ayr racecourse (owners and trainers)
Owners & Trainers Experience at Ayr Racecourse
Few racecourses in the UK can boast such an elegant introduction to a raceday as Ayr, where the Western House Hotel is seamlessly attached to the track. This luxurious hotel not only offers a convenient base but also provides the heart of the Owners & Trainers dining experience. With its classy décor, attentive staff, and beautiful garden seating that overlooks the horses making their way to the course, the hotel immediately sets a tone of comfort, style, and exclusivity. Guests are welcomed with a choice of drinks — from crisp white wine to fresh orange juice — before settling into the dining area where staff ensure tables are promptly cleared and service runs smoothly.
The food offering at Ayr is truly exceptional, arguably the best in terms of choice and variety. Starters included an impressive spread of cured continental meats, a Scottish seafood platter, heritage tomatoes with pickled shallots, Caesar and cucumber salads, and fresh pastas complemented by a selection of dressings such as Marie Rose and balsamic. The salmon and cured meats stood out as particular highlights, showcasing both freshness and flavour. Mains continued this high standard, with roast chicken in peppercorn sauce, a rich and hearty steak pie, delicate fish dishes, a flavoursome mushroom stroganoff with coconut rice, and a truly outstanding serving of haggis, neeps and tatties — enhanced perfectly by a creamy peppercorn sauce. Desserts rounded the meal off with finesse, offering chocolate mousse, lemon posset, and a light, well-balanced strawberry cheesecake.
From the hotel, it’s just a short walk to the shute, where horses travel to the track. This location also provides owners with superb access to the wash-down area, allowing a close-up look at their horses and the jockeys both pre- and post-race. The parade ring itself is one of the largest in the country, spacious enough to ensure a calm and controlled atmosphere even on major racedays such as the Ayr Gold Cup. Its size and layout mean that owners can enjoy clear views without the bustle, while horses benefit from plenty of room to relax before heading to post.
Viewing the racing is equally well catered for. The Owners & Trainers area provides access to a large platform near the parade ring and winners’ enclosure. While the structure feels slightly dated, much like parts of the main stand, the vantage point it offers is outstanding — with uninterrupted views from the starting stalls right through to the winning post. For those lucky enough to celebrate a finish, the champagne bar ensures that not only winners but also connections of the second- and third-placed runners are treated to a special experience. The winning connections are then invited inside for a glass of champagne, canapés, and the chance to watch the replay before collecting their prizes in the weighing room — a touch that feels both celebratory and personal.
In summary, Ayr Racecourse offers an Owners & Trainers experience that balances luxury with accessibility. The Western House Hotel provides a first-class dining setting, the food selection is second to none, and the proximity to both horses and the track makes for a truly immersive raceday. Add in the expansive parade ring, superb race viewing, and the thoughtful post-race hospitality, and Ayr firmly stands out as one of the most rewarding venues for owners in the UK.
