Hamilton Park Racecourse plan to invest £2 million into prize money and facilities this year in a bid to bolster its reputation as one of the north’s premier racetracks.
More than half of the investment, £1.2 million, will be channeled into prize money. This means that for the first time in it’s history Hamilton will break the £1 million mark this year.
The remaining £800,000 shall go towards plans for a re-designed grandstand and bar facilities as well as private hospitality boxes.
Vivien Currie, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “This is a very exciting time at Hamilton Park Racecourse.
“We are already a truly unique asset for Scotland and a valuable part of the Lanarkshire community however this investment ensures our facilities not only lead the way, but are unrivalled in Scottish sport and are in line with the high-end experience we wish to deliver to the general and race-going public.”
In addition to the 15% increase in prize money from 2016, all fixtures at the venue will be worth no less than £50,000 while no individual race will be worth less than £5,000.
Some of the highlights through the season include the Listed Glasgow Stakes, won by the likes of multiple Group 1-winner Postponed in recent years, and the Scottish Stewards Cup over six furlongs.
Currie added: “We will never stand still at Hamilton Park, as a venue and a business we continually strive to improve the race-day experience for our customers and the wider community and this landmark programme of improvements reflect that ethos.
“Our increased prize money, in-line with the game-changing improvements to our facilities, ensures we will continue to deliver an improved race-day experience for owners and customers.”
Work has already begun to transform the grandstand and bar areas and is expected to be completed before the first fixture at the beginning of May.
