Investment at racecourse for start of new season

As the countdown to the new season of summer jumps racing gets ever-closer, Newton Abbot Racecourse are finishing their annual improvements in time for the first fixture on Tuesday 1st April.

After improvements to reduce waterlogging after their 2012 season, Newton Abbot has focused on giving the racecourse a new lease of life over the past months. This year has seen around £150,000 invested across the racecourse.

Following the news that the trial of the new-style padded hurdles is to be continued for a second season, 50 new hurdles have been built. The hurdles look to reduce fall and injury rates to both horses and jockeys and have been a success with both the racecourse and jockeys since the trial began.

To further improve jockey safety, the racecourse has refurbished their medical centre to ensure that, should a jockey receive an injury during a race, they are able to receive the best treatment on-site.

Visitors to the course will see visible results of the refurbishments made to some of the most popular areas for racegoers. Areas including the Paddock Bar and Tribute Bar in the Paddock Enclosure have undergone an extensive refurbishment to provide the best possible experience to visitors.

To give a new lease of life to the racecourse, many areas have been given a fresh coat of paint. The betting halls, ticket offices and Teign Suite have all been repainted and all of the private boxes have been redecorated.

Patrick Masterson, Managing Director of Newton Abbot Racecourse, spoke of this year’s improvements: “After every season, we look at the areas of the racecourse that need the most attention. This year, we’ve really focused on improving safety for jockeys and horses and, also, our visitors. Along with this, we have drastically improved the aesthetics of the racecourse.

“Other improvements for this year include extending the popular outside drinking area in our Paddock Enclosure so people can safely enjoy a drink in the sunshine.

“Alongside the improvements to the course, we are once again continuing some of our great offers to make it an affordable day for all. Students and under 16s can once again enjoy free entry to all of our fixtures. We’ve also brought back our popular 2-4-1 Mondays offer, where racegoers can enjoy two Paddock Enclosure tickets for just £18, instead from £36.

“The fantastic weather last season meant all of our fixtures went ahead and brought thousands of people to the racecourse over the season. We hope that this will continue again this season and all who visit us enjoy the improvements that we have made to the course this year.”

Tuesday 1 April will see the start of 18 fixtures at Newton Abbot Racecourse this season. Racing will start at 2.10pm, with gates opening two hours before.

For more information about the new season or to buy tickets, visit www.newtonabbotracing.com or call the office on 01626 353 235.