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newsletter update

September 2019 www.racecourseassociation.co.uk CONTENTS

Welcome 03 Showcase & Awards - Owners 06 07 Experience On Track 07 Racecourse in Focus Ffos Las 08 Save The Date 09 RCA Technical Group 10 Badges & Pass 2019 11 Racegoers Club 12 Five Minutes of Fame 13 15 16 GBRI 17 Racing to School 18 Racing Together 19 Racing Foundation 20 Pony Racing Authority 21 RaceTech 22 Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff 23 Racehorse Owners Association 24 TBA 25 Careers in Racing 26 Watt Fences 28 Duralock 29 Overview of British Racing 30 Diary Dates / Contributors / Staff 31 Contact List 12

18 20 Front Cover: Image courtesy York Racecourse

2 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page WELCOMEWords by Paul

Showcase submissions that have been flying through our surgery this month. In the best way possible, I hope they give our judges a real headache such is their quality! With it being our tenth year, we wanted to mark the occasion appropriately and what better way than taking the RCA’s marquee event to Sunflow lanyards are becoming the ubiquitious symbol of support for Scotland for the first time. invisible disability As Showcase Champions, Hamilton Park will provide a Heathrow Airport and London North wonderful evening and are making more East Railway (LNER) to discuss their Showcase history by being the first amazing sunflower lanyard initiatives to smaller racecourse to host the event. help customers with invisible disabilities, It’s times like this that you remember something that the RCA will be leading We have extended the portfolio of sport really is the most important of with all racecourses shortly. The team awards this year to include Diversity & unimportant things… has also begun to research accessible Inclusion, a vital area of focus that the spaces and toilets, ensuring that as a Paraphrasing sports psychologist sport needs to demonstrate if we are sport we are ready to ensure all who and friend of the Showcase Awards to continue as Britain’s second most come for a day’s racing can enjoy the Michael Caulfield there, but with all the attended sport in the future. The sport’s experience. comings and goings in Westminster, it’s Diversity in Racing Steering Group a timely reminder that those of us that has been a key driver for this award to In team news, it’s been a pleasure to work in racing and sport in general are be included in Showcase and we are welcome the newest addition to the lucky to do so and that no matter how thankful for their challenge and direction RCA, Dan Franzen. Dan joins us from crazy Brexit and the associated fallout in bringing it to the table for 2019. Gatwick Airport as Finance Manager & gets, we can always lose ourselves for Business Analyst, bringing a wealth of On the subject of diversity and inclusion, a few hours in something that we are experience and new skills to compliment the RCA has been working hard to passionate about. the existing team. develop fresh guidance and initiatives Update Speaking of passion, it’s been great to to make every day’s racing as accessible Enjoy September’s and we hope see the care and attention given to the as possible. I recently spent time with to see you out racing soon.

Live sport and racing in particular is a great escape from the pressures of life

3 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page 4 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page NEWS FROM THE RCA

The latest from On Track, Racecourse in Focus, and the Racegoers Club.

5 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page SHOWCASE & AWARDS – OWNERS’ EXPERIENCE

The Racecourse Association (RCA) For this award, members of the ROA “I extend my congratulations to the and Racehorse Owners Association were invited to nominate racecourses teams in being named as Finalists and (ROA) are delighted to announce the for examples of where they had met wish them the best of luck ahead of five racecourses that have been named and exceeded expectations relating the Awards ceremony at Hamilton as Finalists in the Owners’ Experience to the raceday experience for owners. Park Racecourse on Thursday 14th category for the prestigious Showcase The Showcase principles of excellence November.” & Awards. and innovation were paramount in the selections, with the five Finalists Charlie Liverton, ROA Chief Executive, Hosted by the RCA, the Showcase & receiving multiple nominations from said, “The owners raceday experience Awards is the marquee event of British ROA members. is a hugely important part of the wider racecourses that annually celebrates racehorse ownership experience first class customer experience in Caroline Davies, RCA Racecourse and this is reinforced to the ROA partnership with Moët Hennessy, Racing Services Director, said, “I am thrilled for by owners, daily. There have been a Post and Great British Racing. the five racecourses named as Finalists number of improvements across the in the Owners’ Experience category at country at racecourses that should, Ayr, Bangor-On-Dee, Haydock Park, the 2019 Showcase & Awards. rightly, be celebrated and our thanks Musselburgh and Newbury have and congratulations go to this year’s been listed as Finalists in the Owners’ “The owners experience is a vital finalists.” Experience category. From the five part in the growth of our sport and Finalists, the winner will be revealed at it is paramount that we continue to the Showcase & Awards ceremony on celebrate the best that racecourses Thursday 14th November at Hamilton have to offer in this area. Park Racecourse.

