Hamilton Park announced prize money up 50 per cent for new season

Mar 10 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Park Racecourse executive yesterday, Wednesday, announced they are increasing prize money contributions by 50 per cent for the up and coming 2011 flat season.

The significant rise in contribution, from £252,000 in 2010 to £376,000 for the year ahead, means that every race at all 18 meetings at the Scottish track this calendar year will exceed tariff levels recently suggested by the Horsemen’s Group.

The commitment follows a successful 2010 and means the Hamilton Park executive’s contribution to prize money now represents 56 per cent of the overall season total – up from 42 per cent last year and 15 per cent of five years ago. The average contribution over the last three years has been £265,000.

Vivien Kyles, chief executive of Hamilton Park, said: “The racecourse as a business had an excellent year in 2010 and the executive were unanimous in wishing to reinvest in higher prize money to attract more owners and trainers to the course in 2011.

“Hamilton Park’s policy of developing non race day activity enables us to reinvest in horse racing and we were determined to do that across all 18 meetings for 2011.

“It is a significant increase and a real demonstration to owners and trainers that we are serious about our racing and doing everything we can to meet their requirements. Equally, the board have recognised the importance of maximising prize money to attract the best quality fields possible for the overall benefit of the public – who will enjoy frozen admission prices for the third consecutive year.”

Hazel Peplinski, clerk of the course, said: “I would really hope the Horsemen acknowledge our substantial prize money investment and support our 2011 race programme, which includes various strategic enhancements.”

Hamilton Park’s new season kicks off on Sunday, May 1, with Cancer Research UK Family Day.

For further information on Hamilton Park, please contact the racecourse on 01698 283 806 or visit www.hamilton-park.co.uk