27 July 2016 – Bath Chronicle

Horse racing is the sport of kings, they say, and a new stand at Bath Racecourse is certainly fit for royalty, with a beautiful roof terrace overlooking the course. Nancy Connolly went along to admire the fantastic views over Lansdown and the city, and to sample some of the food and wine on offer at the new restaurant and bar

Horse racing has been a feature of Bath life for more than 200 years, and the course is a favourite among the racing fraternity. In a scenic setting perched on the heights of Lansdown, race goers can take in stunning views while enjoying a day’s racing. Trainers, jockeys and owners enjoy coming to race in Bath, especially to give young horses trial runs on the oval course. Now the new Langridge Stand, beautifully decorated and furnished, is set to bring horse racing in the city into the 21st century.

It looks stunning, with snow white canopies on the roof terrace, beautiful terrace furniture and highly stylish interior and decor, built to the highest standards. It also has a new restaurant, The Royal Crescent, beautifully furnished throughout, with modern bars and seating areas. The new stand is as good as you would see in any modern racecourse in Britain or abroad, and is sure to make Bath a great venue for local people and businesses for corporate events. A day at the races is a great way to celebrate a special event, and the owners of Bath Racecourse, Arena Racing Company, who also own Chepstow, Royal Windsor, and Doncaster among others, are hoping to bring Bath right up to date with its new venues, bars and restaurants.

Horse racing is and always has been a glamorous affair in Britain and Ireland particularly. There is no reason why Bath Racecourse, although small, could not be a major social attraction in the city. It is considered to be a great thing to have a racecourse, and we should perhaps make the most of it to attract more and more people to the city. We are well known as a rugby city, but it is good to know there is an alternative. A day’s racing is a great day out, you don’t have to have or spend a lot of money.

Many people like to gather a few friends or family, bring a picnic, have a few drinks and enjoy the horses, putting a pound or two on each race. It is a sport everyone can enjoy, including children, and there is nothing quite like the sound of the horses’ hooves coming round a bend. Race horses are such monumental athletes. It is something special indeed to see these magnificent beasts up close in the parade, it is a wonderful spectacle. Women in particular enjoy dressing up for the races: it is a rare excuse to wear that stylish hat and spend a day socialising with friends or family.

Speaking at the opening of the new stand, executive director of the racecourse Jo Hall said: “Not only is the sun shining, but it is also the official launch day of our new Langridge Stand. “I am very pleased to open the stand and I want to thank everyone involved who helped to get the beautiful building ready on time.”

The racecourse is a great asset for the city, and just a short car, bus or taxi ride away on the northern slopes.  Throughout the year there are several special events, and many businesses use the facility for corporate events or awards.

A cider night with West Country legends the Wurzels will be held on Friday, July 29, and the big event of the year is Ladies’ Day, always a hit with local women, on August 20. Entry to the picnic area is £10, where you can drive your car right up and enjoy a day’s racing, entry to the grandstand enclosure is £15, and to the new roof terrace and stand starts at £22, where smart dress is essential. There are also various packages available where you can enjoy race tickets, fine dining, refreshments and afternoon tea.