Kelso Racecourse

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Grandstands
View along the straight line

The Kelso Racecourse is a horse racing track in the Scottish town of Kelso in the Council Area Scottish Borders . In 2011, the grandstands were included in the Scottish Monument List in the highest monument category A.

history

Horse races were held at Kelso as early as 1751. However, due to the remote location and the lack of grandstands, the racetrack was rarely visited. For the planning of the Kelso Racecourse in 1778, Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound , who later became the first Earl of Minto , engaged the English architect John Carr . However, more than 40 years would pass before the plan was implemented. Initially, a new location was selected for the racetrack, but it turned out to be unpopular. In 1822 James Innes-Ker, 5th Duke of Roxburghe, had the Kelso Racecourse built at its current location.

route

The Kelso Racecourse is located on the northern edge of Kelso. It also has a partially parallel hurdle course. The course is particularly difficult in winter and requires a high level of fitness. It is one of the racing venues with the highest injury rates in the UK . A golf course is laid out in the inner field of the course.

Grandstands

The grandstands on the east side are among the rare examples from the early 19th century that have survived to this day. The building is designed in a classical style with a seven-axis round arched arcade . Tuscan pilasters decorate the set-back, five-axis-wide upper floor with arched windows . A cast-iron balustrade with flower ornaments borders the viewing balcony on the roof. A portico decorated with Doric columns protrudes from the three-story stair tower on the west side . Inside, the Dukes of Roxburghe's private rooms are also set up, which are accessible via a separate entrance on the east side.

See also

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c Listed Building - Entry . In: Historic Scotland .
  2. ↑ Entry on Kelso Racecourse  in Canmore, the database of Historic Environment Scotland (English)
  3. ↑ Information about the Kelso Racecourse
  4. ↑ Website of the Kelso Racecourse

Web links

Coordinates: 55 ° 36 '50 "  N , 2 ° 25' 50"  W.