KELSO RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
Kelso racecourse is situated just inside the Scottish border, and is located 2 miles north of the town centre of Kelso. The surrounding countryside is amongst some of the most beautiful in Britain, and the surroundings provide a picturesque panorama enjoyed by all those attending the competitive national hunt racing staged at the 'Borders Track'.
A look at the archives suggest the earliest horse racing to be held in the Kelso area took place in 1734 at Caverton Edge. Later meetings were then staged at Blakelaw, before settling at the current Berrymoss site in July of 1822.
For the next 66 years, the course was used exclusively for flat racing, but in 1888, the United Border Hunt moved to Kelso, and the emphasis at Kelso racecourse switched to national hunt racing.
The modern course stages around 13 very well supported fixtures in each calendar year, and this jewel of a course is renowned for its friendly and convivial atmosphere.
The main meeting is the pre-Cheltenham fixture in February, and in 2011, Champion Hurdle runner-up Peddlers Cross, and Aintree Grand National winner Ballabriggs, both had preparation runs at this prestigious fixture.
Track facts:
For over a century, Kelso has been used exclusively for national hunt racing.
The steeplechase course is run left handed over a circuit measuring one mile three furlongs in circumference. It has undulations, and is considered sharp and galloping.
Kelso has nine fences arranged in the following pattern: an initial open ditch, four plain fences, the second open ditch, then the remaining three plain fences. The jumps are large, and are unevenly distributed. There are three in the back straight, and three in the home straight, but on the final circuit, the last two fences on the home straight are bypassed in favour of a right handed two furlong uphill run in.
The hurdles course actually turns out of the back straight one hundred yards before its jumps counterpart. As a result, it is only 1 mile 1 furlong in circumference, and consequently, this makes the course much sharper than its steeplechase companion.
The hurdles course has five flights, two of which are situated prior to the winning post in the home straight.
Pace and stamina are required on both courses at Kelso, with the long uphill run in allowing potential winners to recover from any mistakes at the last.
Kelso has certain characteristics which can be found on the courses at both Cheltenham and Aintree, and it is not unusual to observe several top quality horses working out at Kelso during the January and February fixtures.
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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.
Members Ticket.
These ticket holders have access to the Members Grandstand, with its views of the run in, winning post, and the parade ring. There is also access to all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The Members Bar, with its natural fire, is a cosy area to enjoy drinks and snacks. While Rosies Bistro serves up a fine selection of fayre, and a hot drink can be enjoyed in the Kings Suite.
Tattersalls Ticket.
Viewing is available in the Tweedie stand, with its mixture of covered and open seating or standing terraces. The ticket also provides access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
There is a self service eating area, and drinks and snacks are available in the Buchanan Room.
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Disabled Facilities:
Blue badge holders may use designated parking spaces.
There is a ramped viewing platform and specialist toilet facilities.
Fixtures:
All races at Kelso are staged under National Hunt Rules.
2011:
Sunday 02 October
Transport Links:
By Road:
The racecourse is close to the junction of the A6089 and the A699. These roads have local connections to the following routes.
From Edinburgh, take the A68, and then the A697. Travelling from Newcastle and the south, take the A1M, and then either the A68, or the A697 from Berwick upon Tweed. From the west, leave the M6 at junction 44, and then follow the A7 and the A698.
Car parking at the racecourse is free of charge.
By Rail:
Chathill in Northumberland is the nearest station at twelve miles, but the service from Hexham is infrequent, and only allows connection to the Newcastle upon tyne to Carlisle branch line.
The nearest main line station is twenty two miles distant at Berwick upon Tweed. Berwick is on the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh main line.
By Bus:
No sensible option available.
By Air:
Newcastle airport is around thirty eight miles from the racecourse.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address:
Kelso Racecourse,
18 to 20 Glendale Road,
Wooler,
Northumberland,
NE71 6DW.
Telephone Number: 01668 28 08 00.
Fax Number: 01668 28 11 13.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Resort.
UK tel no: 01573 45 03 31.
From Eire tel no: 00 44 1573 45 03 31.
Located on the edge of the village of Heiton, nestled in the magnificent countryside of the Scottish Borders, the Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Resort has good access from the A68 and A1 via the A698. For discerning race-goers visiting the nearby Kelso Races, the Roxburghe Hotel creates the feeling that one is checking into a beautiful home rather than a hotel. Indeed, for visitors who shun modern soulless accommodation in favour of tranquility and a bit of up market sophistication, then this is the hotel for you.
Owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, and a few minutes drive from the romantic Floors Castle, the hotel nestles privately amongst woodland on the banks of the River Teviot. Many of the hotel’s 22 luxury guest rooms have been designed by the Duchess, (an interior designer in her own right). The hotel offers single, twin and double bedded rooms, including four poster rooms and suites. These are split between 16 rooms in the main house, and 6 bedrooms in the Courtyard Annex. Similar to the hotel’s spacious reception rooms, all of the guest bedrooms are furnished with care and elegance, and 2 have the added comfort of real log fires. Each room provides fluffy bath robes and slippers, morning newspaper and complimentary mineral water. Despite the relaxing country house ambience, all guest rooms surreptitiously incorporate all the modern amenities expected by discerning guests.
Whether for lunch or dinner, eating at the Roxburghe Hotel Restaurant is a culinary experience not to be missed. Head Chef Mark Swinney uses home grown produce from the Roxburghe estate, including; game, salmon, wild mushrooms and freshly picked herbs from the garden, thus ensuring diners receive only the freshest of home made cuisine. As everything is freshly made, the kitchen staff can also create individual menus for guests with allergies or special dietary requirements. To this fine standard of food, the restaurant also offers a fine selection of wines from the Duke’s cellar, and there is also a comprehensive whisky selection for an after dinner dram. On request, private parties can also be accommodated with private dining facilities.
The Roxburghe Estate is not just the perfect place for golfers; there are also fishing, shooting, mountain-biking, riding and beauty treatments on offer.
The Estate boasts some of Scotland's best salmon fishing with a wide range of fishing options including two much sought after beats on the River Tweed; Upper and Lower Floors. Or you can try your hand at fly-fishing with the help of our tutors at our Fly Fishing Centre of Excellence
The Roxburghe Estate also offers shooting for pheasant, partridge and grouse plus the opportunity to try clay pigeon shooting. We can also organise including competitions and tuition if required.
The Roxburghe Hotel also has a Beauty Suite with professionally qualified staff offering a wide range of indulgent treatments or – if you are feeling more energetic you can try mountain biking at Glentress or take to the saddle for a cross-country hack or tailored equestrian tuition.
And ... for visitors with an interest in history, we can organise visits to the Duke of Roxburghe's splendid family home - Floors Castle.
While golfers can contact the hotel in advance of their visit, and thereby secure a pre-booked tee off time or professional assistance.
For full details on all the facilities offered by the Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Resort, or to book directly, use the link below.
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