Newcastle Racecourse

The Arena Racing Company (ARC) wanted to provide a superior visual experience at Newcastle Racecourse by installing new floodlights. But the project presented a number of different challenges for ARC officials. That’s why the ARC turned to Musco for a customised Green Generation Lighting® solution that met the unique needs of the project.

Not only did the lighting project have to maintain the historical aspects of the venue, it also had to minimise its spill light because the facility is located near an airport, a highway, a residential area and it’s located on a nature reserve. Along with having to meet the strict racing guidelines outlined by the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA).

Musco’s team provided a unique lighting design at the venue to make it happen. The system lights the last mile of the course, along with the run-off area for the jockeys to slow down. The lighting system directs light onto that portion of the course, minimising the light that spills into the community, and maintaining optimal visibility in the nearby airport and highway.

The system also features the following benefits to meet the needs of the project:

• Precise Light Control – Customised optics direct light onto the lit area of the course and minimises glare from shining into the eyes of jockeys.
• Superior Performance – Maintains an average of 700 vertical lux to meet BHA television requirements.
• Industry-Leading Warranty – Includes a comprehensive 10-year parts and labour warranty that eliminates maintenance costs.

The Newcastle Racecourse became the only course in the world with a lit straight mile (1.6 km). Additionally, the project also includes Musco’s LED lighting at the photo-finish to ensure accurate results.