Hamilton Park Racecourse builds on its premier reputation with a massive £2million prize money and facilities investment

Hamilton Park Racecourse executive has heralded the dawn of a new era for the premier Lanarkshire venue with two significant programmes of investment – on and off the track.

The team is delighted to confirm the prize pot at Hamilton Park Racecourse has reached a new record total of almost £1.2million – breaking the £1million mark for the first time in history.

The news comes as plans are also unveiled for a bold investment of over £800,000 to re-imagine the grandstand restaurant and bar facilities as well as the private hospitality boxes.

Both announcements will see Hamilton Park Racecourse lead the way in Scotland as a sports and entertainment venue whilst enhancing its racing credentials as it aims to attract leading racehorse owners and trainers and top horses in the years ahead.

Vivien Currie, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “This is a very exciting time at Hamilton Park Racecourse. We are already a truly unique asset for Scotland and a valuable part of the Lanarkshire community however this investment ensures our facilities not only lead the way, but are unrivalled in Scottish sport and are in line with the high-end experience we wish to deliver to the general and race-going public.

“We will never stand still at Hamilton Park, as a venue and a business we continually strive to improve the race-day experience for our customers and the wider community and this landmark programme of improvements reflect that ethos.”

Breaking the £1million prize money mark has been an aspiration of the Board for some time and the increase, alongside the significant refurbishment work, means Hamilton Park Racecourse is on track for their biggest and best season yet.

As racegoers get set to flock back to Hamilton Park they can look forward to an incredible calendar of action with full details of a fantastic line-up of events due to be announced over the coming weeks but the course will certainly be building on the excitement and glamour of 2016.

On the track this year’s prize pot will increase by over £172,000 to £1,166,400 – a 15% rise on 2016, while all fixtures at Hamilton Park will be worth £50,000 and above with no individual race worth less than £5,000. The investment at the lower end of the programme means Hamilton Park will lead the way in supporting the grassroots of the sport.

As well the record-breaking prize money and significant refurbishment work, the racecourse executive has also signed a new long-term agreement with catering partners Sodexo – all of these developments are geared towards creating an exclusive environment at the premier Lanarkshire venue to meet the expectations of today’s racing customer.

Vivien said: “Our increased prize money, in-line with the game-changing improvements to our facilities, ensures we will continue to deliver an improved race-day experience for owners and customers.”

The extensive re-modelling project will see the whole of the grandstand first floor transformed with full renovations taking place across the Duke’s Bar and Restaurant, Panorama Bar and the Conservatory Café – which is being re-modelled as an upmarket bar and eatery.

Duke’s Bar and Restaurant will be completely transformed with new flooring, new wall and ceiling decor and contemporary furniture. The stunning new dining room will also be extended to comfortably seat 160 guests, while developments in the bar will create an exclusive and customer focused environment.

The Panorama Bar will also undergo a complete refit with an all new bar area, flooring, furniture, fixtures and fittings providing a slick and stylish space for guests. The Conservatory Café will be extensively transformed to create a family friendly bar and eatery with a brand new outdoor serving area which will offer guests the chance to grab a bite to eat while enjoying stunning views across the parade-ring and lawns.

Vivien added: “This is a significant project which will change the face of the dining and socialising experience in the historic grandstand. Great planning and consideration has been put into the fixtures, fittings and furniture with the existing spaces being completely ripped out and extensively refurbished.

“We believe there is no other sporting venue matching the standards we are setting anywhere else in the country and we can’t wait to unveil the finished product to the public.”

David Trotter, Account Director, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, said: “We’re really excited to be rolling out an extensive renovation project and this investment reflects our commitment to delivering first-class catering and hospitality at Hamilton Park Racecourse.

“The new facilities will strengthen the site’s reputation as a leading sports and entertainment venue; offering premium dining, bar and hospitality areas as well as fresh conference and events spaces.

“We’re proud of the strong relationship we have developed with Hamilton Park and are delighted to have extended our partnership with the Racecourse for a further ten years.”

Work has already begun on the project and will be complete in time for the start of the new racing season in May. The team are also reaching out to the Lanarkshire public to get involved and help re-brand the new bar and eatery at the racecourse with a name in-keeping with its new image and offering.

Suggestions, which should encapsulate the racecourse and its history in the local area can be submitted across the venue’s social media channels.