PLANNING YOUR DAY

Below is some advice on which race meeting to attend, which enclosure to buy tickets for, eating and parking at the course - which will help you to plan your day (or evening) at Kelso Races.

Meetings

There are 14 fixtures in the Kelso Races 2010/11 season. The season starts in October and finishes in May. For a full list of fixtures, gate opening times and first race times, go to Fixtures.

If you are only planning to come once or twice in the season, choose your meeting carefully. Some fixtures, like Family Funday are aimed at entertaining the whole family. Other fixtures draw better quality trainers, horses and riders. For example; Cheltenham Trials Day and Premier Hurdle Day. There are also dates on the social calendar not to be missed, like the Scottish Borders National  and Ladies Day.

 

Enclosures

The Racecourse has two enclosures on a raceday: the Members Enclosure (member’s day badge allows you to access both enclosures), and the Paddock Enclosure. The Members Enclosure has a number of prime viewing positions of the course on the winning line, as well as numerous Tote Facilities, three private Members Bars and a Charity Tea Room. The Paddock Enclosure is the larger of the two enclosures with a fantastic covered viewing area and extensive bar, with self-service food bar and betting facilities. The Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure are situated within the Paddock Enclosure and are ideal for families and group outings. There are lots of varied packages in each enclosure.

 

Booking Tickets

You can book tickets online, by going to Book Online, or by phone on 01668 280800. For online booking, you will need the dates and enclosures you want tickets for, and your credit or debit card to hand. Online bookings will be subject to a £1.50 administration charge

There is an Advanced Booking Discount of £2 available on admission prices up to 24 hours before the first race. This discount is available both online and over the phone.

Go to Tickets & Packages for more information.

 

Eating & Drinking

There are wide variety of eating and drinking options available at the racecourse. Anything from grabbing a burger to sitting down for a three-course meal. Go to Eating & Drinking for a full list of options. Remember some of these needed to be booked in advance. You will not be allowed to bring food or drink into the racecourse.

 

Raceday Packages

Kelso Races offers Reserved Table Hospitality Packages. These include your entrance fee to the course. A two or three course meal and a your own guaranteed table place for the entire meeting. Go to Tickets & Packages for more information.

 

Corporate Hospitality

Kelso Races is a great place to entertain clients or say a big thank you to your staff. We have 19 private suites that can accommodate 15 to 200 guests. Go to Private Box Hospitality Packages for more information.

 

Travel

You can get to Kelso Racecourse by car or bus. Go to Getting Here for more information. The nearest train station is Berwick Upon Tweed.

 

Parking

Ample free car parking is available at Kelso Racecourse.

 

What to Wear

There is no dress code at Kelso Races, but most people dress smart casual. For a lot of people (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 give particular thought to your footwear! And of course, the Kelso Races season runs between October and May, so you may want to be prepared to the unpredictable Scottish whether during these months.

 

What to Bring

Racecards (with details of each race) are available on entry.To really enjoy the excitement of racing, you will of course need some cash – which can be as little or as much as you wish to spend.

Bring a camera to capture the memories of your day. (Warning, turn the flash of, as flash photography can upset the horses.) You will not be allowed to bring food or drink into the racecourse, but you will find a wealth of catering options available at the racecourse. If you are looking to enjoy a sit down meal, we recommend you book in advance. Go to Eating & Drinking for more information.

 

When To Arrive

The gates open two hours before the first race. We recommend you get there early to familiarise yourself with the course, what is on offer and to give yourself plenty of time to have something to eat or drink and place a bet before the horses go under starter's orders.

 

Accommodation

If you are traveling from further afield, you may wish to stay overnight. There are plenty of options in and around Kelso to suit every budget. Go to Where To Stay for more information.