Racecourses in Kelso

Kelso Racecourse is widely recognised as the home of Scottish Borders horse racing. The annual Common Riding festivals which takes place throughout the Borders, often involving large gatherings of horses and people, has ensured that the Borders people in general have always had a close association with both horses and horse racing.

Kelso in particular has long enjoyed the support and patronage of the past and present Dukes of Roxburghe as well as the local farming and hunting communities. This combined with astute management, dedicated staff and stewards has ensured the survival of Kelso Races at the centre of horse racing in the Scottish Borders.

The course attracted some 31,000 race-goers last year, an increase of 4.5% on 1998 figures, while hosting the richest Novice Hurdle in the North or Scotland, that is the Bank of Scotland Premier Hurdle. A remarkable feat in itself considering Kelso Races have the lowest population catchment in mainland Britain, and an indication of the dedication and forward movement of the management team.

Kelso was voted "Britain's Friendliest Racecourse" in a Sunday Times Survey and genuinely reflects the wonderful atmosphere, camaraderie and friendly competitiveness of the race-goers, management team, trainers, owners, jockeys and horses alike.