A day at the races

You can’t beat the excitement of seeing racehorses and jockeys thunder past you at full speed. And we are fortunate to have one of Scotland’s finest racecourses located nearby at Kelso. Just twenty minutes from Melrose, Kelso is often referred to as Britain’s Friendliest Racecourse and for very good reason.

You don’t have to be seasoned racegoer to enjoy a day at Kelso Races. Horse racing is accessible to everyone, whether you’re going as a couple, a family or a group of friends, you are sure to have a great day out. And the great news for families is that children under 18 (accompanied by an adult) go free at Kelso Races.

Kelso Racecourse is a National Hunt Racecourse which stages 15 jumps fixtures from September until May, offering some of the best Scottish Jump racing and attracting the finest horses, jockeys and trainers from far and wide.

Kelso Racecourse is one of just 60 racecourses throughout Britain. There are two types of racing, flat racing, prominent in the summer, and jump racing which is popular in the winter. Jump racing is run on turf over obstacles known either as steeplechase fences or hurdles.

Kelso Races is home to jump racing, also known as National Hunt. A normal race meeting consists of six or seven races. These vary in length and in number of runners. As well as having a flutter on the horses, you can enjoy a pint in the bar and a wide range of catering options.

There is free parking in the grass field to the west of the entrance gates and Kelso Races do not stipulate a dress code, but the norm is “smart casual”. For a lot of racegoers (especially on Ladies Day) dressing up is all part of the fun of going racing. To enjoy all aspects of the racecourse, you will need to do a fair bit of walking around, so please give thought to your footwear and also the unpredictable Scottish weather!

With Edinburgh Gin Chase Day coming up on 28th October. This is one of the favourite afternoons in the racing calendar, featuring The Edinburgh Gin Chase. In addition, there will also be live music following racing.

A warm Borders welcome awaits at Kelso Races.

www.kelso-races.co.uk

Here are 10 top tips from Kelso Races about how to get the most of your day.

1. Arrive early
   The racecourse opens two hours before the first race. Aim to get here at least an hour before to familiarise yourself with the course, what is on offer and give yourself plenty of time to have something to eat and drink and study the form ready to place a bet before the horses go under starters’ orders.
2. Buy a racecard (programme)
   This provides all the information on the runners and riders for each race. It also gives tips, a low-down on the racecourse, which trainers and jockeys are currently doing well, who has travelled the furthest and recent form. It will give you a brief overview of their past performance – just in case you want to apply a bit more science to betting than just picking a name you like. The card may also show the runners (in an abbreviated form) of other courses racing on the same day and you are also able to bet on these with the tote and bookmaker.
3. Have a wander
   Have a walk around the facilities. There will be plenty of time between races to explore every part of the course and soak up the atmosphere of more than one particular area.
4. Take in your surroundings
   The racecourse is surrounded by stunning countryside. Take a few moments to enjoy the breathtaking views – see if you can spot the church spire on the horizon.
5. Watch the parade
   Before each race you should take a look at the horses in the parade ring. Racehorses are beautiful animals and here you will be able to get really close. Fitness and well-being really count, so look closely and it is a great place to select your favourite (if you haven’t already made your decision by studying the form).
6. Place a bet
   Horseracing is a fabulous spectacle in itself, but by putting a few pounds on your favourite horse, it simply adds to the excitement. Remember never bet more than you can afford to lose and little and often through the day is better for your health than putting everything on one horse.
7. Experience the bookies
   Even if you are placing your bets with the tote, we would encourage you to stroll around the bookmakers area and experience the hustle and bustle of the betting ring.
8. View races from different places
   If you have a members enclosure entrance badge, do take advantage of the various viewing areas and watch each race in a different place, especially the roof of the main grandstand which provides a fantastic and unrivalled view of the action.
9. Stand by the track
   For at least one race, stand trackside. Feel the ground vibrate as the runners speed by and admire the majesty of these magnificent creatures from only a few feet away.
10. Join in the celebrations
    After each race, pop over to the winners enclosure and enjoy watching the winning and placed horses return to their jubilant owners and trainers and the presentations to the winning connections.

Thank you to Kelso Races for use of these images.