Jockeys, racing professionals and race-goers could be enjoying greatly improved accommodation at Cartmel Races in future if major plans get the go-ahead.

Cartmel Steeplechases has lodged plans with South Lakeland District Council for a new grandstand to be built on the footprint of the current stand, with 'radically improved' facilities for professionals and race-goers.

Designed by Cartmel architects John Coward, the improvements will include superior jockeys' changing rooms, new showers, sauna, and a state-of-the-art medical room.

There will also be a larger stewards' room and new offices for racecourse staff.

The new structure will also house a vastly-improved viewing area for spectators, and a panoramic hospitality suite overlooking the racecourse.

Cartmel Steeplechases says funding will be made by the Holker Estate and the Horserace Betting Levy Board.

Cartmel Steeplechases chairman Lord Cavendish, of Holker Hall, said: "After the

continued success of racing at Cartmel, we are always looking at ways of improving the quality of the racing experience for everyone coming to the racecourse, and therefore facilities need to be improved.

"We are also aware that the integrity of the racing industry is constantly being reviewed by the administrators of the sport and that improvements need to be made at Cartmel.

We will work closely with representatives of the industry to achieve our objectives.

"The proposed new grandstand will enable Cartmel Racecourse to improve both the quality of facilities for our race-goers and also encourage many of the leading trainers and jockeys to sample the historic and relaxed atmosphere of racing at Cartmel."