History

The first race in Hamilton was in 1782 at a site in Chatelherault, situated just outside the town.
In 1785 the course had 3 fixtures.
Up until 1907 there was jump racing at Hamilton.
The course closed in 1907.

Racing moved to the current site on Bothwell Road in 1926 having raised £100,000 to revive racing – making it one of the newest courses in the country and meaning there were two courses in Lanarkshire – with Lanark Racecourse closing in 1977.
Hamilton Park was the first racecourse in the country to stage an evening meeting in 1947, something that is now common place throughout the industry.
A Trust was formed in 1973 to secure racing at Hamilton Park at all time.

In 2010, Hamilton Park was the first racecourse in the country to hold and sell out a standalone concert event without racing.

In 2015, Hamilton Park will become the first racecourse in Scotland and the first small independent racecourse in the UK to offer free customer Wi-Fi.

Recent Awards

ROA Gold Standard Award holders since 2008

2010

Visit Scotland 4 Star Visitor Attraction
RCA Showcase – Winner – Events (JLS Concert)

2011

Visit Scotland 4 Star Visitor Attraction
RCA Showcase – Winner – Raceday Experience
Top 25 Best Places to Work in Scotland
Lanarkshire Business Excellence Award – Winner – Tourism

2012

Visit Lanarkshire 4 Star Visitor Attraction

2013

Visit Lanarkshire 4 Star Visitor Attraction
Racecourse Catering Awards – Scottish Racecourse Caterer of the Year, Best Fast Food Mobile Experience at a Racecouse and Best Supplier for Equis Ice Cream
RCA Showcase – Finalist – Owners and Trainers Experience
Lanarkshire Business Excellence Award – Winner – Tourism

2014

Visit Lanarkshire4 Star Visitor Attraction
Ground Staff of the Year – Best Flat Course in UK
Racecourse Catering Awards – Best Fast Food Mobile Experience at a Racecourse and Most Effective Brand at a Racecourse
RCA Showcase – Finalist – Corporate Social Responsibility, All About the Horse

2015

VS 4 Star Visitor Attraction
RCA Showcase – Winner – Racing Post Readers Award for Customer Experience. Finalist – Operational Excellence
ROA Annual Awards – Finalist – Best Small Racecourse
IOG Annual Awards – Runner Up – Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year

2017 

RCA Showcase – Winner – Owners’ Experience
RCA Showcase – Finalist – Operational Excellence
RCA Showcase – Finalist – #TopSpot Award