Kelso course is a horse racing track in Kelso in Scotland. It was opened in 1822, and is famous for hosting National Hunt races. The racecourse is owned and managed by Kelso Races Ltd. Kelso stages a significant number of fixtures annually from September all through to May. During the racedays, variety of tickets and packages are offered. This includes the Track to Track deal, which gives the racegoers a means of transport to and from Tweedbank station, making it unnecessary for them to use their own cars, thus saving up on fuel. The racecourse has been branded as Britain’s Friendliest Racecourse. It has two tracks, the chase track and the hurdle track, both of which are left-handed. The chase track is about 1 mile 600 yards, while the hurdle course is 1 mile 330 yards.
Kelso recorded its first race meeting in 1734. The race took place at Caverton Edge. The racetrack was later moved to Berrymoss which is its current venue. Its foundation stone was laid on the 12th of July 1822. The racecourse used to host flat races until 1888 when it changed to National Hunt after the United Border Hunt moved there. Its grandstand was designed in 1778 and erected in 1822. It has a private viewing point for races, which has remained unchanged since its construction.
The most notable races staged at Kelso racecourse are the Morebattle Hurdle and the Premier Kelso Hurdle. The Morebattle Hurdle takes place each February, and allows in horses at the age of four or more. It takes place over 3,644 metres. The race started in 1988. Premier Kelso Hurdle on the other hand takes place every late February or early March. The first run happened in 1990, and just like the Morebattle, the distance is 3,644 metres.
Over the years,Kelso has estalished itself as a mainstay of Scottish horse racing, and that reputation is put to test every year.