6 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page ON TRACK – THE RACING MEN: CLIFTON & WALSH New faces, fresh perspectives on an “I probably existed in a bit of a bubble annual process: the driving forces at the Racing Post and had never come behind the RCA’s Race Planning division, across the detailed discussions and Racing Director Andy Clifton and Racing negotiations that lead into the final Executive Kevin Walsh, have completed fixture list. I had no appreciation of the their first full sessions working on the different mechanics that go into its 2020 fixture list, which was published by compilation through communication the BHA a couple of weeks ago. and consultation, the different versions it involves, and the considerations Clifton, who joined the RCA in there are involving 59 racecourses with September 2017, when work on varying business models.” compiling the 2019 programme had already begun, says: “This year’s process was more challenging because of the talk about reducing the size of the “This year’s process fixture list, which for 2020 represents was more challenging Andy Clifton joined the RCA in 2017 with a deep the final year of a three-year agreed understanding of the sport’s fixture list arrangement on prize-money that because of the talk included paying appearance money and about reducing the size “Then there are the number of people allocating more into the lower tiers.” involved in the process, including the of the fixture list." - work done by the Levy Board. Prior Clifton had been involved in fixture to coming to the RCA, I wouldn’t have arrangements for a single racecourse Andy Clifton considered exactly how important the in his previous role as Head of Levy Board is in compiling the fixture Communications at Newbury and also list. I had a vague awareness but not a many years ago in the race planning Delving more deeply into the process, full appreciation of the level of detail and department, but for Walsh, who arrived he adds: “Then there are the details – data it feeds into the process. at the RCA from the Racing Post, where the difference between a racecourse he was Senior Social Media Executive, fixture and a BHA fixture, for instance “I have had experience with data in February 2018, this was the first time – about which I probably had an analysis in previous roles, mainly on he had experienced a full body of work in awareness but no deep knowledge. the social media side, so I had a bit of a preparing the details. That’s been a great learning experience. background in that area, but I’ve had to “Seeing how fixtures are allocated, upskill myself on that front, which I’ve Walsh reflects: “Looking back over the what the BHA’s considerations are, and been able to do on the job.” process, the main thing that strikes me fixture criteria: they are all areas which I is that I gained a real appreciation for hadn’t been exposed to previously, but To read the full On Track article, please how much time and effort goes into it as they go together to make up the level of click here. the process developed. detail that goes into part of my role at the RCA.

Creating Racing’s fixture list is a complex science and combined effort

7 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RACECOURSE IN FOCUS - FROM COAL TO COURSE

In the heart of rural Europe into the magnificent racecourse Concert in May that attracted 9,000 lies what many local racegoers like to that stands today. customers. This was a really significant refer to as ‘the hidden gem of Welsh highlight in our 10-year celebration, Following a long and rigorous journey, racing’. and we would like to capitalise on this the racecourse was ready for its first product for future events. , formerly an open- meeting in June 2009 where almost cast coal mine, has been celebrating 10,000 racegoers flooded into the “By combining greater on-course its 10-year anniversary. Although the racecourse for the grand opening by Sir regional branding and non-racing initial idea of bringing a racecourse back Peter O’Sullevan CBE. events such as music concerts, running to West was formed long before competitions and conferences, we can Celebrating Champions its inauguration in 2009, development build a diverse product for all. We are at Ffos Las has quickly transformed its The racing highlight of the year at in a very fortunate position to be able local surroundings and community. Ffos Las is the prestigious Welsh to showcase in a beautiful Champion Hurdle held in October. Since setting. On a recent visit to the racecourse, its regeneration in 2010 to a Limited Executive Director Phil Bell and General “By working closely with our sister Handicap, the race has attracted a Manager Simon Rowlands tell more racecourse Chepstow, we hope to high calibre of horse, including The about the course’s progress and future encourage more people in Wales to New One and the locally-trained Silver plans. come horse racing with some exciting Streak. Other notable winners at plans. Reaching the 10-year anniversary The Blue Ditch the racecourse include dual-winning at Ffos Las means a great detail to Champion Chase hero , Translated literally into English as the everyone who has been there from the who won a Novice’s Hurdle at Ffos Las Blue Ditch, the dream of Ffos Las initial idea to where it is now. As a team, by 10 lengths in 2011. racecourse was made a reality by welsh we recognise the growing strength of businessman and racing Bell and Rowlands are enthusiastic to welsh racing in the training and riding Dai Walters. Walters used much of further develop the awareness of the ranks, and we intend to celebrate this his own civil engineering companies’ West Wales racecourse. Rowlands upward trend!”. equipment and to complete explains “2019 has been our best year To read the full Racecourse in Focus the redevelopment project from what so far for attendances with the help celebrating Ffos Las’ 10th anniversary, was one the largest man-made holes in of the extremely popular Madness please click here.

8 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page SAVE THE DATE

The 2020 Racecourse Turf Conference to create a multi-day event issues. Further details including an Management Conference will be to allow topics of mutual interest to outline programme and booking forms held on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday be covered, and delivering a multi-day will be sent out to racecourses in due 12 February 2020 at Doncaster event at which delegates attend those course. Racecourse and we are delighted that parts relevant to them. This will be held Put the date in your diaries... we look Duralock have agreed to continue to on Monday 10 February. forward to seeing you at the seminar. support this event. The programme is being developed We will be combining the event with based on feedback from racecourses the biennial Racecourse Medical and will cover a wide range of relevant

Doncaster Racecourse will be the home of our 2020 Racecourse Turf Management Conference & Racecourse Medical Conferences

RACECOURSE GROUNDSTAFF COURSES

The dates and locations for forthcoming Racecourse Groundstaff Courses have been finalised as follows:

Racecourse Turf Management Skills Courses (Level 2) , Newmarket 24th – 29th November 2019 12th – 17th January 2020

For more information on upcoming IOG courses or to reserve a place on the above courses please contact Anita at [email protected] at the Institute of Groundsmanship, 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill, Milton Keynes, MK12 5TW, Tel: 01908 312511

