Countdown to exciting season of horse racing at Newton Abbot

Easter Saturday 15 April marks the start of a thrilling new season as racing returns to Newton Abbot Racecourse following a major winter improvement programme.

The family-favourite Easter Saturday fixture will signal the start of an exciting programme of racing and special events at the newly-improved course in South Devon.

Over the five-month winter break, tens of thousands of pounds have been invested in ongoing upgrades to the course. The third and final phase of improvements to the Parade Ring has been completed which includes improved viewing platforms around the Ring and new rubberised walkways for the horses.

The ever-popular Silks lounge has benefitted from a larger entrance and the creation of a brand new outdoor drinking area to allow racegoers to soak up the full atmosphere of racedays in the fantastic South Devon countryside.

These will be unveiled at the Easter Saturday fixture which marks the start of the new season. 2017’s racing calendar promises to be one of the best yet thanks to an unforgettable programme of top class racing, family entertainment and special events.

Newton Abbot Racecourse Managing Director, Patrick Masterson, said “We look forward to welcoming both new and existing customers to our Easter special on Saturday 15 April and throughout the 2017 season.

“We have a great programme of racing planned with something to suit everyone, whether you regularly enjoy a day at the races or are considering coming along for the first time.

“We are constantly improving and developing what we have to offer. We want a day at the races to be a fantastic and unforgettable experience and we are sure this season’s fixtures will deliver just that.”

Preparations for the 2017 season have been hampered by flooding in February, following repairs to the Grandstand roof.

As a result the Course Enclosure betting hall will not be open for the Easter Saturday fixture, however all facilities such as tote betting, toilets and bars will be available around the Course Enclosure. The Paddock Enclosure will be fully open as standard.

The racecourse’s commitment to providing unforgettable family race days is behind the ongoing development of the new children's play area, which was unveiled last year and will be open throughout the new season.

During the winter break further enhancements to the play area have included the building of an enclosure to optimise safety and peace of mind for mums and dads.

Elsewhere on the course, new toilets have been created and new baby changing units have been added to gents’ toilets across the racecourse.

Other enhancements to the visitor experience include the launch of new menus in the racecourse restaurants and the introduction of new private hospitality packages from only £50 plus VAT per person featuring delicious local produce.

Once again the racecourse will be celebrating the summer with a major music concert; this year’s event is Sounds of the Summer, featuring an amazing array of pop acts including reggae royalty UB40 and very special guests All Saints, as well as Fine Young Cannibals and China Crisis: the concert will take place on Sunday 16 July.

Tickets for the Easter Saturday raceday at Newton Abbot Racecourse are on sale now at www.newtonabbotracing.com or by calling 01626 353235. Children aged 16 and under plus students with a valid photographic ID go free to every fixture. The first 200 children through the gates on Easter Saturday will receive a free Easter egg. Racing starts at 1.55pm and gates open at 11.55am.