IMPROVED OWNERS' FACILITIES AT YORK
YORK, voted Racecourse of the Year in 2009 by ROA members, has further improved its offering to owners. The new facilities, unveiled at the Dante meeting in May, saw improvements to the lower levels of the stand, and the Owners' Lounge has been increased in size.
The Owners & Trainers’ Club, reserved exclusively for the use of owners and trainers with a runner, is situated close to both to the weighing room and the parade ring. Drinks and lunch are served from 11.30am onwards and complimentary tea and coffee are available.
A three-course chef’s carvery lunch is served at a value price of £25 (with a two-course option at £20). Lunch is served throughout the afternoon on a non reserved basis, with afternoon tea available later in the day.
Owners can also reserve spaces in other restaurants at a special price, and late availability is offered on viewing boxes.
Wheelchair access is via the original Melrose Stand lift-lobby, with a second lift access point built into the new main entrance. Owners and trainers can view races run on a television/DVD throughout the day.
William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course said: “We are delighted with the positive comments that the new Owners and Trainers’ Club Room supported by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing at York has received since we opened it at the Dante Festival this year. It is part of a £2m project on the Melrose Stand, supported by the Levy Board, which has tripled the size of the facility and made it brighter and lighter with trackside views along its length and a dining room overlooking the weighing room.
“With a handcrafted oak bar and fittings, bespoke furniture and a specially woven ‘white rose’ Axminster carpet we have aimed to create a very special facility for those owners who kindly run their horses at York. With direct access to the parade ring, weighing room and views across the racecourse it is fast becoming the place to be. We hope that this facility, when combined with our investment in prize-money, the racing surface and facilities for both horses, connections and racegoers, will encourage owners to run their horses at York and have a thoroughly enjoyable experience when they are here."
12/07/2010