The course is seeking to expand its range of services

Officials at Hamilton Park Racecourse said they hope to fill the 204 full and part-time posts in forthcoming months.

The move follows plans to expand its hospitality with the launch of a new champagne bar and other facilities.

Caterer Prestige Scotland will provide all on-site catering and hospitality in a contract which is expected to turn over about �1m in its first season.

Hamilton Park chief executive Alastair Warwick said: "The challenge is to live up to expectations and deliver a first class hospitality experience, whether it be at a race meeting or at a business lunch overlooking the racetrack.

The venue is well known in its own right for hosting sporting and cultural events and we aim to ensure the food and drink matches the quality of the venue Alyson Cawley Prestige Scotland

"Hamilton Park offers a raft of opportunities which go way beyond simply race day hospitality and I'm sure our partnership with Prestige Scotland will help us realise this huge potential."

Prestige Scotland is also planning to revive Christmas and Hogmanay party nights at the racecourse as well as increasing numbers of weddings, meetings and conferences.

Alyson Cawley, managing director of Prestige Scotland, said: "There is a lot of growth potential at Hamilton Park, including the expansion of our meetings on non-race day business, and we have a robust strategy to drive this side of the business.

"The venue is well known in its own right for hosting sporting and cultural events and we aim to ensure the food and drink matches the quality of the venue."