Newbury Racecourse Shortlisted For Two Industry Awards

Newbury proved popular in the public vote as the Racecourse receives two finalist nominations at the annual Racecourse Association (RCA) Showcase Awards

Newbury Racecourse has been announced as a finalist in two categories at this year’s Racecourse Association (RCA) Showcase Awards. The Showcase Awards represent the best of British racecourses and celebrate the successes and new initiatives introduced across the country over the past 12 months. Newbury has been shortlisted for the Raceday Experience award and the public voted Owners’ Racecourse of the Year award.

An independent judging panel-made up of Tara Warren, David Carr, Louise Norman, Aileen Goatley and Martin Dalby-compiled the final shortlists with Newbury one of six racecourse to receive nominations in two award categories. The Owners’ Racecourse of the Year award (in collaboration with the Racehorse Owners Association), is one of two awards to be voted for by the public with both awards having attracted a record engagement with over 6,850 votes.

Newbury’s nomination in the Raceday Experience category was centred on the sole Group 1 meeting of the Flat season, the Al Shaqab Lockinge with Ladies’ Day on Saturday 18^th May. The enhanced racegoer experience saw an increase of 10% in paid general admission and more local and young racegoers attending the meeting in which they got to watch the John and Thady Gosden trained Audience storm home to clinch his first Group 1 victory. The raceday has been recognised for delivering a memorable racegoer experience which this year featured the new Hong Kong Garden to celebrate the growth of the partnership with World Pool as well as an after party featuring Lovely Laura and DJ Ben Santiago.

RCA/ROA Racehorse Owners’ Racecourse of the Year award is an award chosen by racehorse owners who cast their votes based on three criteria: raceday experience with a runner, non-runner raceday experience and racing experience including quality of racing surface, prize money and facilities for participants.

Newbury Racecourse also received the runner up award for dual purpose racecourses in the 2024 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards. Having faced extreme weather conditions across multiple race meetings this season, this recognition demonstrates the dedication, excellence and resilience of the groundstaff team at Newbury.

Shaun Hinds, Chief Executive at Newbury Racecourse, expressed his delight at receiving two finalist nominations: ‘’As a dual-purpose racecourse with races of the highest calibre across both codes, the team here at Newbury work incredibly hard all year round and so it is very pleasing to see their efforts being recognised. We are all acutely aware that supportive owners are a necessity so to be voted by the owners for the Owners’ Racecourse of the Year award is particularly special.”

The winners of the RCA Showcase Awards will be announced during the thirteenth annual RCA Showcase Awards at The Signet Library, Edinburgh on Thursday 7^th November.