Goodwood up for six awards at RCA Showcase
Goodwood Racecourse is extremely proud to announce that it has been named as a finalist in four different categories for the prestigious Showcase and Awards, hosted by the Racecourse Association (RCA) at Newbury on 16 November. As a result, Goodwood is also in the running to be named overall Showcase Champions.
In addition, Goodwood has already been named as the Special Merit Award winner at the RCA Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, placing the team in contention of winning the title of Groundstaff Champions.
The annual Showcase and Awards is the marquee event of British racecourses, celebrating first class customer experience, in partnership with Moët Hennessy and the Racing Post. Goodwood is one of five finalists in four individual categories; ‘Love of the Sport,’ ‘Digital and Social Media,’ ‘Food and Beverage’ and the coveted ‘Racing Post Readers Award,’ as well as being in contention of winning the title of Showcase Champions and Groundstaff Champions.
The Love of the Sport Award celebrates initiatives that both enrich and extend the reach of the sport to customers. Successful entries demonstrated the passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport, enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing. The Digital and Social Media Award is given to the racecourse that best demonstrates pushing the boundaries in this space.
The Food and Beverage finalists are chosen for their innovation and ability to react to changing customer demands. For the Racing Post Readers Award, readers were asked to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse, making it a true test as the feedback came from those that matter most – the customers.
Alex Eade, General Manager of Goodwood Racecourse, said; “The groundstaff richly deserve the Special Merit Award for their miraculous effort during an extremely challenging Qatar Goodwood Festival, so to have been given this accolade is very pleasing. To then be named as a finalist in four categories is a huge achievement and credit is due to the entire team for making this happen. It is particularly pleasing to be in the running for the Racing Post Readers Award, as this is voted for independently by our customers. We are all greatly looking forward to the Showcase and Awards next month.”
Commenting on giving the Groundstaff Special Merit Award to Goodwood, the judges commented; “What the team at Goodwood achieved during the Qatar Goodwood Festival was nothing short of remarkable. The dedication involved in keeping the track raceable and the Racecourse generally presentable given the extremes of weather was immensely impressive and makes them a standout choice for this award.”
Stephen Atkin, RCA Chief Executive, said; “I am delighted for Goodwood Racecourse for their success in being named a Finalist in four categories at the 2017 Showcase and Awards. I extend my congratulations to the team for their hard work in securing this achievement and wish them the best of luck for the ceremony at Newbury.”
ENDS
Tickets for Goodwood’s 2018 fixtures are now on sale, including early-bird prices for the flagship meeting, the Qatar Goodwood Festival, which takes place from 31 July to 4 August 2018. Please visit Goodwood.com for further information.
For press information, please contact: Sam Hanson, Racecourse PR Executive
T: 01243 755 000
M: 07790 921 688
Goodwood Racecourse on social media:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/goodwoodracecourse
Twitter: @Goodwood_Races
Instagram: @goodwood_races
More about the 2017 RCA Showcase & Awards
This is the eighth annual RCA Showcase & Awards, the gala event of British racecourses that annually celebrates first class customer experience in partnership with Moët Hennessy and Racing Post.
It is renowned as the event to attend, learn from, engage with, support and celebrate racecourses. The daytime seminar and evening black tie awards ceremony are both guided by the principle themes of excellence and innovation, which we encourage all racecourses to apply to every element of the raceday experience.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday 16 November at Newbury Racecourse. We are delighted to continue delivering the RCA Showcase & Awards and thank all racecourses for the levels of engagement and support shown.
The independent judging panel this year comprised of Tony Langham (Chairman, Great British Racing), Chris Cook (Deputy Racing Editor, The Guardian), Gareth Balch (Chief Executive, Two Circles), Steve Brice (Chief Executive, Pharaoh Experience), Patricia Pugh (Packard Curator, Palace House & ROA Board Member) and Matt Lynch (Executive Director, Venue Inc.) who all met to review each and every submission.
More about the Racecourse Association
The Racecourse Association serves the interests of its 59 British racecourse members empowering them to be the best venues that they can be.
The RCA works on behalf of racecourses to represent their views within the sport through the tripartite structure of the Members’ Agreement alongside BHA and The Horsemen’s Group. Outside of horseracing, we work alongside the Government, other sports and leisure venues, and national charities to meet the needs of racecourses.
From Perth to Newton Abbot, the 59 members of the Racecourse Association cover the length and breadth of Great Britain. The racecourses take many different shapes and sizes – all part of the charm of racing in Britain.
With 23 National Hunt racecourses providing jump racing, 19 flat racing and 17 dual-purpose racecourses, there is something for everyone across the country, and Britain is home to six all-weather tracks offering flat racing opportunities throughout the winter months.
What brings all British racecourses together is the exceptional raceday experience offered. Home to world-class racing events such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, St Leger and All-Weather Championships, the racecourses of Great Britain carry hundreds of years of heritage and history that can be discovered on every visit.
The ownership structure of the racecourses is equally varied, with Jockey Club Racecourses owning 14 and Arena Racing Company owning 15. The remaining 30 RCA member racecourses are owned independently.
For more information about the RCA Showcase & Awards please contact:
Will Aitkenhead – will.aitkenhead@racecourseassociation.co.uk or 07879 416 221.
