Hamilton Park Racecourse has increased its prize pot to a whopping £978,000 for season 2016.

The figure – which is a modern day record – is an eight percent increase on season 2015, and comes off the back of the announcement of a £200,000 investment in the course – as the Lanarkshire venue looks to attract the biggest names in horse-racing.

More than three quarters of the prize money increase has been invested in Class 4, 5 and 6 races to support racing at grass roots level, whilst feature races such as the EBF Glasgow Stakes will see increased prize money to continue to attract some of the biggest names in the sport and individual race prize money this season will range from £4,500 to £42,000.

The winter months witnessed intense activity and precision planning ahead of the launch of the new season with the racecourse also bolstering its award winning grounds team with the appointment of one of the sport’s brightest talents – new full time Racing Manager, Sulekha Varma.

She said: “It is really pleasing to be able to announce a significant increase in prize money going into my first season at Hamilton.  The track has wintered well and is improving with warmer weather we are now experiencing and I am looking forward to my first race meeting, an exciting £86,000 card, on the 1st May.  Much of the increase has been focussed at Class 4-6 races, a level at which I believe the extra investment will be very welcome by horsemen, whilst also ensuring our Class 1-3 races remain competitive and attractive. Hamilton Park has always been proud of its investment into prize money and support of racing at all levels. 2016 will be no different with more opportunities than ever for the owners and trainers of horse of all ages and abilities to join us for a day of racing.  Our aim at Hamilton Park is to ensure all of our customers leave Hamilton Park looking forward to and planning their next visit, whether they’ve won or not”.

Racecourse Chief Executive Vivien Kyles added: “We are truly delighted to announce an increase on last year’s prize money.  Sulekha has been steadfast in ensuring the highest quality racing possible for the season ahead, it’s extremely important to us to continue to attract the best horses, trainers and jockeys.”

The Executive Contribution has risen from 55% of the prize money pot in 2015 to 60% which in real terms is an increase of £88,000. Vivien added: “Our commitment to racing at all levels has driven our desire to increase our contribution and being owned by a trust allows us to put profits straight back into the improvement of racing at Hamilton Park.