A BRAND new £1.8million suite for racehorse owners and trainers, which doubles as a wedding and corporate venue, is now open at Thirsk Racecourse.

At its official opening, the building was described as one of the best facilities of its kind in the UK by ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin.

Named The Chestnut Room after the trees that border the east side of the racecourse, the 4,750 square foot building has floor to ceiling glazing, TV screens throughout, a bar area, as well as state of the art kitchen and catering facilities.

The building also boasts a rooftop spectator terrace of the same square footage, offering panoramic views across the racecourse. The suite can accommodate up to 250 seated dining guests or approximately 350 people in a theatre style layout.

Almost 200 guests attended a black-tie dinner to celebrate the launch of The Chestnut Rooms hosted by Mr Chamberlin, who said: “This is one of the best owner and trainer facilities in the country.

“I can’t think of a better one, it really is awesome.

“Thirsk Racecourse is a special place and it’s now certainly an ambition to bring ITV Racing here.”

James Sanderson, manager and clerk of the course at Thirsk, said: “We’re delighted to complete work on The Chestnut Rooms, following a 12-month construction project and a significant financial investment.

“The new building is part of our ongoing drive to enhance the experience that we offer to both owners and trainers, in order to make racing as competitive as possible at Thirsk.

“The views across the racecourse from the spectator terrace are second to none.

“In recent years we’ve invested heavily in our non-racing business and now regularly host weddings, balls, dinners, functions and conferences, for organisations ranging from the NHS to small, medium and large corporate firms, and can easily accommodate between 20 and 350 guests.”