Racecourse to encourage weddings to boost coffers

A new function room will open at Ludlow Racecourse – replacing a temporary marquee which has overlooked the home straight for the last 20 years.

Ludlow Race Club has been awarded planning permission for the new marquee function room for the next 10 years.

Bosses say they will use the room to entertain racegoers throughout the national season, with a bar installed.

But also, crucially, it will help the racecourse diversify on non race days and boost the business.

Liza Randall, for the racecourse, said: “This application is for the erection of a 30 metre x 15 metre, white PVDF-coated tarpaulin, rigid-sided permanent marquee to replace the larger, temporary marquee that has been on site for over 20 years. 

“The existing temporary marquee is erected as and when there are race-meetings and functions. 

“It is then taken down/adapted following that function in order to be re-erected for the next race meeting or event. 

“Ludlow Race Club Ltd seek to site a permanent marquee, with rigid sides, in order to provide further entertainment space both during race-meetings and to retain interest and functionality for the racecourse on non-racing days. 

“The currently-named Centre Marquee (temporary marquee) is a popular venue for weddings, charity functions, corporate hospitality, band nights and themed parties. 

“It hosted five weddings in 2018/19 and the intention is to expand that market to 15/20 weddings in 2020. 

“Having a permanent marquee on site will increase the revenue to the business, provide more employment opportunities and grow Ludlow Racecourse as an event destination. 

“The marquee will be used for entertaining and so will contain a bar, restaurant and seating. 

“Currently on race days, Ludlow Race Club Ltd employ over 100 people, from catering staff to veterinary surgeons. 

“On a daily basis, it employs 10 staff who work in the office, plus two groundsmen to look after the 30 acres and keep the course in tip-top shape for race meetings.”

She added: “Racing at Ludlow is seasonal as with most grass track racecourses, and currently Ludlow hosts 17 National Hunt and hurdle race meetings per year, from January to May and then again from October to December. 

“In order to balance the books, racecourses need to diversify on non-racedays, using their existing facilities and increasing their offering to cater for other events and opportunities. 

“Racecourses across the country are being financially challenged due to LBO (Licenced Betting Offices) closures due to new rules and regulations enforced by the Government on gambling, so all courses must seek more non-raceday income streams. 

“Ludlow is a popular racetrack with owners and trainers from all over the country and it has retained its heritage and charm by not being over-commercialised and this is an element that the applicants wish to retain. 

“Requests are increasing from local people and community groups asking to hire the marquee for functions such as wedding receptions, landmark birthdays and antiques fairs. 

“It is already popular for functions for local groups such as the Begin Bridge Club, and the Ludlow Book Club. 

“Also being a marquee and so less formal, it is easier for people to bring dogs.”