Kelso Races

Voted "Britain's Friendliest Racecourse" in a recent Sunday Times Survey, the Kelso Races are the home of National Hunt Racing, and offer fourteen fixtures in the season. At Kelso, they believe in looking after race-goers in the "proper manner" - and offer a huge range of facilities offering a day out to suit nearly everyone; whether a casual punter after a pint and a small bet, or throwing a opulent smoked salmon reception in one of the nineteen private suites, while enjoying the view of the races as they happen. Kelso maintains a real feel of racing from a bygone era, and has tried to maintain a classic race feel and charm, while updating all their facilities to meet demand to the very best our modern age can provide. Kelso is known to be a "Mecca" for the Border farmers and families, with the area steeped in the hunting traditions. The Border people breed and own some of the best hunters to be found in the country, and many of these use the January and February meetings to trial their horses for great races such as the National Hunt Festival and Aintree - which brings top-grade jumpers to Kelso and a real spectacle. The Kelso Races racecourse itself is much the same as the track in Cheltenham, although only smaller. It has large, solid steeple chase fences with a long and punishing uphill run-in. The National Hunt course is left handed and undulating, a real challenge, with hurdles covering a course of 1m1f. It is even sharper than the Kelso Races 1m 3f chase track, who offers a 2f run-in.

Getting There

Reaching the Kelso Races course is fairly simple, both by car and train. By car the Kelso racecourse can be found north of the town of Kelso itself, coming off the A6089 and the A699. When approaching from London, it is advised to take the A1(M) then pick up at the A697 and A698. Lastly, if coming from the west, take the M6 exiting Junction 44 before then following the A7 and A698. If travelling by train, be aware that the nearest station to Kelso is at Berwick, which is 22 miles away from the course itself. The Berwick station is on the line from London Kings Cross.

Kelso Races Facts

The Kelso Races Racecourse does not enforce a dress code to its race-goers, though it it advised that a "smart-casual" look is preferred. On a race day, there are two Enclosures available; the Paddock Enclosure and the Members Enclosure. The Paddock Enclosure is the larger enclosure, and comprises a covered viewing area, betting facilities, a self-service food bar and an extensive drinks bar area. Also within the Paddock Enclosure is the Parade Ring and the Winners Enclosure, which is ideal for group outings and family visits. The Members enclosure boasts prime viewing positions of the whole course and the surrounding countryside, as well as the winning line itself. In addition to this, there are three exclusive private Members Bars, Tote Facilities and a Charity Tea Room boasting a selection of traditional cakes and teas. In total, there are fourteen race meetings during the racing season at Kelso, which starts in October and finishes in May.