A new uphill gallop is set to be constructed in Newmarket off Hamilton Road, on Racecourse Side. The 4 1/2-furlong uphill gallop will begin below ground level, and will be part elevated by a bridge before finishing on a man-made mound. The gallop will have a 30-metre incline.
One of the major reasons for building the gallop off Hamilton Road is to give trainers more incentive to use that side of the town. Occupancy rates are just 60% on Racecourse Side, compared to 90% on the Bury Side of town, where the popular Warren Hill uphill gallop is located.
William Gittus, managing director of Jockey Club Estates, said, “At present, the growth in numbers of horses trained in Newmarket shows little sign of slowing, and the increases have undoubtedly played a key role in the horse racing industry's contribution to the local economy exceeding £210-million per annum, and providing over 8,500 jobs. However, at 90% occupancy, the capacity of Bury Side to meet future demand is limited.”
Gittus added, “To enable further growth, and the economic benefits and employment that will bring to the district, we need to encourage more trainers to base themselves on Racecourse Side, where there is scope for expansion.”
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