March 2017 www.racecourseassociation.co.uk
updatenewsletter RCA Update Newsletter March 2017
Contents
RCA 03 Raceday Experience Group 04 07 Insight = Growth 06 Racecourse in Focus 07 Did You Know ...... 08 Medical 09 Badges & PASS / Technical 11 RCA News 12 Sponsorship 13 Five Minutes of Fame 15 GBR 16 GBRI 17 Racing to School 18 The Racing Foundation 19 Racing Welfare 20 The Thoroughbred Club 21 BHA 22 RaceTech 27 Watt Fences 28 Pitchcare 29 Careers in Racing 30 Job Board 31 Diary Dates / Contributors / 33 Staff Contact List
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Contents RCA Update Newsletter March 2017
RCA Honoured at European Association Awards 2017
The RCA tasted European success They added: “There was a lovely "The event is hosted completely for on 24 February as they collected a feeling to this entry, intimate and well the benefit of racecourses, providing Highly Commended Award for the connected and clearly trying to go them with a platform to share best 2016 Showcase & Awards at the beyond the 'usual suspects'. Very practice and enhance the overall European Association Awards in impressive feedback and a wide customer experience. This award Brussels. stakeholder base.” is really for the great support we receive from racecourses, Great Nominated as a Finalist in the Best Stephen Atkin, RCA Chief Executive, British Racing (GBR), our hosts Association Awards Event, the said: “I am very proud of the team Doncaster Racecourse and our RCA impressed the judges with the for all the hard work they have put generous partners Moët Hennessy seventh annual Showcase event into Showcase and this award is fully and the Racing Post." held at Doncaster Racecourse last deserved. November and partnered for the first The European Association Awards time by Moët Hennessy as well as “The Showcase & Awards have recognise exceptional achievements the Racing Post. With 13 Awards grown and evolved considerably and campaign excellence taking in total, the Showcase Awards since the inaugural event in 2011 place throughout Europe, at both in- celebrate excellence and innovation and to gain European recognition country and pan-EU levels. on British Racecourses in improving really is exceptionally pleasing. the customer experience. Winners were chosen from among “We must also thank the hosts more than 60 finalists, and include The European Association of Doncaster Racecourse and their both individuals and teams who have Communications Agencies won the team for assisting us in creating worked to ensure their organisation’s Awards Event category for their Euro such a wonderful event. Equally, we members’ voices are heard. Effie Awards with the RCA being are grateful for all of the racecourses awarded a Mark of Excellence. The who engage with the Showcase & Claire Wormsley, Managing Director judging panel commented: Awards and make it such a success, of Global Conference Network without them it would not be (GCN), the Award organisers, said, “The RCA's Showcase event possible.” “More than half of the ceremony saw a refreshing approach, great attendees were director level and partnerships and a good angle on Paul Swain, Racecourse Services above, and this reflects the real networking. This event appears Executive, added "the 2016 importance of these awards. to have brought a positive impact Showcase & Awards was a fantastic to its cause and objectives, while event for racecourses and to cap “Our judging panel, including providing insights for the attendees.” it off with such recognition is truly Secretary Generals from leading humbling. European Associations, worked diligently to review the entries. Selecting the final winners was not an easy task, and we’re very grateful for their support.
“Today’s winners should be proud. Earning a European Excellence Award is a significant achievement, and reflects the exceptional efforts and outstanding results they have achieved in the association sector.”
