Your ultimate guide to Kelso Racecourse

Kelso Grandstand

Principal  Facts, Figures and Top Trends.

Kelso Racecourse has the reputation as Britain's friendliest track, managing to successfully combine the charm of a bygone era with excellent modern facilities.

The Betting Ring is situated behind the modern Tattersalls Grandstand heightening the atmosphere by keeping the facilities right on top of the action.

Latest News Bulletin

Kelso racecourse has responded to the 2021 Scottish government's pandemic vaccine certification scheme by restricting admittance on race days to just 4,000 racegoers.

This will remove the need for spectators to obtain a vaccination passport to gain entry as the requirement for those attending live events of over 4,000 will need the passport.

Kelso's managing director told the Racing Post "We're not 100% sure about how the scheme will work yet and some of our fixtures would fall short of that number anyway."

FIXTURES

Kelso stages fifteen jumps fixtures during the season from 15th September 2021 through 29th until May (TBC) 2022. 

2021 FIXTURES

• Wednesday 15th September (Evening Fixture)
• Sunday 3rd October
• Saturday 23rd October
• Saturday 6th November
• Sunday 5th December
• Wednesday 29th December

Prestigious Races at Kelso

The most prestigious race held at the course is the Grade 2 totepool Premier Hurdle (Novices' Hurdle), held in March and carries a prize of £17,103. In 2011 the winner is Bold Sir Brian trained by Lucinda Russell.

Also on the same day is the totesport.com Premier Chase and carries a prize of £9,393. In 2011 the winner is Skippers Brig trained by Nicky Richards.

In the previous month is staged the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdlewith prize money of £9,758. The winner in 2011 is Peddlers Cross and trained by Donal McCain.

Several race days are themed, as many are in modern times and include:

A New Year Meeting in January

The Morebattle Hurdle Valentines Day Meeting in February

A Party in the Paddock in March

The Buccleuch Cup Day in April

Ladies Day in May

The John Smiths Scottish Borders National in December

The Final Fling Meeting at the end of December

Racing in Scotland

Racetracks Statistics

The most successful 2021 season National Hunt jockeys to ride here are:

Danny McMenamin

Ryan Mania

Craig Nichol

Brian Hughes

James Bowen

The most successful 2021 season National Hunt trainers here are:

Rose Dobbin South Hazelrigg, Northumbria

Noel C Kelly Draperstown, Co. Derry

Sue Smith High Eldwick, W Yorks

Chris Grant Billingham, Cleveland

Oliver Greenall Oldcastle Heath, Cheshire

Course Specialists

Do Not Disturb (IRE)

Dolphin Square (IRE)

Zafar (Ger)

Ibbenburen (GER)

Lesser (IRE)

Owners Facilities

Facilities for owners are amongst the most generous in Scotland.

Each owner is given up to 4 admission badges for the races.

Comfortable seating and a lunch for up to 4 persons is provided in the Pavilion Marquee adjacent to the Parade Ring.

Additional admission badges are available at half the normal price and a meal is available for just £20 per person.

For information and assistance prior to raceday please contact Jonathan Garratt (Managing Director) or Trish Spours (Assistant Manager) on 01573 221221 or by emailing info@kelso-races.co.uk.

Directions:

Kelso is a mile from the course on the B6461. Galashiels is 18 miles distant and Edinburgh is approximately 45 miles away.

There is also a Track2Track service which offers a return bus service (bookable in advance) from Tweedbank railway station for £10 per person.

Return To Racecourses

Return to Homepage

Returns Policy: Once a customer has agreed to pay for a product or service no returns will be permitted or payments returned.

All PayPal transactions are subject to the PayPal Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy: Personal details provided to this site by an individual may be shared with third parties unless requested otherwise.

Above policies updated 15 March 2018