Under starter’s orders for record money
Hamilton Park Racecourse has announced its prize money for the new season is set to exceed £1.6m for the first time.
Racing is set to get underway on Sunday, May 1, and officials say the record prize-pot is part of an increased investment in the race programme as well as an enhanced offering to visiting owners.
This summer will see a number of firsts for Hamilton Park, including their richest ever race day, the Sky Bet Sunday Series on Sunday, May 8, worth £200,000, and the richest single race, as it has been confirmed that the historic Lanark Silver Bell will be run as a Heritage Handicap worth £100,000 on Friday, August 26.
Further investment across the programme has also been revealed, with all races at Hamilton Park expected to be run for at least £2000 above British Horseracing Authority minimum values, with feature Listed, Class 2, 3 and 4 races also offering significant prize funds, including the Listed EBF Glasgow Stakes which will be run for £55,250.
Newly appointed racecourse managing director, Ashley Moon, said: “Hamilton Park is committed to delivering an aspirational race programme which strikes an effective balance across all grades of race. It’s fantastic to be able to offer record prize money for 2022, and the upgrade of the Lanark Silver Bell to a Heritage Handicap will see our ambitions realised as we have always aimed to develop such a historic race.
“Away from the track the team have conducted a full review of our offering to visiting owners, and we are pleased to be able to offer increased badge and meal allowances alongside additional benefits which we hope will be welcomed by single owners and syndicates alike.
“Our commitment to offering the very best race day experience for all, both on and off the track, remains as strong as ever, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming everybody to Hamilton Park this summer.”