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Raceday Experience Group Raceday Experience Group
Image of Racing take place at Newbury Racecourse with staff training on responsible The Raceday Experience Group met on Monday 13 February and was represented by: Caroline Davies introduced the on Thursday 23 November. drinking. Caroline Davies (Chair) Kate McKee (Beverley) Image of Racing study which had Paul Swain introduced the refreshed Ilona Barnett (Stratford) Fred Motley (GBR) been approved by the RCA Board to Showcase Awards categories, Date of Next Meeting Chris Bevan (Ascot) Steve Parlett (Kempton Park) combat negative perceptions of the including Champion Racecourse, The next Raceday Experience Rob Boobyer (Newbury) Paul Swain (RCA) sport in the public consciousness. World of the Horse and Outstanding Meeting will take place on Tuesday Alex Eade (Goodwood) Amy Swales (York) Paul Swain added these perceptions Achievement. Jo Hall suggested 25 April at the BHA Offices, 75 High David Fraser (Harrison:Fraser) Katy Webster (Perth) were derived from nationally that applications for Champion Holborn, London from 11am. Fraser Garrity (Chelmsford City) Katie Wise (Jockey Club Racecourses) representative study and that Racecourse should follow the Jo Hall (Bath) Sophie Yates (Harrison:Fraser) racecourses were the best vehicles announcement of all Finalists to The full schedule of meetings can to deliver the agreed messaging. avoid wasted work. be found on the RCA website here. Please see below for an abridged of racegoers which would have a racecourse outside of raceday. The Group approved the proposed taskforce and looked version of the meeting minutes. For camera on the reverse to display the Beverley: Kate McKee stated Drinkaware Partnership more information on any aspect of famous Goodwood view when not in Beverley Racecourse was forward to updates from the RCA Caroline Davies confirmed the RCA the Raceday Experience Group, operation. capitalising on Hull being the City of Executive. had met with Drinkaware to discuss please contact Paul Swain or any Culture by creating a two-way live their partnership in 2017. The most member of the Group listed above. video portal at the racecourse to Showcase & Awards 2017 exciting element was the proposal give a snapshot of events in Hull city Caroline Davies confirmed the of an e-learning module bespoke Showcase & Awards 2017 would to the racecourse industry to assist Words by Paul Swain Good Ideas Roundtable centre and vice versa. Each member of the Group was invited to introduce a new initiative that has been, or was soon to be, implemented to enhance the customer experience. Highlights Ascot: Chris Bevan revealed included: Ascot would be providing ‘live’ Bath: Jo Hall stated that Bath would images from Royal Ascot to digital be trialling a pre-order service advertising space on London for racegoers to order food in the transport to showcase their flagship Year of Service upcoming season. event to commuters to inspire Paul Swain introduced the Year of Chelmsford City: Fraser Garrity interest. Service project to the Group, stating stated a Golden Ticket initiative Jockey Club Racecourses: Steve it would be two-fold to cover general would be introduced to the Fairwood Parlett updated the Group on the admission areas and premium Restaurant which would see one ‘Fill the Hill’ campaign at Epsom. service in hospitality and high lucky racegoer win a prize at He added the campaign would draw net worth customers which would random. He added the associated on nostalgia, basic service needs, include racehorse owners. PR would be popular on social locality, themed zones and improved media. F&B to entice more visitors during the Derby Festival.
Perth: Katy Webster stated Perth had finalised their e-ticketing system for the upcoming season which would help raceday operations. She Goodwood: Alex Eade revealed added branded merchandise for Goodwood would be installing a racegoers and horsemen was being new giant screen for the benefit developed to help promote the
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Insight = Growth
Turbo Charge Campaigns Phase two of the Insight = Growth study to ensure all racecourses Hamilton Park’s Chief Executive programme is well and truly benefit. Vivien Currie and her team are underway with the announcement eager to begin work on the Turbo of the first racecourses to receive a It is these case studies which Charge. “We’re honoured to ‘Turbo Charge’ campaign. are the key element of the Turbo have been selected as one of the Charge process, and consequently first Turbo Charge campaigns, Hamilton Park’s Family Super it will be important for a range especially in such illustrious Saturday, Doncaster’s St Leger of events to be put forward in company as Doncaster and Festival and Newmarket’s subsequent waves to ensure all Newmarket. We can’t wait to Cambridgeshire Meeting were the racecourses can find best practice get started with the team at Two events selected from the first wave within. Circles and of course share the of applications. learnings and hopefully successes from our activity.” A total of 14 applications were received, covering the length of the Chair of the judging panel Stephen country from Perth to Plumpton, Atkin commented “the high quality offering the panel of Stephen Atkin, of entries presented a difficult Rod Street and Nigel Roddis a challenge for my fellow judges bird’s-eye view of how racecourses and I as we deliberated which are utilising the best practice racecourses should be awarded provided by the programme thus a Turbo Charge in this first wave. far. Tori Dexter, Head of Marketing for We are confident that the three the Jockey Club East Region, was chosen racecourses will help A Turbo Charge campaign is a delighted to be selected. “I am a deliver three distinct, successful marketing campaign hosted by big advocate of the Two Circles campaigns alongside Two Circles the racecourse and supplemented Insight = Growth initiative, so am which will offer the sport a depth of by Two Circles offering a dual pleased Newmarket Racecourses best practice via the resulting case approach to sell more tickets and have been selected to work with studies. grow the event as a whole. Viable them to boost one of our key racing fixtures are those highlighted festivals. The Cambridgeshire “I was delighted to see the levels to within a racecourse’s top 20% for meeting has been showing steady which racecourses have adopted growth by Two Circles earlier in the growth year on year, so the team the best practice arising from the programme. and I are looking forward to trying Insight = Growth programme and some new tactics that will hopefully would encourage all racecourses turbo charge the Festival to the to consider an application for next level. waves two and three.”