9 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RCA TECHNICAL GROUP

The RCA Technical Group met on regionally and be made available to staff The Meeting was attended by: Wednesday 28 August 2019. A across the racing industry. Kay Boyden Caroline Davies (Chair) summary of the key points and action would faciitate further discussion Edward Arkell points is provided below: with Racing Welfare. The Group also Kay Boyden (Racing Welfare) considered support which could be Katya Browne Safeguarding given to racecourse personnel. Ashlee Byrne (BHA) The Group discussed the safeguarding Jockeys Nutrition Simon Claisse requirements for racecourses and The Group met with Julia Scott- Holly Cook would follow up as appropriate with Douglas and Dan Martin of the Jockeys’ Roderick Duncan the NTF and BHA. Guidance to Nutrition Research team and provided Dale Gibson (PJA) racecourses would be updated in line feedback on the catering guidelines. Sally Iggulden with discussions. Social Media Policy Dan Martin (PJA Nutrition Team) Weighing Room facilities The Group supported a suggestion for Anthea Morshead The Group agreed that long term a new Social Media Policy for Licensed Paul Newman (RaceTech) weighing room facilities planning personnel. George Noad (NTF) was required due to the increasing Reverse Angle Camera Harry Phipps requirements in this area. The Group discussed the use of reverse Julia Scott-Douglas (PJA Nutrition Charity Race Guidance Document angle cameras, which would be further Team) The Group discussed updates to the discussed with BHA and RaceTech. Jimmy Stevenson Charity Race guidance document, which Raceday Accountabilities Chris Stickles would be finalised and circulated to The Group discussed raceday Kirkland Tellwright racecourses. accountabilities and awaited the final Sulekha Varma Mental Health report of the Raceday Accountabilities The Group agreed that mental health Working Group. workshops and courses should be held

Ebor Festival York Racecourse 2019

10 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page BADGES & PASS 2019

The need-to-knows

RCA & Media Badge Posters

Accreditation Lists Eight copies of the large poster and four copies of the A4 sized Copies of the lists of 2019 RCA poster for 2019 have been sent to and Media Accreditation holders all racecourses. Extra copies and are available on request from Carol electronic copies are available on Walker request from Carol Walker

Missing Badges for 2019

RCA: 60, 176, 318, 333, 348, 463, 481, 482, 931, 939, 940, 1036, 1037, 1137, 1138, 1294, 1607, 1608, 1700, 1721, 1782, 1881, 1940, 2250, 2266, 2306, 2433, 2455, 2469 Media: 97 PJA: 19, 20, 26, 130, 134, 135, 150, 163, 193, 201, 207, 219, 247, 264, 322 NTF: 300, 301, 374, 482, 483, 547, 577, 578, 987, 988, 1006, 1043, 1326 (all reported not received - lost in the post)

11 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page THREE YEARS IN A ROW FOR YORK RACECOURSE

Words by Matt Jones

The presentation party L-R: Caroline Davies, Matthew Jones, Paul Seviour, Karen Dunbar, The Lord Grimthorpe, Annette Wilks, Alison Storey and Michael Chapman

For the third consecutive year York followers of the sport with horseracing Matt Jones from the Racegoers Club Racecourse has been awarded the being both their hobby and passion. said “The Club’s Racecourse of the Year title of Racecourse of the Year by the To be ranked as number one by some awards recognises those racecourses Racegoers Club. of the most knowledgeable visitors to who have gone above and beyond to Britain’s many great racecourses is a real ensure a great customer experience, The award celebrates all aspects of the honour. and this is something that our customer experience and asks Club members see a lot at York Racecourse. members, some of British Racing’s “To retain the accolade of ‘Racecourse It was brilliant to attend Juddmonte most dedicated fans, to nominate their of the Year’ for three consecutive International Day of this year’s Ebor favourite racecourse. York proved as seasons is such a huge tribute to the Festival to officially crown York as our popular as ever in the voting this year, hard work of so many that make racing champion racecourse, and I’m already with one member commenting “the at York such a special experience.” looking forward to seeing if they can staff at York are the most welcoming The title was made official on achieve a historic four-timer next year!” and helpful on any racecourse. We Juddmonte International Day of this went to three days of the Ebor Festival To find out more about the Racegoers year’s Ebor Festival. Three of the and each day was enhanced by the Club and the Racecourse of the Year longest serving members of the York wonderful racecourse team.” competition visit the Club website at: Racecourse team, along with track www.racegoersclub.co.uk. William Derby, Chief Executive and Chairman, Lord Grimthorpe, were Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse presented with a commemorative said "Racegoers Club is a fantastic plaque to celebrate their historic win in organisation which represents a the competition. membership who are

12 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page NEWS FROM THE SPORT

A look at the wider world of horseracing including updates from Racing to School, Racing Together plus 5 Minutes of Fame with Jeannie Chantler.

13 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page 5 MINUTES OF FAME

On what day of the week were you Name one thing that drives you born and what was number one in crazy? the charts? Bad time keeping. Thursday

Just Walkin In The Rain If you weren’t at work today, what might you be doing instead? Riding. When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up? A vet – didn’t work hard enough in my If you were writing your teenage years!! autobiography the name of it would be... A Life Well Lived! What’s your guilty pleasure? Chocolate and Irishmen! What do you find most rewarding? Helping others. What makes you tick? Work!!! What is your most bizarre ? I used to play the clarinet. Which tune is the most played on your iTunes? Don’t have iTunes. But favourite tune What is something about you that Jeannie Chantler is The Living Years, Mike and The most people don’t know? Mechanics. My first name! And I’m not telling you. Bangor on Dee Races – What is your favourite racing General Manager memory? Standing by the winning post when won his 4th

What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? People being surprised you are in the office on a day when there is no racing!

