The Jockey Club have finalised a £100million investment agreement with Levy, which will deliver substantial improvements to the Cheltenham and Aintree racecourses. The collaboration, involving the sports division of Compass Group, will span two decades and see the Jockey Club work to enhance the « spectator experience across their UK racecourses ».
Central to this, according to a statement, is an ambitious five-year strategy that features « rooftop hospitality for racegoers, subject to planning approval », at Cheltenham racecourse, a new weighing room in Gloucestershire, and « millions of pounds spent on transforming the Epsom Derby and restoring its reputation for great customer experience and a race of international importance ».
The Jockey Club manages 15 courses throughout the United Kingdom, including Aintree, the venue for the Grand National, Cheltenham racecourse, and Epsom Downs Racecourse, home to the Epsom Derby, alongside several other tracks, as reported by City AM.
Jockey Club chief Jim Mullen said: « This is an important moment for racing and The Jockey Club. We have agreed a long-term opportunity with a proven worldwide operator to help us improve our customer experience and grow our ability to invest in the sport.
« We will also invest further into our core festival courses, Cheltenham, Aintree and Epsom Downs. These venues host our biggest events and by investing in them, we can improve the experience of the customer and drive returns that can be invested in other parts of the business. We have earmarked a significant proportion of our investment for projects put forward by these courses. »
Additionally, there will be a programme to digitise ticketing and enhance the facilities for owners and trainers at Aintree Racecourse.
This follows as horse racing contends with numerous challenges, chiefly forthcoming amendments to betting duty which are expected to have a knock-on effect on the sport.
Nevertheless, the Cheltenham Festival saw attendance increase last week compared with 2025.
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