Doncaster’s Head of Marketing Abby Chandler was equally buoyed by the news. “We are delighted that our St Leger Festival will benefit from a Turbo Charge campaign in 2017. The Insight = Growth initiative is helping The provision of a Turbo Charge shape the way in which we think campaign was dependent on about how we acquire and retain the racecourse demonstrating visitors to Doncaster and we are a commitment to the Insight = looking forward to sharing our Growth programme, offering an learning from this campaign with all ambitious set of KPIs to aim for racecourses.” and the willingness to share the Words by Paul Swain results with the sport with a case
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Racecourse in Focus
Hamilton Park
With a history that dates back to 1782, Hamilton Park forms part of Scotland’s great sporting heritage and they have been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to staging racing in Great Britain. Home to the first evening fixture in 1947 and even the first morning meeting in 1971, the team at Hamilton Park are keen to continue innovating in search of excellence and enhancement of the raceday experience.
Having achieved success with music events, both on a raceday and as standalone concerts, the Hamilton team, led by chief executive Vivien Currie, were keen to explore the viability of taking the music and racing experience to a new level.
The results were hugely impressive and saw the event named as a Finalist at the 2016 RCA Showcase & Awards. Attendance on the equivalent fixture grew by 86% to 6,649, helping dramatically grow admissions revenue as well as bar and food spend.
The raceday established itself in the first year as a must go to event and looks set to grow and grow, maintaining Hamilton Park’s place as one of the most pioneering racecourses in the country.
Having secured a fixture swap, they made use of a new twilight fixture in September, creating a unique race night, showcasing live racing, high-quality racing elsewhere in the country and multiple music acts before and after racing. Words by Will Aitkenhead
The Music Festival Racenight lasting 11 hours, with eight bands and seven races, was believed to be the first of its kind in Britain with performances either side of the racing, headlined by the hugely popular Scottish act Glasvegas and supported by The View. The key to the success of the event would be in early footfall, maximising the four hour period before the first race and also maintaining the crowd for longer after the last race.
Promotion of the event was supported by partner Ticketmaster while a special bus service operated from Glasgow and there was an exclusive student offer for the nearby Universities.
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Did You Know...
Words by Holly Cook
The biennial Racecourse Medical Conference will For further information about either event, please be held at Warwick Racecourse on Tuesday 25 contact Holly Cook. April 2017. The programme has been developed by members of the RCA Medical Group, based on feedback from Racecourse Medical Officers, and includes presentations from the Medical Advisers to the RCA, Point to Point Authority and RFU, along with representatives of the National Ambulance Resilience Unit and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority. The day will also feature a number of discussions relating to real-life racing scenarios.
This will be followed on 26 April 2017 by the first in a series of Major Incident Awareness Courses, developed by the RCA Medical Adviser in conjunction with BHA.
Both events are designed to appeal to racecourse medical teams, and other members of racecourse staff, particularly Clerks of the Course and Operations Managers, are encouraged to attend.