14 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page TONNE UP! MORE THAN £100,000 FOR COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

During Royal Ascot 2019, Ascot Military Support During Royal Ascot Ascot Ambassador Programme for Racecourse was pleased to support On the Friday of Royal Ascot, Ascot the Injured Jockey’s Fund a variety of community projects and Racecourse welcomed military The Ascot Ambassador Programme charities and is delighted to announce personnel and volunteers from The also launched in 2017 and sees ex- that racegoers helped raise Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, jockeys provide informative talks to more than £100,000 in total. Army Benevolent Fund – The Army’s Fine Dining and Private Box guests National Charity, and the RAF at Royal Ascot as well as all 21 annual ‘Ascot Racecourse Supports’ was Benevolent Fund. The Racecourse also Ascot Racedays. Guests who attended launched in 2017 and brings together all supply 1,500 tickets via a 2-for-1 offer Royal Ascot were incredibly generous of Ascot Racecourse’s community and for military personnel in celebration of and the combined teams managed to charity work into one programme, for the day. A tri-forces bucket collection raise a record sum of £14,295.45 for the the benefit of the local community and was held on the day which raised an charity. Ascot Racecourse also donated beyond. Its goals are to support small, amazing £22,220. The Army Benevolent £1 for every Fine Dining guest that local charities and community groups Fund was additionally the beneficiary of attended during the week bringing the with a focus on children and mental contributions from the sale of Plymouth total raised to more than £1,700. health issues, in addition to equine Fruit Cup, Royal Ascot Blush and Pimm’s Nick Smith, Director of Racing & charities. which totalled over £17,000. Ascot’s Communications, Ascot Racecourse, Some of the week’s charitable activities food and drink concessionaires also commented on this year’s initiatives included: generously donate 1% of their sales to-date: “Through Ascot Supports Royal Ascot School Art Competition during the week to the charity. we, our racegoers, concessionaires On Saturday, the six winning school Plant Donations from Royal Ascot and sponsors historically raise over children of the second annual Royal More than 2,500 plants that were used £500,000 a year for various charities. Ascot Art Competition took part in for site decoration for Royal Ascot have We are very proud to participate in local an inaugural ‘Guard of Honour’ for the been donated to four local gardening promotions, from the local school’s art jockeys, ahead of the fifth and final day charities that help a range of people competition which culminated at Royal of racing. with disabilities and mental health Ascot to activities such as hosting over issues. The beneficiaries included 340 children for the Sebastian’s Action The children were interviewed by Ascot Jealotts Hill Community Landshare, Trust Christmas in July party. Ensuring TV’s host Rupert Bell in the Parade Ring Green Health Reading, Thrive and that our local community benefits from and their winning artwork was displayed Braywick Heath Nurseries. the county’s biggest sporting venue, on the big screen for the 70,000 plus and supporting the charities that do racegoers to view. The children were In addition, Ascot Racecourse also great work within our industry, is at the also treated to a meet and greet with provided plants to Bracknell Town heart of our community and charity leading flat jockey who was Council for community clubs and school programme.” also the judge of the competition again grounds to improve their outdoor areas in 2019. The artworks can still be viewed and get children and young people To find out more about Ascot in the lining the walls of the Heath Tunnel outdoors through their own gardening community please visit www.ascot. which leads from Ascot High Street, projects. All flowers from the Fine Dining co.uk/ascot-racecourse-supports beneath the racecourse, to the centre restaurants are also donated to Thames of the track. Hospice throughout the year.

15 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page STATUE OF RACING LEGEND UNVEILED

A statue of racing legend, , was unveiled at York Racecourse on the opening day of the Welcome to Ebor Festival, Wednesday 21 August. Though born in Wantage, the Piggott family trace their roots back to the north and the eleven time champion jockey often described York as his favourite track. It was also a successful venue for the man often known as “the Long Fellow”; with five victories in the Group One Juddmonte International, four in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks and seven in the fastest race of the , the Coolmore Nunthorpe, all forming part of a career total of 4,493 wins. The life size bronze, by sculptor William Newton, is set in front of the Edwardian Weighing Room; the base for his rides on great horses such as and . The statue was commissioned by David and Christopher St George for whose family Piggott rode many top-class horses including dual Gold Cup at Royal Ascot winner , a fine stayer that also brought two Yorkshire Cups his way. Racing journalist and broadcaster Brough Scott reported on the many highs of a career that saw winners spread over six decades and was a key part of the project to see a permanent memory of Piggott on display at nine courses around the country, he said; ”Lester loved York, the crowd understood a good horse and a good ride, generous in their praise and astute in any criticism. Bringing home as a 9/1 winner of the Ebor went down well in these parts”. After unveiling the statue, York Racecourse Chairman Lord Grimthorpe added “as well as the many pattern race successes Lester enjoyed here, I have fond memories of the summer of '69 when he partnered My Swannee to victories in a brace of traditionally competitive Knavesmire Handicaps, including the Magnet Cup of that year".

16 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page GOING GLOBAL

Words by Amanda Prior

Promotion of British-bred Success

British breeders have had plenty to boost their confidence this month ahead of the start of the yearling sales season, with high-profile results at Deauville and York, most notably the Cheveley Park-bred taking the Gr, 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest in a timely manner ahead of the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale where Dermot Farrington picked him up on behalf of Pheonix Thoroughbreds for £60,000.

