Kelso Racecourse was built in its current location, in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1822. The original grandstand, evidence of which still exists, was built the same year. For the first 66 years of its existence, Kelso Racecourse was mainly used for Flat racing, but became exclusively a National Hunt venue when the United Border Hunt moved to the track in 1888. The Kelso programme was extended to include two meetings a year in 2012 and, nowadays, the Borders course stages 13 National Hunt fixtures throughout the season.
Course Characteristics
The steeplechase course at Kelso is a left-handed, sharp oval, approximately one mile one furlong around, with a run-in of two furlongs. There are nine, easy fences per circuit. The hurdle course, which runs inside the steeplechase course, is shorter and sharper, with five flights of hurdles per circuit. Despite the top of the home straight being the lowest point on the course and the run-in being relatively long, the finish at Kelso is still quite easy.
Track Facts
The 1993 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Jodami, made a winning debut in a National Hunt Flat race at Kelso in 1990.
The 2011 Grand National winner, Ballabriggs, made an annual pilgrimage to Kelso for the Premier Chase, run over 2 miles 7 furlongs, at Kelso, prior to running in the National in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The chairman of Isle of Skye, the company that sponsors the leading jockey, owner and trainer awards throughout the season at Kelso, is Peter Russell, father of Scotland’s leading National Hunt trainer Lucinda Russell.