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Medical
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Medical
COURSE OVERVIEW: A comprehensive advanced trauma course designed for UK doctors. It will enable the provider to respond and deal with trauma emergencies and is ideal for individuals who work in the Pre-Hospital arena and require an advanced level of skills and interventions. This is the only UK based trauma course designed for the British clinician as it includes the recommended practices from bodies such as PRE HOSPITAL TRAUMA JRCALC, NICE, the Resuscitation Council as well as the MANAGEMENT Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Course Code: PHTM CONTENT OVERVIEW: Duration: 2 Days Scene size up/survey, Mechanism of Injury, Rapid Trauma, Primary and Secondary Patient Assessment, The role of the senior clinician and trauma co-ordination, Ambulance Maximum delegates: 12 practitioner breakdown and their role, Airway Management including Endotracheal intubation, LMA, i-Gel and surgical airways, Head Trauma, Chest Trauma, Spinal Trauma and For more information on this Immobilization, Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma including or any other course we offer pelvic splinting, Trauma Management including fractures, visit WWW.MEDIPRO.CO.UK Splints, Collars, Spinal Boards, KED, Traction , Burns, Extremes of Temperature, Fluid Resuscitation and IV or feel free to contact us via access, Documentation and recording, Elderly Trauma, phone or email Paediatric trauma and the specifics of managing children, 01325 609030 The Trauma Cardiopulmonary Arrest, Barotrauma and [email protected] Decompression Injury, Skill stations including IO Access, needle decompression and emergency surgical cricothyrotomy, Tranexamic Acid and the effects on heamorrhage control, CAT tourniquets, UK major trauma centres and their role, Air support.
AWARDING BODIES/ CERTIFICATES: Below areCOURSE dates for DATES: our 2 day BHA Approved Following written and practical examinations a PRE HOSPITAL TRAUMA MANAGEMENT certificate will be awarded which is valid for 3 years from COURSE.25th - 26th March 2017 the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. 4th - 5th May 2017 25.03.201715th – - 16thMedipro June center 2017 Darlington 04.05.2017– Medipro center Darlington PRE-REQUISITES: 15th - 16th July 2017 15.06.2017 – Mussleburgh Students are required to be a qualified, 13th - 14th Sept 2017 15.07.2017– Medipro center Darlington - Paramedic 26th - 27th Oct 2017 13.09.201725th – - 26thNottingham Nov 2017 - Nurse 26.10.2017– Medipro center Darlington 14th - 15th Dec 2017 - Ambulance Technician 25.11.2017 – Cheltenham in order to attend this course. 14.12.2017– Medipro center Darlington
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Badges & PASS 2017
RCA & Press Badge Badge Posters Lists 8 copies of the large poster and 4 copies of the A4 sized Copies of the lists of 2017 poster for 2017 have been RCA and Press Badge sent to all racecourses. Extra holders are available on copies and electronic copies request. are available on request.
Missing Badges
RCA: 235, 908, 1216, 1255, 2059 Press: 103 PJA: 9, 160, 333 NTF: 244, 426, 427, 507, 508, 833, 834, 846, 847, 878, 879, 909, 910, 1136, 1327, 1328, 1347, 1348 Officials: 78
Technical
Racecourse Groundstaff Courses
The dates and locations for the 2017 Racecourse Groundstaff Courses have now been finalised as follows:
25-26 April 2017 – Introduction to Racecourse Groundsmanship Course (Foundation) at Cheltenham Racecourse
19-24 November 2017 – Turf Management at The British Racing School
For more information on upcoming IOG courses or to reserve a place on any of the above courses please contact Lisa Gray at the Institute of Groundsmanship, 28 Stratford Office illage,V Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill, Milton Keynes, MK12 5TW, Tel: 01908 312511.
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RCA News
Claire Sheppard appointed Chief Executive of the TBA with her and her team in further strengthening the relationship between the RCA and TBA.”
Julian Richmond-Watson, Chairman of the TBA said: “I am delighted that Claire has agreed to become the TBA’s Chief Executive Officer.
“She brings a wealth of experience in racing administration and a personal interest in the sport. She has a good relationship with many of the key stakeholders within racing and has a track record of delivering strategic objectives as CEO.
“We all look forward to working with her to achieve the best outcomes for our members across the many facets of the breeding industry.”
