Plan Your Day
We very much look forward to welcoming you to Kelso Racecourse and hope you find the information below helpful in planning and preparing for your day.
Our Season starts in September and runs through until the end of May and for a full calendar of our race dates please see our Race Days page.
PARKING, EATING & WHAT TO WEAR
EATING AND DRINKING
There are a wide variety of eating and drinking options available at the Racecourse. Anything from a burger to sitting down to a three-course meal - see Eating & Drinking for a full list of options and remember some of these will need to be booked in advance. Picnics are permitted in the car park, but you will not be allowed to bring in any food or drink into the Racecourse.
PARKING
Free parking for cars is provided in the grass field to the west of the entrance gates.
WHAT TO WEAR
We do not stipulate a dress code, but the norm is "smart casual". For a lot of racegoers (especially on Ladies Day) dressing up is all part of the fun of going racing. To enjoy all aspects of the Racecourse, you will need to do a fair bit of walking around, so give particular thought to your footwear and also the unpredictable Scottish weather!
10 TIPS TO ENJOY THE DAY
1. ARRIVE EARLY
The Racecourse opens two hours before the first race. Aim to get here at least an hour before to familiarise yourself with the course, what is on offer and give yourself plenty of time to have something to eat and drink, and study the form ready to place a bet before the horses go under starters' orders.
2. BUY A RACECARD (programme)
This provides all the information on the runners and riders for each race. It also gives tips, a low-down on the racecourse, which trainers and jockeys are currently doing well, who has travelled the furthest and recent form. It will give you a brief overview of their past performance - just in case you want to apply a bit more science to betting than just picking a name you like. The card may also show the runners (in an abbreviated form) of other courses racing on the same day and you are also able to bet on these with the Tote and Bookmaker.
3. HAVE A WANDER
Have a walk around the facilities. There will be plenty of time between races to explore every part of the course and soak up the atmosphere of more than one particular area.
4. TAKE IN YOUR SURROUNDINGS
The Racecourse is surrounded by stunning countryside. Take a few moments to enjoy the breathtaking views - see if you can spot the church spire on the horizon.
5. WATCH THE PARADE
Before each race you should take a look at the horses in the Parade Ring. Racehorses are beautiful animals and here you will be able to get really close. Fitness and well-being really count, so look closely and it is a great place to select your favourite (if you haven't already made your decision by studying the form).
6. PLACE A BET
Horseracing is a fabulous spectacle in itself, but by putting a few pounds on your favourite horse, it simply adds to the excitement. Remember never bet more than you can afford to lose and little and often through the day is better for your health than putting everything on one horse. See BETTING for more information on placing a bet.
7. EXPERIENCE THE BOOKIES
Even if you are placing your bets with the Tote, we would encourage you to stroll around the Bookmakers Area and experience the hustle and bustle of the Betting Ring.
8. VIEW RACES FROM DIFFERENT PLACES
If you have a Members Enclosure Entrance Badge, do take advantage of the various viewing areas and watch each race in a different place, especially the roof of the Main Grandstand which provides a fantastic and unrivalled view of the action.
9. STAND BY THE TRACK
For at least one race, stand trackside. Feel the ground vibrate as the runners speed by and admire the majesty of these magnificent creatures from only a few feet away.
10. JOIN IN THE CELEBRATIONS
After each race, pop over to the Winners Enclosure and enjoy watching the winning and placed horses return to their jubilant owners and trainers and the presentations to the winning connections.
