Final preparations are underway for the opening of Bath Racecourse’s new Kelston Hospitality Stand next Friday to coincide with the start of the 2016 season.
The stand is part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the flat racing course, owned by the UK’s largest racecourse operator Arena Racing Company, which includes a new grandstand. 
The new facilities aim to substantially increasing the course’s income from corporate and other events on non-racedays while also boosting attendances at its 22 racing fixtures each year.
The hospitality stand, named after the nearby village of Kelston, has nine new premium hospitality suites overlooking the finishing line with balconies offering unrivalled trackside views.
The stand’s new ground-floor bar, which overlooks the parade ring and finishing post, is named Beckford after William Beckford, the wealthy property mogul of the early 19th century who erected the nearby Beckford Tower in 1827.
The newly refurbished Mornington restaurant, which also overlooks the racing action from a private balcony, will be open for race-goers seeking a fine dining experience.
It will be available for private hire once the Royal Crescent, a 200-seat restaurant in the new build Langridge grandstand, opens later this summer.
Other new facilities opening next Friday include the traditional pub-style Castle & Bell, the Jolly Pig and the Coffeemakers cafe.
Bath Racecourse executive director Jo Hall said: “We are very excited for the first meeting of the 2016 season.
“In the long and proud history of the venue this will be an important date as we open the first of our new facilities to our race-goers. With the new Langridge Grandstand nearing completion, the future for the venue is assured and we will be able to attract more visitors, as well as offering a wider and more professional suite of options for corporate hospitality and events.”
Bath Racecourse also recently launched a new brand – designed by its in-house team – to reflect its 205-year heritage and underline its close ties with the city of Bath and surrounding area.
Next Friday’s meeting is a seven-race fixture and includes the £40,000 Lansdown Fillies (Listed) Stakes.
The meeting is being sponsored by Warminster-based RACS Group, one of the UK’s leading payroll providers. It has chosen the event to launch its new Interiors & Properties division and will be entertaining guests in the new hospitality stand.
Pictured: The new Silks Restaurant in the Kelston Hospitality Stand at Bath Racecourse
