HAMILTON PARK RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Although recorded horse racing first took place in the Hamilton area as early as 1782, the present facilities at Hamilton Park are comparatively recent, with the first race meeting being staged on the current course in 1926.
Despite its comparatively modern origins as a racecourse, Hamilton Park already has a footnote in British racing history, as the first ever evening race meeting was held on the course on 18 July 1947.
Hamilton Parks manicured lawns and leafy paddocks are the backdrop for mellow and convivial race meetings so beloved by Scottish race goers. This atmosphere is most in evidence at the summer evening meetings, when race goers who work in Glasgow or Edinburgh flock to Hamilton for a great evening of relaxation and thoroughbred racing.
The course usually stages around 19 meetings between April and September, and trainers from all over Britain send their horses to compete in Hamilton's fixtures, particularly the meetings which include valuable Listed prizes and some very competitive sprint handicaps.
Track facts:
Hamilton Park is used exclusively for flat racing.
The course is undulating, and comprises a right handed loop, which is connected to a normal five and a half furlong straight course.
In the longest races at Hamilton, the one mile five furlong starting stalls are positioned half a furlong past the winning post. Runners then have to pass the winning post in the wrong direction, and then travel up the straight to the three and a half furlong point. They then take a left hand turn, before switching to a right handed running rail around a sharp right handed loop of around three and a half furlongs in length. The loop rejoins the straight at the five and a half furlong point, and runners then head back towards the winning post in the normal racing direction.
Attached to the end of the five and a half furlong straight, there is a half furlong chute start, which creates a six furlong straight sprint course. The first three and a half furlongs of this course are down hill, followed by an up hill run of two furlongs, before it levels off for the final half furlong.
Historically, sprint races favoured high drawn horses, particularly when the going was soft. However, it is worth noting, in recent years, comprehensive investments in modern drainage have reduced the incidences of soft going, and this has reduced the draw bias.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Club ticket.
This ticket gives exclusive access to the Club Grandstand, which overlooks the winning post. There is also exclusive entry into several hospitality facilities, plus general access to the new parade ring, winners enclosure, and the other public areas of the racecourse.
With a combination of fine dining and panoramic views of the racecourse, the Dukes Restaurant is very popular, which makes advance booking essential.
Other Club facilities include, The glass fronted Dukes Bar, which overlooks the winning post, Silks champagne and fine wine bar, with its patio overlooking the run in, and the cosy Brandon Bar, situated on the ground floor of the grandstand.
Grandstand Ticket.
Ticket holders can utilise the main Grandstand, which offers good views of the finishing straight and winning post. The ticket also provides access to the new parade ring and winners enclosure.
On the first floor of the grandstand, the glass fronted Panorama Bar provides great views of the racing action.
On the ground floor of the grandstand, the Conservatory Bistro serves an array of hot food. Drinks are available in the nearby Cats Bar. In addition, Joe Punters is a popular bar which gives immediate access to the Tote betting hall.
The paddock lawn has bar and seating facilities, and for premier meetings, an outdoor barbecue offers quick snacks.
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Disabled Facilities:
Designated parking spaces are available for disabled badge holders.
There are viewing platforms in both enclosures. Lifts to all areas, and specialist toilet facilities in all enclosures.
On production of proper identification, full time carers are admitted free of charge.
For the visually challenged, the racecourse allows guide dogs, and an audio loop is available from reception.
Fixtures:
Hamilton Park only stages flat race meetings.
2011:
Thursday 14 July
Friday 15 July
Transport Links:
By Road:
Hamilton Park is ten miles south of Glasgow. Traffic from Glasgow should take the M74, exiting at junction 5. At the slip road roundabout, traffic should take the exit for Hamilton, and then follow the signs to the racecourse.
From Edinburgh and the east, travellers are advised to take either the M8, or A8. From the former exit at Bellshill, from the latter, exit at East Kilbride. From either, join the A725, and follow the signs for the M74. Once on the M74, exit at junction 5, and follow directions as above.
From Carlisle and the south, take the A74, then the M74, leave at junction five, and follow the same directions as above.
Traffic flow around Hamilton Park can become very slow on race days. To ensure arrival before the first race, race goers are advised to allow plenty of time for their journeys.
