Hamilton Park Racecourse is celebrating its centenary today, beginning two days of events marking exactly 100 years since the Bothwell Road venue opened for the first time. Racegoers attending the two much-anticipated fixtures on Thursday and Friday, July 16 and 17, will be commemorating exactly a century since Hamilton Park first welcomed the public on the same summer dates back in 1926.
Community Raceday and Centenary Racenight
ML3 community groups and residents can obtain free and reduced tickets respectively for the Well-Man Cars Community Raceday on Thursday, while the anniversary celebrations then continue with the Jordan Electrics Glasgow Stakes Centenary Racenight on Friday, described as “one of the highlights of Hamilton Park’s season”.
Racecourse managing director Ashley Moon said: “Our first raceday on Bothwell Road took place exactly 100 years ago this week, making these two fixtures incredibly special for everyone connected with Hamilton Park. We wanted our centenary celebrations to reflect everything Hamilton Park has become over the last century, from our commitment to the local community on Thursday to showcasing some of the very best racing in Scotland on Friday. Together, these two racedays celebrate both our heritage and the exciting future of Hamilton Park.”
Exhibition and Community Engagement
Racegoers can explore a special exhibition on both days showcasing the 100-year history of Hamilton Park with photos, memorabilia and memories from across the decades. Community groups, care homes and charities in the ML3 postcode area can apply for complimentary tickets for Thursday’s community raceday by emailing enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk with their group name, estimated attendance and group leader’s contact details – a Hamilton Park team member will then get in touch to confirm tickets. Hamilton residents can buy half-price £10 tickets by completing the form at the racecourse website.
Family Entertainment on Thursday
Thursday’s community raceday includes a busy programme of family entertainment with performances from Lanarkshire choir Soundsational, face painting, rosette making, drumming workshops, rhyme time sessions, a Lego station, museum activities, sports challenges, a hands-on beekeeping experience, children’s entertainment hosted by South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture and a celebration of the local area with We Love Lanarkshire.
Top Flat Racing on Friday
Friday night’s fixture promises “some of the finest flat racing in Scotland” – including the Scottish Stewards’ Cup and the British Stallion Studs EBF Glasgow Stakes, the racecourse’s highest-grade race of the season with record prize money of £80,000. The Jordan Electrics Glasgow Stakes centenary racenight features a headline performance from Tide Lines following the race card; advance tickets are available from £27 per person and under-18s go free, with tickets available at the racecourse website.
