Cartmel Races has been praised for boosting the local economy after research revealed over 80,000 people attended last year’s season.
The racecourse carried out the research which also found that 49 per cent of people who came to the 2022 season’s races did so as part of a holiday or short break in the area.
Visitors are also actively encouraged to visit Cartmel and its surrounding areas to engage with local businesses in the area.
Sue Clarke, marketing manager at Cumbria Tourism, said: “Large attractions like Cartmel Racecourse undoubtedly provide a good boost for the local economy in Cumbria.
“You have visitors coming from all over the country for a day at the races, with suppliers, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers all feeling the benefits of a race weekend, as we find many punters often tie in their visit with an extended stay in the county.”
One of the businesses benefitting from the ‘Cartmel effect’ is Bowness Bay Brewing, of Kendal, which runs the public bars on the racecourse. They also attend other events at the racecourse during the year and recruit staff locally.
Operations director Rick Eastwood said: “There is no doubt that Cartmel Racecourse is beneficial for the area, not just in the village but in the wider area too, in places like Grange-over-Sands and Newby Bridge. In my job I talk to local businesses every day and it’s widely acknowledged that the venue puts heads on beds and bottoms on seats.
“For each event we need a minimum of 12 staff and our brewery employees are definitely kept busy because of our involvement with the racecourse. The close links have also had a ‘halo effect’ on the business as our customers recognise the prestige associated with working alongside such a popular and respected venue.”
The Cumbria Grand Hotel in Grange-over-Sands has also had a long, collaborative relationship with Cartmel Racecourse and general manager, Mark Ridley estimates that it annually adds a six figure sum to the hotel.
He said: “We accommodate visitors as well as owners, trainers, jockeys, TV crews and stable staff. The annual concert which this year features ‘Bjorn Again’ also really supports local businesses, from eateries through to pubs and of course accommodation providers.
“For us personally, it fills the hotel on a Friday when we otherwise wouldn’t be at full capacity.”
This year’s Cartmel season starts on Saturday May 27 and Bjorn Again will perform after the races on Friday June 30.
Geraldine McKay, director of racing at Cartmel, said: “We are one of the smallest racecourses in the country, with one of the highest attendances for race meetings. Horse racing is at the heart of the village and through our excellent affiliations with local businesses, the village and surrounding areas have a vibrant visitor economy.
“We are all excited for the 2023 season and look forward to welcoming faces old and new.”
