CONTINUED INVESTMENT AT NEWTON ABBOT RACECOURSE FOR NEW SEASON

As Newton Abbot Racecourse gears up to the start of another season of summer jumps racing, the racecourse is completing the final stages of its annual programme of winter investment to improve the experience for all.

Following one of the worst seasons on record at the course with a total of five fixtures being abandoned, the racecourse have invested in four key areas of the track to improve the drainage and reduce the risk of having to abandon a fixture due to a waterlogged track.

Away from the track, this winter has seen the final stages completed of the three year programme of works in the Paddock Enclosure. As part of this investment, both the Manicou Carvery and Silks Lounge have been refurbished, new windows have been installed, the refurbishment of all of the toilet facilities has been completed, a new heating system has been installed in the Teign Suite and weighing rooms and work has taken place in the stables.

Pat Masterson, Managing Director at Newton Abbot Racecourse said: "At the racecourse we place great importance on our annual reinvestment programme and over the past four years we've spent close to £1m on these developments."

"To ensure our facilities and experience can compete with those offered at other racecourses and attractions, we must continue to reinvest. Since the start of the recession the leisure pound has become increasingly competitive and we must continue to improve the experience enjoyed by all at the racecourse to ensure that both locals and holidaymakers continue to choose to spend a day at the races."

"Alongside our own schedule of work, we listened to the feedback from our customers to decide where we should focus our efforts for the year ahead. After meeting with health and safety advisors and the police, we will be trialling three designated areas outside to allow those who wish to drink outside to do so in a safe environment. Two areas will be overlooking the course and a third will be situated near the Parade Ring."

"This year we will also be launching a giant TV screen in the centre of the course which will show each of the day's races to provide the best view of the racing as it happens."

The new season at Newton Abbot Racecourse will begin on Easter Saturday 30 March.

To mark the Easter celebrations the racecourse will be giving a free Easter egg to the first 200 children through the gates on the day.

For further information about the season ahead or to buy tickets, visit www.newtonabbotracing.com or call 01626 353 235.