WORCESTER Racecourse's state-of-the-art new weighing room has been officially opened after months of delay because of flooding.
The previous weighing room, one of the oldest in the country, was demolished in late 2022, but the new building has been through development hell with six floods in as many months last winter halting work.
But after months of delay the ribbon was officially cut at the building's entrance on Thursday, July 25 before the start of the afternoon six-race meeting.
Brand new facilities at the weighing room include a weighing machine, changing rooms for male and female jockeys, a stewards room, a canteen and an outdoor terrace overlooking the River Severn.
It also features a new working zone for valets, a broadcasters area and other rooms for staff.
Jockeys are also able to work out in a dedicated room complete with with exercise bikes and weights.
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The new weighing room was first used for the Ladies' Day meeting on June 1 and has been in use for the six races since.
Worcester Racecourse general manager Michael Thomas told the Worcester News: "We had one of the oldest weighing rooms in the country, it wasn't fit for purpose, especially for the ever-growing number of female jockeys we now have, so it's safe to say it was past its best and needed replacing.
"This has been a significant investment and we are delighted to have finally opened this amazing facility.
"We have faced huge challenges, though, we couldn't have chosen a worse winter to build it with all of the flooding we faced.
“It sets a standard we can be very proud of, it will be a facility that will be here for many years to come."
Don Weaver, who has been a Worcester Racecourse member since the mid-1960s, was picked to officially cut the ribbon at Thursday’s ceremony.
Mr Weaver is a former National Hunt jockey who rode at Worcester Racecourse as well as riding out for legendary former trainer Fred Rimell at his Kinnersley stables in Worcestershire.
Mr Thomas added: "It was fantastic Don was able to cut the ribbon, he has ridden at Worcester and has been a great member of Worcester Racecourse for over 50 years so there was nobody better."
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