Car parking is free of charge in the main car park.
By Rail:
Trains from London Euston, plus many other major towns and cities, run to Glasgow Central. From Glasgow Central a direct service runs to Hamilton West railway station.
Hamilton West station is under a mile from the racecourse, and on a pleasant day is an enjoyable fifteen minute walk.
By Bus:
Coach services run to Glasgow from all over the United Kingdom.
The local service 255 runs between Glasgow Buchanan Street bus station and the racecourse. Journey time is around fifty five minutes.
By Air:
Hamilton Park Racecourse is within reach of three major Scottish airports. Glasgow International is around twenty one miles away, with Edinburgh being thirty three miles distant, and Glasgow Prestwick around thirty six miles.
Contact Details:
Address: Hamilton Park Racecourse, Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0DW.
Telephone Number: 01698 28 38 06.
Fax Number: 01698 28 66 21.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Macdonald Crutherland Hotel East Kilbride.
Tel No: 0870 194 2109.
Situated in 37 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside, Macdonald Crutherland House is an elegant and luxurious 4 star hotel just a short drive from Hamilton racecourse, while the hotel is only 20 minutes from the City of Glasgow.
Although some of the hotel’s original features date back to 1700, Crutherland House achieves a seamless blend of history and modern comfort, and emerges as one of the finest hotel’s in Scotland.
Macdonald Crutherland House offers its guests 75 spacious and comfortable bedrooms. All are en suite, have remote controlled television with satellite channels, high speed internet access, and the kind of room amenities you would expect in a top quality hotel. For extra luxury, guests can book or upgrade to one of our superbly appointed executive rooms. These superior facilities offer larger seating areas, CD\DVD player, complimentary dressing gown, slippers, additional toiletries, wine, fresh fruit and chocolates. Naturally, there is also 24 hour room service throughout the hotel.
Recently awarded 2AA rosettes for quality and service, the Macdonald Crutherland House Restaurant has established itself as one of the finest restaurant’s in Scotland. Using only the freshest of local ingredients, our head chef is renowned for his innovative menus which always retain a hint of Scotland. Guests can also sample from a wine list which offers traditional and contemporary wines which compliment the chef’s cuisine. The Cocktail Bar serves light meals until 9 p m, and in the warmer months, guests can take advantage of the patio area. While on colder days, our comfortable sofas and chairs are the perfect place to relax, and soak up the Cocktail Bar’s amiable atmosphere.
The hotel’s Vital Health and Fitness Centre is available to all residents, and offers; an 18 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, high tech gymnasium, personal fitness programmes, group activity studio, and a comprehensive range of beauty treatments.
Holiday Inn Express Hamilton.
UK Tel No: 01698 456 300.
From Eire Tel No: 00 44 1698 456 300.
Situated close to Hamilton Park Racecourse, just a few seconds from junction 6 of the M74, or a few minutes walk from Hamilton Central railway station, the Holiday Inn Express Hamilton forms the ideal base for race-goers attending the extensive racing programme at Hamilton Park Racecourse.
Outside, the hotel offers ample free parking, while inside, friendly and helpful staff are on hand to ensure you enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
The Holiday Inn Express Hamilton offers 104 spacious and comfortable contemporary en suite guest rooms, all offering interactive televisions with Sky, internet access, a desk and working area, direct dial telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, a power-shower and fluffy white towels, and the other room amenities discerning guests expect from a quality modern hotel.
With each of our guest rooms being laid out with comfortable double or twin beds, crisp white sheets, and a choice of pillows, all designed to ensure you have a great sleep, and awake refreshed in the morning.
The hotel restaurant offers an inclusive breakfast with a selection of cereals and pastries available along with hot items such as scrambled egg, sausages and beans as well as a fine choice of teas and coffees, and a limited dinner menu is also available for those wishing to dine in the hotel.
Every evening, guests can relax on the comfortable sofas in the Great Room Bar and Lounge, where pleasant conversation can be enjoyed with a choice of drinks while the more sports minded can keep abreast of the latest developments via the Sky Sports channel displayed on the large television screens in the Great Room. .
For full details on the Holiday Inn Express Hamilton, and to ensure early booking discounts, please click on the link below:
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