Newbury Racecourse Completes Major Upgrade Of Weighing Room Facilities

Newbury Racecourse is proud to announce the completion of a significant round of upgrades to its weighing room, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to excellence, welfare and inclusivity across all areas of the sport.

The weighing room is one of the most important areas on the racecourse. It is the hub of raceday operations and essential personnel, including jockeys, valets, British Horseracing Authority (BHA) officials, racecourse teams, medical staff and many others.

As the place where jockeys prepare for races and relax between them, it ensures they are physically and mentally ready to perform to the best of their ability on the track. As elite athletes, both female and male jockeys deserve facilities that reflect the standards expected in modern sport.

In recent years, British weighing rooms have come under increased scrutiny, highlighting the need for facilities to evolve and move with the times. In response, Newbury Racecourse has worked hard to deliver an improved, modernised space that better supports the wellbeing, performance and day-to-day needs of industry professionals, while also promoting a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for everyone working on the racecourse.

The project was delivered in four stages throughout a busy 2025 Flat season, ensuring minimal disruption on racedays. Renovated and upgraded areas include the valets’ area, male and female changing rooms, toilet and shower facilities, the jockeys’ canteen, physio and doctor room, drug testing room and a brand-new warm-up facility. Jockeys also now have the option to use the on-site Nuffield Health Gym, further enhancing preparation and recovery opportunities.

The works were carried out by contractors Morris & Blunt, with valuable input and support throughout the design and implementation process from the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Racecourse Association (RCA)

Dale Gibson, Racing Director at the PJA, said: “Newbury Racecourse have redeveloped their weighing room after a number of iterations.

“There is the warm-up area for the jockeys, used particularly regularly by the National Hunt Riders. A couple of exercise bikes, treadmill with a TV, weights and stretching materials. This room has been used significantly since the redevelopment about a month ago.

“The changing rooms have plenty of room, all clean, tidy, and efficient.”

“The central valet area is vital to the working of the whole race day – jockeys are in a really relaxed environment here – but it’s important they’re close to the central valet area and obviously close to the scales. A great effort from Newbury.”

Rex Dingle, Professional Jockey, commented: “Newbury have done a fantastic job. They’ve put in a new warm-up facility and updated the weighing room itself. It’s great socially and as a professional area, it’s brilliant – much smarter. It’s Moving with the times”

“Having Nuffield is also a big help, especially for jockeys that want to get to the races early and lose weight.”

Alice Stevens, Conditional Jockey, commented: “It’s easy access to the valet which is great, and the lads are just next door so I can still talk to them and still feel like I’m part of the community when I’m on a raceday.”