Member Article

£11m Newcastle Racecourse redevelopment gets BHA go ahead

Newcastle Racecourse, based at Gosforth Park, is set to be transformed with the introduction of a new all weather track, following Arena Racing Company’s( ARC) £11m investment getting the go-ahead from the British Horseracing Association (BHA).

At the heart of the investment is the conversion of the existing flat turf track to a world class all weather surface with the first ever floodlit straight mile.

The full plans include:

• Conversion of existing flat turf track to an all weather surface;
• Installation of floodlighting to illuminate the straight mile of the all weather track and pull up area;
• Enclosure of Park View Stand to form a new tiered restaurant;
• Refurbishment of existing saddling boxes and pre-parade ring; and
• Modernisation of the vets’ facilities and stable yard with a new entrance to the horsebox park to improve access to the stables for horses and horseboxes.

While the work is carried out over the winter, Newcastle Racecourse’s remaining fixtures for 2015 will be hosted elsewhere.

Once racing recommences at Newcastle Racecourse all flat racing will take place on the new all weather track, including the Northumberland Plate. The prize fund will be boosted to £150k in 2016 and a reserve race, worth £75k, will be introduced for horses that do not get into the Northumberland Plate, subject to BHA approval.

In its submission to the BHA ARC made specific commitments to prize money at Newcastle Racecourse. ARC will ensure that the fixtures transferred from other racecourses will have at least an average Executive Contribution of £23k, in line with Newcastle Racecourse’s current average for flat racing.

Tony Kelly, ARC Managing Director, said: “This is a very exciting time for Newcastle Racecourse. We embarked on this investment plan three years ago and are pleased we now have everything in place to start the work in the autumn.

“I understand and sympathise that there are some in the sport who will be sad to see a turf track converted to all weather but the many benefits of ARC’s £11m investment will ensure Newcastle Racecourse can make an even more valuable contribution to British Racing in the years to come.”

David Williamson, Newcastle Racecourse Executive Director, said: “Newcastle Racecourse plays a valuable role in the local community and our ambitious plans will ensure it has a bright future for many years to come.

“We are very appreciative of the significant local support for our investment. We look forward to the work commencing in the autumn and being ready for the launch of racing on the new all weather surface in spring 2016.”