Works planned for Ludlow Racecourse

Major development work is being planned for Ludlow Racecourse.

Plans have already been made for a new stand, which the course hopes will be operational by October of next year.

Clerk of the Course and Club Secretary Bob Davies said: “We have plans at the moment to take down the photo-finish tower, the marquee and the offices and put a new stand in there.

“Hopefully, if everything goes according to plan, we will start work soon and, eventually, it will give us more space for owners and trainers, annual members and the day members.

“At the moment we are encroaching on the day members space and we see the new stand as giving us more space.”

But one change will be seen when the track opens for the new season on October 15. The grass around the winner’s enclosure is to be dug up and replaced by a rubberised, synthetic surface.

Davies said: “We have had to make that change because, during the winter, the winner’s enclosure can became a sea of mud.”

Apart from a disappointing January, Ludlow saw an increase in attendances and Davies said: “We have a very good base of racegoers who enjoy coming here and hopefully, with the new stand, we will give them more room.”

Apart from a disappointing January, Ludlow saw an increase in attendances and Davies said: “We have a very good base of racegoers who enjoy coming here and hopefully, with the new stand, we will give them more room.”

By BOB DOWNING