Advertise winning the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot 2019

Concierge and Events

Since the beginning of July, GBRI’s On behalf of York, we invited Tatler. the luxury lifestyle that it accompanies concierge function has been very com’s Deputy Editor, Annabel Sampson, on Tatler.com in the coming two weeks. busy with guests from America, to the Wednesday of the Ebor meeting. Annabel is interested in doing a follow Spain, Australia, Greece and Germany. This visit to York was preceded by up piece on the theatre of bloodstock These introductions have all come a night at The Talbot in Malton and auctions this autumn at , and from different sources: international morning at John Quinn’s yard and is also keen to introduce GBRI to various bloodstock agents, luxury partners, gallops. There will be a significant online luxury lifestyle journalist contacts. racecourses, sales houses and GBRI’s piece promoting racing at York, as well international network. as the joy of racehorse ownership and

General

Camilla Perrett joins GBRI as Senior Marketing Executive replacing Daisy Wales, she comes with a wealth of experience following her time spent with Sportsguide, SireCam and her aunt Amanda Perrett in marketing roles. Camilla will take over the running of the GBRI Members Club dealing directly with racecourses and international owners. As ever we are continuously grateful for the support of the racecourses to such a worthwhile incentive.

17 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page ROB BELLAMY - UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Words by Rob Sage

When former jump jockey Rob Bellamy students, which shows they are showing a part-time teacher on retiring as a hung up his saddle for the final time in a real interest in a sport they previously Jockey, but l really enjoy sharing my 2001, bringing to an end a career that had limited or no knowledge of. And it experience and knowledge of the sport saw him ride 120 winners – including shows they were listening! with those that want to learn. I even got three at the – my son, Tom (also a jockey) to speak to And the teachers’? taking on the role of a part-time teacher a group recently. was not on his mind. However, in April Generally, they are impressed by Is the Racing to School programme 2010 he helped deliver his first Racing the amount of practical learning the important for racing? to School event and has since spent the students get involved in. next decade inspiring young racing fans. With participant numbers increasing Describe the relationship between all the time, and students giving such What do you enjoy most about Racing to School and the racecourses? positive feedback from their days, l hope delivering events? It’s crucial, as we have access to courses we are giving them a valuable insight Sharing the experience of a 15-year all across the country, with the potential into a new and engaging sport. We also career in the saddle, explaining what to put the sport in front of a new work to open up all the potential career goes on in all the different areas around younger audience. Racecourse staff opportunities for their future, which can the Racecourse and how it all works, to and the officials really get behind the only be good for all areas of racing. produce our wonderful sport. purpose of the programme and couldn’t be more helpful. Do you still get surprised by children’s reactions? How has your background helped you with the charity’s work? It’s always a rewarding day when l have been asked lots of questions by the l certainly didn’t think l would become

18 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page A PACKED SUMMER HELPING RACING’S COMMUNITIES Words by Lucy Saunders

York launch first Skybet Ebor Community Fund

For the first time this year York and Skybet launched the Ebor Community Fund, a sweepstake-style donation of £5,000 to benefit a local cause. Of the 22 charities shortlisted, MySight York was the delighted winner thanks to Mustajeer. The charity’s work helps people with sight loss to remain independent.

Newcastle support art trail for St Oswalds Hospice

Newcastle Racecourse has enlisted the talents of racing cartoonist Birdie to support St Oswalds Children’s Hospice art trail; the Elmer the Elephant Great North Parade. ‘Weighed in Nelly’ is just one of 100 elephants placed across Tyne and Wear, with the fundraiser finale taking place at the racecourse in November.

A Glorious Magnolia Cup and Newmarket’s new Community Future Champion

In recent weeks we’ve heard from Recent popular guest blogs include RCA Wellbeing of Women’s CEO Janet CEO David Armstrong and Aintree’s Lindsay about how record-breaking Jess Dalgliesh. amounts raised by riders for this year’s It is great for the sport’s combined historic Magnolia Cup will be put to use efforts helping others to be recognised saving the lives of more women and through this year’s Racing Together babies. Community Award at the RCA Sophie Able explained how Newmarket Showcase & Awards. There is so much use their family days to welcome young community engagement activity people alongside their support of the undertaken by racecourses nationwide work of Careers in Racing and Racing and we can’t wait to find out the Finalists to School; and how their search for a on 15th October. Community Future Champion for their Autumn season is building momentum.

Keep up to date with racing’s community events calendar!

View full calendar here. Please submit your own events to [email protected]

19 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page GRANTS AWARDED TOTALLING £837K IN THE LATEST FUNDING ROUND OF 2019

Words by Tansy Challis

The Trustees of the Racing Foundation and Writtle University College. The Large Grants (over £50k): totalling are delighted to announce that former was to cover the development £761,129 were awarded, including £837,379 of grants were awarded in the cost of a new design horse ambulance, 1-year support for the National second funding round of 2019, taking which was the outcome of consultation Horseracing Museum to implement the total value of grants awarded since with Head Groundsmen and Clerks a sustainable business plan; 3-year inception to £16.7million. The recent of Course, operators of Horse support for Diversity in Racing to grant awards were: Ambulances, BHA Veterinary Officers, develop and deliver a number of Racecourse Vets and the RSPCA. The initiatives that form part of the Small Grants: one grant of £10,000 was new design ambulance will include a industry’s Diversity in Racing Action awarded to the National Horseracing number of features that will greatly Plan; and part-funding of a 3-year College (formerly the Northern improve the transportation experience research project being undertaken by Racing College) to develop the use for horses and reduce the likelihood of the University of Bath to analyse the of virtual reality headsets and videos further injury. biomechanical features of falls in racing as recruitment tools to attract more and evaluate the use of recommended youngsters into racing. Such technology The latter was towards the delivery of a back protectors on injury prevention. is already being successfully used new Level 4 qualification for stud staff for recruitment purposes by other - the Certificate in Thoroughbred Stud industries and the military. Operations – which aims to provide an additional entry point into the breeding Medium Grants (£10k - £50k): two industry and widen the variety of grants totalling £66,250 were awarded qualifications being offered. to Charitable Trust

20 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page THE CHARLES OWEN RACECOURSE SERIES IS REALLY HOTTING UP!

