Ayr Racecourse set to increase capacity for 2025 Scottish Grand National

Ayr Racecourse chiefs have today been boosted with the news that they’ve got the green light to increase capacity for next year’s Scottish Grand National.

A proposal by the racecourse to reintroduce spectators to the upper tier of the Eglinton Stand was approved by South Ayrshire Council’s licensing panel. Councillors met to discuss the outcome of annual technical inspections at the racecourse.

And the committee were recommended to approve the issue of revised safety certificates for the two stands at the venue – which they did.

With the approval of the revised safety certificates now rubber-stamped, it means even more spectators can now witness Scotland’s largest horse racing steeplechase event in 2025.

Ayr Racecourse currently has two grandstands which are classed as ‘regulated stands,’ the Princess Royal (also known as the Club Stand) and the Eglinton Stand.

However, there is no public access currently to the upper tier of the Eglinton grandstand. As such, spectator numbers for this stand have been reduced. But according to council papers, there was a proposal by the Racecourse to “reintroduce spectators” to the upper tier for the Scottish National April 2025, “depending on numbers of ticket sales.”

The current safety certificate remains in force until June 30, 2024. But now a revised one will be issued, which will enable the venue to host more horse racing fans in the Eglinton.

Council papers said: “It should be noted that there is no public access currently to the upper tier of the Eglinton grandstand, and as such the spectator numbers for this stand have been reduced. This area of the stand is not required generally during the year due to the spectator numbers.

“There is, however, a proposal by the Racecourse to reintroduce spectators to the upper tier for the Scottish National in April 2025, depending on numbers of ticket sales.

“A full safety assessment of this area will be required to be carried out, including barrier load testing, prior to allowing spectators to access the upper tier of the grandstand. There will also have to be an amended safety certificate issued, to include this area, again within the approved spectators for the Eglinton Stand.

“We are currently working with the racecourse management team and the safety officers to determine how the work to this area will be programmed.”

The papers also show that a structural report, submitted as part of the required assessments, highlighted “concerns” regarding the condition of the reinforced concrete structural frame to the Eglinton Grandstand. And a series of record photographs were taken as part of the structural survey.

It also said “no immediate action is required” in relation to safety, however there are works “required” to prolong the lifespan of the structure.

The report continues: “It is proposed that a further detailed inspection is scheduled for October 2024. Comparison will be made with the record photographs taken previously, to consider deterioration of the structural frame. This will assist with determining any proposed remedial works required.”

The panel was also told how this year’s Scottish Grand National meeting, in April, attracted an attendance of 17,171 – with the 2023 Ayr Gold Cup hosting 18,049 people.

“No adverse reports” specifically in relation to the grandstands were received about either meeting.

The Licensing Panel agreed that the current safety certificates will remain in force until June 30, then revised safety certificates “will come into force” on July 1 for the period of one year.

Ayr Racecourse has been approached for comment.

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