Kelso Racecourse
Encyclopedia
Kelso Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue located in Kelso, Scotland
. The official website describes the course as Britain's Friendliest Racecourse. In 2007, it was voted the Best Small Course in Scotland and the North of England.
The foundation stone of the stand at the current racetrack at Berrymoss was laid on the 12 July 1822.
Kelso was a flat racing
track until 1888, when the United Border Hunt moved to the course. Since then, Kelso has run exclusively under National Hunt rules.
track of 1 mile 600 yards and a hurdle
course of 1 mile 330 yards. The course also has a punishing uphill run-in of 2 furlong
s.
, remains largely unchanged since its construction. In 2011 it was protected by Historic Scotland
as a category A listed building, as "the finest example of its building type in Scotland and a particularly rare and important survival in a wider UK context."
s. One of the most notable is the King's Own Challenge Cup, named after the King's Own Scottish Borderers
who were based nearby. The major hurdle race is the Grade 2 Premier Kelso Hurdle.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. The official website describes the course as Britain's Friendliest Racecourse. In 2007, it was voted the Best Small Course in Scotland and the North of England.
History
The first recorded race meeting in Kelso took place at Caverton Edge in 1734. Races were also later held at Blakelaw.The foundation stone of the stand at the current racetrack at Berrymoss was laid on the 12 July 1822.
Kelso was a flat racing
Flat racing
Flat racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing which is run over a level track at a predetermined distance. It differs from steeplechase racing which is run over hurdles...
track until 1888, when the United Border Hunt moved to the course. Since then, Kelso has run exclusively under National Hunt rules.
Layout
Kelso consists of two sharp, left-handed tracks - a chaseSteeplechase
Steeplechase may refer to:* Steeplechase, an event in horse racing* SteepleChase, a Danish jazz label* Steeplechase , a 1975 arcade game released by Atari...
track of 1 mile 600 yards and a hurdle
Hurdling (horse race)
A Hurdle race in England is a National Hunt horse race where the horses jump over obstacles called hurdles that are over three and a half feet high. They are typically made of brush, that has some flexability. Hurdle races always have a minimum of eight hurdles and a minimum distance of two miles ....
course of 1 mile 330 yards. The course also has a punishing uphill run-in of 2 furlong
Furlong
A furlong is a measure of distance in imperial units and U.S. customary units equal to one-eighth of a mile, equivalent to 220 yards, 660 feet, 40 rods, or 10 chains. The exact value of the furlong varies slightly among English-speaking countries....
s.
Grandstand
The classical style grandstand building was erected in 1822, though it was designed in 1778 by York-based architect John Carr (1723–1807). The building, incorporating a private viewing area for the races' patron the Duke of RoxburgheDuke of Roxburghe
The Duke of Roxburghe is a title in the peerage of Scotland created in 1707 along with the titles Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, Earl of Kelso and Viscount Broxmouth. John Ker, 5th Earl of Roxburghe became the first holder of these titles...
, remains largely unchanged since its construction. In 2011 it was protected by Historic Scotland
Historic Scotland
Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government, responsible for historic monuments in Scotland.-Role:As its website states:...
as a category A listed building, as "the finest example of its building type in Scotland and a particularly rare and important survival in a wider UK context."
Notable races
Kelso's principal races are all steeplechaseSteeplechase
Steeplechase may refer to:* Steeplechase, an event in horse racing* SteepleChase, a Danish jazz label* Steeplechase , a 1975 arcade game released by Atari...
s. One of the most notable is the King's Own Challenge Cup, named after the King's Own Scottish Borderers
King's Own Scottish Borderers
The King's Own Scottish Borderers was an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Scottish Division.-History:It was raised on 18 March 1689 by the Earl of Leven to defend Edinburgh against the Jacobite forces of James II. It is said that 800 men were recruited within the space of two hours...
who were based nearby. The major hurdle race is the Grade 2 Premier Kelso Hurdle.