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Kelso is a real country track, well away from big towns and cities. It has good base of hard core regulars amounting to 1,500 or so, crowds only occasionally dipping below 2,000 with attendances growing to 4-5,000 on busier days. It can get full on those days but never unbearable. Best viewing is from the top of the stand in the Club Enclosure, and it’s worth paying the extra for the club which gives a view right up there with the likes of Goodwood and Ludlow amongst the best in the UK. Wrap up warm in winter though, as there isn’t much to stop the cold wind.
TRAVEL
By road take the A68 from Edinburgh, branching off onto the A678 (Coldstream Road) and then taking a right on to the A6089 a few miles later toward Kelso. The track car parks are signposted as you approach Kelso. From the south take the A697 from north of Newcastle, then A698 from Coldstream, turning right on to the A6089 on reaching Kelso and that takes you to the course. Plenty of car parking is available on grass, generally firm enough even in the wettest of weather.By public transport this is a difficult course to get to. The nearest station is Berwick-upon Tweed 20-odd miles away and any trip from distance by public transport is likely to involve and overnight stay. Buses serve Kelso from Edinburgh and Berwick:
Perryman’s run service 67 from Berwick http://www.perrymansbuses.co.uk/images/ … v-2009.pdf
Munro’s run service 52 from Edinburgh
http://www.munrosofjedburgh.co.uk/51-52%20TT062010.pdfVIEWING
Best spot is on top of the old stand which gives a superb view across the course and a clear view of all the fences. Since the re-arrangement of the course layout in October 2012 the chase finish is easier on the eye, though the hurdles finish is still a pretty much straight on view. The upside is that the section is very close and it’s possible to stand next to the last hurdle, with access to the middle of the course for a close up view of the chase fences.
The view is not bad from the Tweedie Stand, the main viewing area in the Paddock Enclosure though trees in the middle of the course do get in the way a bit. The upside once again is that there is a close up view in the closing stages of a race. A big screen is available opposite the stands.
Paddock is easily accessible, but always very popular and it’s worth bagging a rail place quickly after the previous race. The pre-parade is also accessible to all.
Unusually the bookies are positioned behind the stands, though it’s only a short walk from the ring to the standsFOOD AND DRINK
Excellent meals can be obtained in the café underneath the Tweedie Stand. It does get very busy though and it’s worth arriving early and eating before racing. In the old stand the bar has a great big fire on the go in the winter and is a nice cosy place to use as a refuge, easy access being obtained to the steps outside. Anyone who likes a pie is advised to try the Scotch pie and Mince pies here as they take some beating.
For a more upmarket meal there’s Rosie’s Bistro at the bottom end of the paddock.
There’s a fast food outlet behind the stands and there’s a coffee stall by the paddock. Aside from these there are various tea rooms and bars with varying access according to the ticket you have!RACING
Prize money here is decent for the level, as is the case with all the Scottish courses. Kelso now boasts a Grade 2 novices’ hurdle and a Listed Chase at its early March meeting, with a liberal sprinkling of Class 2 contests throughout the season.
The course is little more than a mile round and classed as sharp, but that doesn’t tell the whole story as the last quarter mile involves a stiff climb to the finish. You need a horse that genuinely stays the trip to get home here. Finishes can be carried out in slow motion when the going is testing.
A number of English trainers regularly target races here, in particular Donald McCain and Nicky Richards. Both have introduced some decent sorts in recent times in bumpers, maidens and novice events.TRAVEL
This track has always been a so-and-so to get to by public transport. However things are now a little easier if coming from Edinburgh as a buslink is being laid on from the newly opened Borders Railway from the Tweedbank terminus. Check the times with Kelso racecourse before travelling.
Rob
That’s great news about the bus link Rob. I had a look at Perryman’s timetable with a view to taking the new rail line but a dedicated bus service will be so much easier.
I’ve only made it down to Kelso once but it is a beautiful course with a real rustic charm. Next time I’ll definitely invest in a club ticket as I really want to see the view from the top of the stand. If it’s anything like the view from on top of Ayr’s grandstand it will be well worth it.
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