Season opener looms for Newton Abbot
Hot on the heels of the Cheltenham Festival, jumps racing is set to return to Newton Abbot Racecourse on Wednesday 25th March as the racecourse make their final preparations for the start of the new season.
Following a five month winter break, the course is promising an improved experience for all with the unveiling of a number of developments at the course over the winter for the benefit of racegoers, owners, trainers and jockeys.
As part of its annual plan of improvements, the racecourse has spent over £200,000 through the winter months enhancing facilities and the racing experience ready for the new season. Amongst the works is an enlargement to the Pedestrian entrance to improve the entry time for those who have pre-booked their tickets, the refurbishment of the racecourse bars, a complete refurbishment of the racecourse kitchens, enhancements to the Teign Suite’s private boxes, conferencing facilities and Paddock Restaurant, plus improvements to the Parade Ring including a new rubberised horse walk through to the track.
Ever mindful of its environmental commitments, the racecourse has also invested heavily in bins throughout the Paddock Enclosure to encourage recycling and the development of a new waste collection area to reduce its environmental impact.
Alongside the physical developments at the course, a number of other changes and improvements have been made ready for the new season. Despite being one of the smaller racecourses in the country, Newton Abbot maintains a strong commitment to offering big prize money. This year will see its total prize fund increase to just under £900,000.
Despite the forthcoming introduction of increased minimum prize values from 1st April this year, Newton Abbot continue to exceed minimum levels with, for example, their prize fund for class 5 chases and hurdles standing at £1,500 above the required level.
Changes at the course for the new season are also mindful of the finances of racegoers with the introduction of a 2-4-1 ticket promotion for all evening fixtures. Replacing the 2-4-1 ticket offer for Monday fixtures, the racecourse will be introducing the new evening promotion as it faces a change in the racing programme this year with a fall in the number of Monday fixtures and an increase, to six, evening fixtures. Tickets for the promotion are available in advance and close one week prior to each evening fixture.
Discussing the year ahead, Patrick Masterson, Managing Director at Newton Abbot Racecourse, said: “In an ever-competitive market, we simply cannot afford to stand still which is why each year we invest a significant amount of time and money in evaluating the racing experience for all who visit Newton Abbot.
“In order to continue to compete with other racecourses and experiences, we must continue to improve our offering, taking on board customer feedback and ensuring we lead the field. We hope that the winter’s developments will offer an enhanced racing experience for all and look forward to welcoming all who join us for our season opener on 25th March.”
The season opener follows the recent announcement from the course that it is to stage its first major pop concert at the racecourse on Sunday 28 June when Irish pop sensations Boyzone play a headline concert at the course. One of only a handful of shows to be played in the country this year, the show is a real coup for the racecourse and an unmissible opportunity for the band’s fans to see them play in the South West.
Gates open for the new season at 12:10 on Wednesday 25th March, prior to the day’s first race at 14:10.
Tickets for the season opener at Newton Abbot Racecourse are on sale now at www.newtonabbotracing.com or by calling 01626 353235.
