IT is under starter’s orders. York Racecourse has unveiled its new weighing room, which will be home to jockeys from the start of the new season in May.

The centrepiece of York Racecourse’s £5 million northern end development, constructed with York Handmade Brick and Douglas Fir timber, the high-quality building also boasts a 120-cover first-floor restaurant with stunning views over the parade ring and track.

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course at York, said: “We are delighted to be in the new weighing room building.

"The Parade Ring restaurant on the first floor should be a fabulous place for people to come and enjoy a wonderful dining experience.

“On the ground floor, we have wonderful new facilities for the jockeys as they prepare for their rides during the day.”

York Press:

The new weighing room replaces the old Victorian building close to the county stand entrance and Derby said: “The old weighing room was a charming building and had a lot of atmosphere and history to it. We are delighted that it will still be part of the racegoer facilities going forward with a new lease of life.

“The challenge was that we needed more space for the jockeys as we needed physio rooms and bigger saunas and washroom facilities.

“This building allows us to do that - to have very modern facilities for the jockeys, who are riding at all the best racecourses around the world.

“They come to York and we want to have the very best for them. The Parade Ring restaurant is in a fabulous location with views towards the track and Knavesmire. We think racegoers who are up there will have a wonderful experience throughout the day.”

York Press:
Head of marketing James Brennan in the new weighing room at York Racecourse.