Newton Abbot to become premier racetrack

More than £1 million is being invested over the next five years to improve and modernise facilities at Newton Abbot racetrack.

Racecourse managing director Pat Masterson said: “Our five-year plan will enhance racing at Newton Abbot forracehorse owners, young people, families, and businesses, as well as the community.”

The investments enhance the progress of recent years when Newton Abbot has become firmly established as the principal summer jumping racecourse in the country.

The track was also the first in the country to have its own overall sponsor, Pot Black, the company whose name is associated with National Hunt trainer Philip Hobbs.

The planned improvements include:

• New minimum prize money levels. No race at Newton Abbot will be run for less than £3,000;
• Two sponsorship deals with West Country trainers;
• Introduction of a racehorse owners’ club;
• Launch of a new web site – www.newtonabbotracing.com;
• Purchase of the racecourse catering company;
• Refurbishment of the main grandstand/Teign Suite;
• Upgrade of the Greyhound Stadium;
• The building of a new weighing room;
• Fitness Suite.Racecourse chairman Anthony Mildmay White said: “These plans show the ambition that Newton Abbot Racecourse possesses. Just a few years ago such developments would have been inconceivable, but our innovative management continues to move the racecourse forward every year and I amdelighted with the progress we are making.Trainers Sarah Williams and Rodney Baker added: “This entire package of investment is a tremendous initiative. The owners club and sponsorship of our yards are a most encouraging investment by our localracecourse in West Country racing. Additionally, the sponsorship is a great help to our owners under the VAT registration scheme.”