Claire Sheppard commented: “I am thrilled to be offered this vital role within the industry, leading Claire Sheppard will be leaving the RCA on 1 June the team that represents the interests of British to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer of the thoroughbred breeders. I look forward to ensuring Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. TBA members are supported during these challenging times, and to working with the Board of Trustees and Stephen Atkin, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Racing’s stakeholders to promote British bloodstock’s Association said: “Claire has been a much valued global reputation. member of the RCA team and we are very appreciative of her leadership and tireless efforts on fixture, funding “I am personally very grateful for the opportunities and race planning matters, which are of critical presented to me by the RCA and wish to thank all importance for racecourses. We are, of course, sad the RCA staff, RCA Board and racecourse members to lose her, but all here at the RCA wish Claire every for their assistance throughout my time as Racing success in her new role and we look forward to working Director.”
Kelly Mercer left the role of Marketing Executive at the RCA on 3 March. She has been a great asset to the RCA team in her 5 years of working here, in recent years being a champion of the Racegoers Club and the key instigator in modernising the brand and offer.
We thank Kelly for all her hard work on behalf of the RCA and Racegoers Club, and wish her all the very best in the future.
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Sponsorship
The Sponsorship Stakes – 2016 Overview
Below is an overview of race sponsorship activity in 2016, produced by Mary-Ann Sandercock, using data provided by the RCA, Racing Calendar and the European Breeders Fund.
General = Races that went ahead in 2016
Total races 10,161 Total sponsored races 8,233 81% sponsored (2015 10,140 (2015 8,288) 2015 82% sponsored Total AW races 2,397 Total sponsored AW races 2,107 88% sponsored (2015 2,336) (2015 2,075) 2015 89% sponsored Total Turf Flat races 3,960 Total sponsored Tu rf Flat races 3,165 80% sponsored (2015 3,985) (2015 3,203) 2015 80% sponsored Total Jumps races 3,804 Total sponsored Jumps races 2,961 7 8 % sponsored (2015 3,819) (2015 3,010) 2015 79% sponsored
Total Prize Value of Races Sponsored (not sponsorship contributions): £124,785,417 2015 Total Value of Races Sponsored £120,553,541
Top 10 Sectors by number of races sponsored Top 10 Sectors by prize value
Sector Total races % of total Sector Value sponsored Betting 2016 3,427 42% Betting 2016 £45,469,129 2015 3,711 45% 2015 £46.263.595 Bloodstock 2016 702 8% Holdings Company 2016 £13,667,575 2015 761 9% 2015 £12.986,133 Private/Individual 2016 581 7% Bloodstock 2016 £11,108,731 2015 519 6% 2015 £10,729,371 Food Drink/Industry 2016 479 6% Food/Drink 2016 £ 8,103,830 2015 429 5% Industry 2015 £ 7.255.635 Construction 2016 338 4% Finance 2016 £ 5,343,214 2015 295 4% 2015 £ 5,432.538 Finance 2016 185 2% Tourism 2016 £ 5,310,220 2015 215 3% 2015 £ 5,432,538 Motoring 2016 177 2% Private/Individual 2016 £ 4,771,280 2015 163 2% 2015 £ 4,102,524 Hotel/Pub/Restaurant 2016 131 2% Construction 2016 £ 3,211,053 2015 142 2% 2015 £ 2,533,738 Charity 2016 126 1% Racing 2016 £1,904,016 2015 140 2% Administration 2015 £1,845,770 Insurance 2016 110 1% Insurance 2016 £ 1,691,004 2015 xx 1% 2015 xx xx = Not in the top 10 in 2015
The European Breeders Fund (EBF) jointly sponsored 397 races (in addition to 233 sole EBF sponsored races); the joint sponsors have been included in their respective sectors and the EBF jointly sponsored races have also been included in the Bloodstock sector.