Words by Clarissa Daly

We have had 18 fixtures to date with 7 to go. The Novice Finals were held at York Racecourse on Sunday 8th September and then the Series Finals at Cheltenham on 17th November. Only the top 12 combinations in each category qualify for the Series Finals! To see who is topping the rankings at this stage Click Here. Over 60 children have had the chance to practice their skills on the racecourse series and we are very grateful to all the racecourses and officials who give them this chance. With many of our graduates now making headlines as professional and amateur jockeys we rely on the support of the industry so we can continue to educate our jockeys of the future. We could not do this without the support of our sponsors, Charles Owen, RaceTech and CareersinRacing. Charles Owen Racecourse Series pony races at Bangor-on-Dee - 138 cm race between Taylor Fisher and Tom Hutsby This season has been particularly challenging with the equine influenza protocols, including nasal swabs for each pony every time it runs. This has affected our numbers to an extent but it is testament to the resilience of our participants and their parents that so many have continued to run this season. The Autumn also brings the start of our training days for the 2020 season. We will run 15 days jointly with the Pony Club between now and next Spring. And for the first time, we will be jointly running days for our more experienced jockeys with the Point-to-Point Authority delivered by BHA Jockey Coaches. Our training runs at every level and we are delighted our programme for children who don’t own their own ponies continues to go from strength to strength. With 5 established venues we will be looking to expand these in Charles Owen Racecourse Series pony races at Bangor-on-Dee - the future to ensure we reach new Edward Vaughan winning the 148 cm race audiences.

21 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY Words by Kate Hills

Over the past month the RaceTech OB was particularly evident at York in the and technical teams have covered a sixteen runner 4.50pm Nationwide number of festivals where we have been Accident Repair Services 1 Mile delighted with the results from some handicap on Friday 23rd August at of the new technological solutions we the Ebor Festival. What looked like a have developed for racing. The Reverse three-way dead heat for sixth place in Angle Photo Finish Camera is one such the standard mirror image, was in fact innovation launched earlier this year. shown by the Reverse Angle Camera to The camera has already proved its be a dead heat between two horses for worth, helping the judge’s decision on a sixth place with the other horse placed Mirror Image - York number of occasions. eighth. It is useful, not just for deciding the The BHA are continuing to collaborate winner, but for deciphering placed with the RCA on how a phased horses especially in a big field where introduction of this technology can every head bob, nose or whisker can progress across the racecourse make a difference to the result. This network.

We were also pleased to launch a new enhancement for racecourse customers at York which can be made available for any racecourse. The Data and Away Racing system acts like a second channel on the racecourse TV system and shows all away Reverse Angle Image - York racing at the touch of a button. It also shows betting information, jockey updates and general up to date detail for racegoers. Please do get in touch if you would like to know more about this newly available service.

Teamwork and Horsewomanship at The Start

Our starting stalls teams perform a vital supportive”. girth checks. We are aware the TV role throughout the year at racecourses cameras are on us a lot of the time but All RaceTech Stalls Handlers attend a 2 across the country. Their operation is you get used to that and just get on with day RaceTech training course at either well-organised and relies on excellent the job". the British Racing School or Northern teamwork ensuring a calm and orderly Racing College, followed by a further function to load the horses at the start 4 days training on the racecourse to of each flat race. prove they have the right skills and Nicole Woods is most certainly in knowledge for the role. Each handler the minority as a female starting has to be approved by RaceTech, and stall handler. She has become a fully receive accreditation from the BHA contracted member of the RaceTech before they can become a fully-fledged stalls team over the past year, along team member and work on a race day. with one other female employed on a Teamwork is the name of the game seasonal basis. with the starting procedure carefully mapped out to give each horse every Andy Peverell, Racing Operations opportunity to enter the stalls. Manager at RaceTech said, “Traditionally it has been seen as a job for the lads, but Nicole said, “I really enjoy the role and we’re delighted Nicole and others have being part of the team. I horses and bucked the trend as there is no reason you get to know some of the trickier or why a woman can’t fulfil the role as well nervous types and how best to handle as a man. Loading horses at the start them, it’s all about teamwork and of a race is a skilful task that is more horsemanship. There is a fair amount about horsemanship gained through of travelling although we tend to cover experience of handling racehorses and certain areas and the same courses”. youngsters than it is about strength or “I’ve got to know the jockeys and there’s force. Nicole has fitted in with the team plenty of girls riding, they all seem to very well, she has a lifetime’s experience trust me and come straight to me for with horses and the jockeys are very Nicole Woods

22 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2020 GODOLPHIN STUD AND STABLE STAFF AWARDS

