanarkshire racecourse confirms official approval to return to normal operating capacity for Phoenix Utilities Ltd Lanark Silver Bell Racenight

Hamilton Park is delighted to confirm that they have been given official approval to return to their normal operating capacity of 12,500 for their remaining fixtures of the 2021 season.

Normal operating capacities resume for the next fixture on the Hamilton Park calendar, the Phoenix Utilities Ltd Lanark Silver Bell Racenight on Friday 27 August, with Hamilton Park favourite and legendary DJ George Bowie returning with his energy filled set of GBX Anthems after racing.

The Lanark Silver Bell Racenight is a hugely popular fixture, with a record crowd expected given its considerable local significance. The highlight of the evening is the historic Lanark Silver Bell Handicap Stakes (Class 3), with its £33,500 prize money, it is one of the richest races of its type in the UK.

Top of the weights, Platinumcard will be one to watch as he has been on great form of late for Keith Dalgleish and owners Straightline Bloostock, notching up two wins at Hamilton Park, including last week’s Scottish Trophy. The 2016 Lanark Silver Bell winner Multellie returns to the field, with hopes to claim the historic trophy once again for trainer Tim Easterby and owners Mr David Scott & Partner. With a proven track record in the Lanark Silver Bell Handicap, Mark Johnston has a total of seven entries this year, and has notably won the trophy a total of five times since 2008.

Vivien Currie MBE, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park, said: “It’s been an incredibly challenging summer for us all as the Government’s Covid restrictions keep changing, but I’d like to thank all our customers for playing their part in following all of the rules and allowing our racedays to continue safely.

Since we were allowed limited crowds back from the end of May, we’ve been leading the field in getting our customers back on course. I’m delighted that we have been granted official approval to return to our normal operating capacities, and I hope that the other racecourses in Scotland are able to follow suit. I would particularly like to thank South Lanarkshire Council for all their guidance, support and help in our journey back to welcoming more racegoers once again to Hamilton Park.

I am so proud of all the team here at Hamilton Park as without their hard work and dedication this return would not have been possible. Our well thought out and structured plans have allowed us to operate a safe and secure site for our customers and staff. We do still require racegoers to continue to wear masks when moving around indoors and we would encourage everyone to continue to maintain good hand hygiene and to not overcrowd indoor areas.”

Gates open on Friday 27 August at 2pm, with racing starting at 4.35pm. Legendary DJ George Bowie will take to the decks after the last race, which is at 7.40pm.

To book your tickets and for more information visit www.hamilton-park.co.uk.