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Sponsorship
The Sponsorship Stakes – 2016 Overview
Top 10 Sponsors by number of races sponsored Top 10 sponsors by prize value
Sponsor Races % Sponsor Races Value Totepool 2016 734 9% Qipco* 2016 36 £10,339,025 2015 745 9% 2015 27 £12,986,138 32Red 2016 635 8% Totepool 2016 734 £7,693,497 2015 673 8% 2015 745 £ 7,503,393 EBF 2016 630 8% EBF 2016 630 £7,106,951 2015 713 9% 2015 713 £7,400,983 Betfred 2016 278 3% Betfred 2016 278 £6,722,525 2015 270 3% 2015 270 £7,546,170 188Bet 2016 265 3% 32Red 2016 635 £5,950,677 2015 xx xx 2015 673 £4,760,904 Ladbrokes 2016 207 2% Qatar 2016 7 £3,383,020 2015 318 4% 2015 12 £3,300,000 Apollobet 2016 181 2% Gigaset* 2016 15 £3,312,750 2015 xx xx 2015 15 £2,887,269 Betway 2016 179 2% Investec 2016 22 £3,155,000 2015 xx xx 2015 25 £3,001,265 Coral 2016 150 2% Coral 2016 150 £3,077,118 2015 237 3% 2015 237 £3,316,363 Unibet 2016 139 2% Bet365 2016 111 £2,659,887 2015 306 4% 2015 xx xx *Qipco and Gigaset were joint partners of Royal Ascot and the prize value of the 30 Ascot Races have been included in the above figures, split between these sponsors.
xx = Not in the top 10 in 2015
If you have any questions about this report please contact Mary-Ann Sandercock on 07786 925803, or email [email protected].
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5 MINUTES OF FAME
Russell Bowes
Chief Executive Plumpton Racecourse
On what day of the week were you born and what was Which tune is the most played on your iTunes number one in the charts? Anything Ed Sheeran…. It was a Sunny Tuesday Give a little love – Bay City Rollers What’s your guilty pleasure? Not sweet stuff, I'm a sucker for Cheese…. When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up? Name one thing drives you crazy? I wanted to be a Sports Physio. Out of date advertising, banners, websites etc. If it’s I have no idea why, I just wanted to be involved in happened remove it….. advertise the next thing, it sport. drives me mad…..
What makes you tick? If you weren’t at work today, what might you be doing Going the extra mile and over delivering expectations. instead Messing around with my kids. What is your favourite racing memory? My first Grand National, working up at Aintree for If you were writing your autobiography the name of it the first time in 2005 and the difference in the crowd would be ------between the Friday and the Saturday was staggering Keep it simple do it well….. with the crowd and atmosphere on both days electric. What do you find most rewarding? What’s the daftest work related question you have Turning difficult customers round when they seem ever been asked? impossible to deal with at first to them leaving the At the 2012 Games when I was the General Manager conversation with a thank you and a smile for the Beach Volleyball venue at Horseguards Parade, we were asked by a member of the public What is your most bizarre talent on day 4 if we had found the diamond from her Turning my eyelids inside out…. engagement ring she had lost the night before…. What is something about you that most people don’t With 500,000 spectators during the games at our know venue it seemed highly unlikely that we would find it, I used to be in the England Freestyle Ski Team. but indeed to my surprise I did find it and reunited her with it.
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Great British Racing
In The Paddock After the recent launch of our new site, inthepaddock.co.uk which promotes the thrill of shared ownership, there are now over 100 syndicates listed on the site. Following the BHA’s recent announcements on syndicates, the Code of Conduct has been listed on the site and all listed ownership entities will need to confirm that they adhere to this when it is subsumed into the Rules of Racing, later this year. We would be grateful if all racecourses could support the site and syndicates at a local level by using the asset pack, which we sent out which includes racecard adverts and a video including an ad for big screens.
February Stobart Jockey of the Month James Best has won February’s Stobart Jockey of the Month, seeing off competition from brothers Sam and Willy Twiston-Davies. His winning ride on the outsider, Pilgrims Bay in the BetBright Chase at Kempton Park on 25 February was, in his own words, “the biggest win of my career.”
James is awarded £1000 plus £500 to his charity of choice – The Injured Jockeys Fund.
Cheltenham Press Trips
Nicky Henderson Colin Tizzard
Ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, we visited several yards including those of Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, Colin Tizzard and Nigel Twiston-Davies to get the scoop on their runners. All of the interviews were featured on Sky Sports and The Sun, they can be viewed here. We’ll also be releasing a Bluffer’s Guide to The Festival and a series of day by day video guides for new fans to the sport and have been working to place interviews with some of the leading contenders ahead of next week.