Nominations officially opened as of Video submissions will again be awards for 2020. I would like to wish all Monday 2 September 2019, for the accepted in advance of the 2020 those who are nominated the best of 2020 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards, ensuring that the nominations luck on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Awards. procedure is as fair as possible for all Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum.” those involved, irrespective of their level The awards, now in their 16th year, Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the BHA, of written communication and language recognise and reward the outstanding said: “Those who work at yards and skills. skills, commitment and contribution studs up and down the country are the of over 10,000 stud and stable staff in It has also been announced that Alice backbone of our fantastic racing and , Scotland and Wales. Plunkett will be replaced by Rishi Persad breeding industries. on the Judging Panel, which will once Sponsored by Godolphin and run by the “These awards highlight year-on-year again by Chaired by Brough Scott. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in some of the people who are so devoted Awards will take place on Monday 24 association with the Racing Post and to our horses and who give so much February 2020 at The Underglobe, Racing TV, the awards provide total prize of their time to keep the show on the which is directly beneath Shakespeare’s money of £128,000 with up to £40,000 road. We are lucky to work alongside Globe on London’s South Bank. available to a single yard or stud. them and I look forward to hearing Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of more examples of their enthusiasm and Nominations will close on Tuesday Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said: “It is commitment in 2020.” 12 November and can be made by crucially important that we reward those anyone on behalf of anyone working in dedicated, hardworking people who do a yard or stud online at the Godolphin so much for the racing and breeding Stud and Stable Staff Awards website, industries and Godolphin is delighted studandstablestaffawards.co.uk. to be continuing its support of the

2019 Employee of the Year Catch Bissett receives her award at the Jumeriah Carlton Tower Hotel

23 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RACEHORSE OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Words by Pip Kirkby

Industry Ownership Strategy: Update

The ROA led Industry-wide Industry Ownership Strategy: which is generously supported by the HBLB, continues to make good progress on a range of areas which support the ownership experience.

Racecourse Quality Mark Scheme

The racecourse assessments scheme. In addition, together with (NARS) the scores will be instrumental undertaken by AA Hospitality Services the reports completed by the ROA in determining the 2019 ROA Gold to underpin the Racecourse Quality Raceday Committee, ROA member Standard Racecourses. Our thanks go Mark scheme are now complete. The feedback, and the scores by to Racecourses for their support. scores will be reviewed and will form racecourses in the visits undertaken by the basis of the 2019 Accreditation the National Association of Racing Staff

Industry Ownership Racedays

The Industry Ownership Racedays continue to progress well. The role of Owners is heightened and promoted as a result of the racedays, and Ownership is celebrated throughout the days.

The remaining 2019 racedays are scheduled as follows:

October Nottingham 02/10/2019 Wednesday November Hereford 12/11/2019 Tuesday November Wetherby 27/11/2019 Wednesday

Work is underway to develop the 2020 schedule of racedays and Racecourses are asked to submit their schedules/availability if not already completed.

Syndicates

Our thanks go to Kempton Park generous raceday badge allocation. Accreditation Scheme and a parallel Racecourse for their support of the We hope that we will be able to build on Quality Mark scheme which will provide pilot syndicate facility that we have this, and extend this across additional added security for syndicate members, developed. An additional facility was racecourses and racedays. and guidance around the experience provided for two racedays in September delivered by individual syndicates. for syndicates, which supported In addition, work is progressing on syndicate members with a very the development of a Syndicate

24 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

Words by Alice Thurtle

Breeders Badge Scheme

The TBA would like to thank the William Hill St Leger Festival, Members can apply for badges by following racecourses for their support Wednesday 11- Saturday 14 contacting [email protected] or in offering badges to TBA members. September phoning the TBA office (01638 661321). If you would further information on Please note that badges are limited and has kindly invited badges offers for our members then will be issued on a first come first served TBA members to apply for breeders’ please contact the TBA office on basis. The deadline for applications is badges for the William Hill St Leger [email protected] Wednesday 11 September. Festival. Members can apply for up to two badges per horse entered, and badges , 16 October will only be issued subject to the horse/s TBA members will also have the being declared to run. Applications opportunity to attend Nottingham must be made by midday on the day Racecourse on Wednesday 16 October. prior to the race and must be submitted by email to [email protected]. Members will be granted access on presentation of a valid TBA membership card on the day. Please ensure you have , 25 September your membership card or you will not be granted entry. Goodwood racecourse have kindly invited TBA members to join the TBA for their sponsored race on Wednesday 25 September.

THE THOROUGHBRED CLUB

The Thoroughbred Club is pleased to William Hill St Leger Festival Goodwood Racecourse announce a number of exciting ticket Doncaster Racecourse Wednesday 25 September offers for its members in September Friday 13 & Saturday 14 September and would like to thank the participating Members of the Thoroughbred Club racecourses. Members will have the chance to win are invited to join the TBA for their two Grandstand & Paddock badges sponsored race on Wednesday 25 For further information of badge for either the Friday or Saturday of September for Mid-week racing. offers, please contact info@ the William Hill St Leger Festival at Members can apply for badges by thethoroughbredclub.co.uk Doncaster Racecourse. The festival is contacting [email protected]. one of the most prestigious race weeks The deadline for applications is 11 of the British horse racing calendar and September. features the World’s Oldest Classic the St Leger. To enter simply email info@ thethoroughbredclub.co.uk with your name and contact details.

25 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page CAREERS IN RACING

Words by Michelle Douglas

Haydock Park and Newmarket July Course played host to Careers in Racing’s Explore Racing Days in August

On the 8th August a group of 45 people came to Haydock Park, ranging from Pony Club members, families, and people interested in joining the industry, travelling as far from the Isle of Man. The day was a roaring success and work experience placements at racecourses have been arranged following on from the day for members of the group who are looking to take their first steps into a career in the racing industry. The second Explore Racing Day took place in Newmarket on 23rd August, with a record breaking attendance of over 100 people. The day started out at the British Racing School with groups from The Urban Equestrian Academy Leicester, Mudchute Park and Farm, Haydock Park Explore Racing Day Ride High and many families from our prospects database. They all had careers talks, a go on the racehorse simulators and a behind the scenes tour of the British Racing School. The group then headed over to the Newmarket July course where we were provided with a marquee and afternoon tea to watch the afternoon racing and give tours of the racecourse. Careers advice was given to all of those interested and already applications to the BRS have been made. These days show the great work that can be done when Careers in Racing team up with racecourses to deliver positive outcomes for the next generation of racegoers and by offering a clear pathway of how to get into the Newmarket Explore Racing Day industry.

