Newbury Racecourse Named Dual Purpose Winner at 2025 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

Newbury Racecourse is proud to announce that its Groundstaff Team has been named the Dual Purpose winner at the 2025 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, cementing its position as one of the leading racecourse teams in the country.

The awards, run by the Racecourse Association (RCA) and supported by Agrovista Amenity, DLF Seeds & Science and Duralock, celebrate the very best in British racecourse groundsmanship and turf husbandry across the year.

Judged by an industry panel comprised of representatives from the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), British Horseracing Authority (BHA), and National Trainers Federation (NTF), the winners are deemed to have demonstrated exceptional standards, innovation, commitment to equine welfare, sustainable turf management, and data-led decisions and training.

Newbury’s recognition as the top dual purpose course follows a year of consistent performance across both Flat and Jump racing, and highlights the team’s efforts in delivering a safe, high-quality racing surface in a range of challenging weather conditions.

George Hill, Racing Director and Clerk of the Course at Newbury, said: “The team at Newbury, full time and part time are very proud to receive this award. We have had a busy 12 months with racing every month and different projects completed between racing, but the team are always looking for ways to improve and provide the best racing surface for each race meeting. I am incredibly proud that they have been recognised in this way, and I would also like to pass on my thanks to the sponsors and judges of these awards for their support to this great industry.”

As a category winner, Newbury now joins Newmarket (Flat winner) and Kelso (Jump winner) in contention for the coveted title of 2025 Racecourse Groundstaff Champion, which will be announced at the fourteenth annual RCA Showcase Awards, held at York Racecourse on Thursday 13th November.

The BHA Inspectors of Courses said: “As in previous years, this is a very competitive and high standard competition to judge, with many racecourses getting accolades and high praise from the panel. All courses deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work especially in a year which has been very challenging from an agronomy point of view. A hearty well done to all the winners.”

Dale Gibson, Racing Director at the PJA, said: “Every year, without fail countless groundstaff work tirelessly to produce a safe and effective racing surface for horses and jockeys. We witnessed an extended period of drought in most areas of the country over several weeks earlier this year which meant many staff were challenged even more than usual. Maintaining a consistent racing surface is of paramount importance for all stakeholders. Everyone who was nominated deserves extra recognition with additional congratulations to the winning teams. The PJA and our safety officers continue to regularly work with all racecourses and their groundstaff on every aspect of track management.”

George Noad, Racing Industry Manager at the NTF, said: “This year groundstaff have set an incredibly high standard, often working through challenging conditions to deliver exceptional racing surfaces. Choosing the winners this year was not an easy task. The awards honour teams who not only maintain excellent tracks but consistently push for improvement. The commitment and hard work by groundstaff is vital, ensuring quality racing and safeguarding the welfare of the sport’s participants.”