26 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

A word from partners of the RCA : Watt Fences, Duralock and an Overview of British Racing Dates

27 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page WATT FENCES

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT NATIONAL HUNT SEASON

Wattfences supply a full range of products for Racecourses across the UK and Ireland

One Fit Hurdles Markers & Directional Arrows Birch Hurdles

Our product range includes Hurdles and Fences made from natural birch, rubber and Plastic Birch, Gallop Rail, Wings, Directional Arrows, H & C Markers, start equipment and much more.

Running Rail Starter Equipment Wings

We are available to build & repack Steeplechase Fences onsite. We supply padding for all hurdles, fences, wings, gates, running rail posts etc.

WEBSITE TELEPHONE EMAIL www.wattfences.com +44 (0)1748822666 [email protected]

Watt Fences Ltd, Broken Brea Farm, Easby, North Yorkshire, DL10 7EY

28 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page DURALOCK

BOUNDARIES WITHOUT LIMITS MAKE AN IMPRESSION AT YOUR VENUE WITH OUR NEW PERSONALISED PERSPEX PANELS FOR CROWD BARRIER & GATES WHICH CAN BE DESIGNED TO INCORPORATE YOUR RACECOURSE’S LOGO & COLOURS.

AWAY FROM THE TRACK DURALOCK SUPPLY OTHER ANCILLARY SYSTEMS WHICH INCLUDE:

PICKET FENCING GATES MOVABLE BARRIERS

RACERAIL • POST & RAIL • CROWD BARRIERS • JUMP WINGS

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE

TELEPHONE VISIT OUR WEBSITE EMAIL +44 (0)1608 678238 www.duralock.com [email protected]

DURALOCK UK LTD. 6A ENSTONE BUSINESS PARK, ENSTONE, CHIPPING NORTON, OXFORDSHIRE, OX7 4NP

BOUNDARIES WITHOUT LIMITS

29 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page OVERVIEW OF BRITISH RACING ONE DAY SEMINARS 2019

a a a a gas sai in

“Learned ings a insr a didn’t n r r a aras insr i ing overwhelming”

“The s ran crs in I’ve

th r an in rs sars an • 25 September 2019 – Doncaster Racecourse crs content” Hosted by: th • 19 November 2019 – “Thank rn in a g Hosted by: Mick Fitzgerald a a rn I’m ci r r carr in racing” Do you want to develop your career in horseracing or perhaps you are new to the industry and would like to expand your knowledge of “Absolutely anasic a c the sport? Get a jump start with this seminar, delivered by the cains Bran ng College on behalf of the British Horseracing an inrs in industry” Authority (BHA). It offers a friendly and fascinating introduction to the world of racing. “Overall a gra inrcin Briis You will learn how the various organisations involved in racing work Racing cangs i is acing an together to deliver a compelling and highly popular sport. You will ran stakeholders” have the unique opportunity to questions of and discuss issues with some of racing’s most experienced people, as well as network “Whole a s inrai with other delegates from around the industry. recommend”

A packed covers many aspects of this complex sport. Subjects “Great a gra n an as covered include: g a gain rr insig in • The British Horseracing Authority; industry” • Racing’s Finances: • Racecourses; • Breeding and the stud industry; • Horse welfare • The rules of racing; A • The betting industry and the media; R A • The Racehorse Owners Association • Racing Administration (): • Racing Welfare. Whether you are new to the industry, are planning a career in the industry or simply want to learn more, this seminar is for you. This as cnac rrn Racing seminar will link to industry qualifications and will provide an g n r excellent platform for the BHA’S two qualifications: Level 1 Award in innrrnracingcgc An Introduction to the Horseracing Industry; and Level 2 Certificate in The Structure of the Horseracing Industry. For further information or visit www.careersinracing.com

30 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page DIARY DATES

Thursday 12 September Raceday Experience Forum Monday 16 September BHA Executive Committee Tuesday 17 September RCA Betting Advisory Group Wednesday 18 September Horserace Betting Levy Board Meeting Tuesday 24 September RaceTech Board Wednesday 25 September RCA Board & AGM

CONTRIBUTORS

Tansy Challis 07709 954620 [email protected] Clarissa Daly 01584 823783 [email protected] Michelle Douglas 020 7152 0020 [email protected] Lucy Gurney 07387 260980 [email protected] Kate Hills 07813947201 [email protected] Amanda Prior 0207 152 0103 [email protected] Rob Sage 07798 655427 [email protected] Alice Thurtle 01638 661321 [email protected]

RCA STAFF CONTACT LIST

David Armstrong 01344 873538 [email protected] Katya Browne 01344 873536 [email protected] Andy Clifton 01344 625723 [email protected] Holly Cook 01344 873536 [email protected] Caroline Davies 01344 873536 [email protected] Dan Franzen 01344 873537 [email protected] Sophie Hellyer 01344 625912 [email protected] Matthew Jones 01344 873536 [email protected] Paul Swain 01344 873536 [email protected] Jackie Tizzard 01344 873537 [email protected] Carol Walker 01344 873536 [email protected] Kevin Walsh 01344 625723 [email protected]

EDITOR: Carol Walker The Racecourse Association Ltd

UPDATE is also available on our website: www.racecourseassociation.co.uk

31 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page