QIPCO British Champion Series
The year is off to a flying start and it won’t be too long before the QIPCO Guineas Festival on 6-7 May marks the beginning of this year’s thrilling QIPCO British Champions Series. Entries for the first Classic of the season were announced on Wednesday and you can catch up with all of those targeting the race at Britishchampionsseries.com.
Words by Hanisa North
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Great British Racing International
Words by Bobby Jackson
GBRI Members Club
The 2017 Great British Racing To increase the number of International (GBRI) Members Club individuals nominating their continues to be well supported by international clients, the GBRI team industry professionals. are visiting as many trainers as possible across the country in order In recognition of their valuable to inform them about the benefits of contribution to British Racing, the the Club, as well as the other key GBRI Members Club ensures that strategies GBRI are implementing international owners can experience at the moment. the best the sport has to offer by organising bespoke packages when We have already had members If you have any feedback or they visit. organise trips to Sandown Park and questions regarding GBRI’s work Ascot, with visits to the Cheltenham please do not hesitate to contact International owners from 29 Festival in the pipeline, so we would Bobby Jackson on different countries have now been like to take this opportunity to thank 0207 152 0132 or nominated by over 25 Flat and all racecourses for their continued [email protected] National Hunt based trainers and support of the initiative. we would be delighted to hear bloodstock agents, with more from you. nominations coming in all of the time.
Cheltenham Festival
During this year’s Cheltenham Festival we will be hosting international guests from different locations all across the world. This group, made up of people already involved in racing or looking to invest, incorporates international owners, trainers and businessmen.
The Festival represents the perfect opportunity to showcase British Jump Racing to an international audience at what are four of the finest days in the racing calendar.
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Racing To School
Pony Clubbers enjoy a first visit to Towcester through Racing to School’s Riders' Programme
Around 20 Pony Club members attended the Racing his yard and an outline of the many varied roles on offer to School Riders’ Programme event at Towcester across the sport. Racecourse on 15 February. The Riders’ Programme is one of the charity’s new programmes that is offered free The team at Racing to School is always pleased to hear to young people who already have some connection feedback on our events. “For April it has added another with horses. dimension to possible directions for her future career. Within Pony Club, we shall certainly be spreading the The group donned their colourful jockey silks – a word about what an amazing experience it was to be trademark of our activity days – and enjoyed an able to come today, and encouraging members to take informative guide through the stewards’ and judges’ the opportunity in future,” said one parent. The Riders’ areas in the hands of Clerk, Rob Bellamy. Trainer Programme Pilot has proved a great success and future Ben Pauling was also on hand to give an enthusiastic days are planned. overview of life as a trainer, describing the workings of
Ben Pauling talks to Pony Club members about being a trainer and life at a racing yard
Trustee News Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards
Racing to School welcomes Andrew Merriam to The charity’s Programme Manager Ollie McPhail was the Board of Trustees as the BHA’s representative. pleased to be part of the judging panel for this year’s Andrew is very well-known within the sport and is Godolphin Stud and Stable staff awards. “All the finalists an independent non-executive board director of the were worthy of their nominations and they made it really BHA, as well as owning National Hunt and Point to difficult for us,” said Ollie. Pointers. Congratulations to them all, in particular overall winner The charity is fortunate to have someone with so Terry Doherty from Watership Down Stud. much hands-on experience of racing and Andrew replaces Morag Gray, who will stay with us as an independent Board member. Words by Emily Tickridge
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The Racing Foundation
Substantial Response from Trainers and Stable Staff to the Industry Recruitment, Skills and Retention Survey
At the end of last year, the industry appealed to trainers The results confirm that recruitment, skills and retention and stable staff to participate in a survey focusing issues are having a significant impact on the racing on recruitment, career progression and retention of industry, but also indicate that the programmes currently those working in racing. The main aim of the survey being offered and developed as part of the Racing was to provide baseline information to help shape and Foundation-funded initiative are being appropriately evaluate a major £1million initiative, being funded by targeted in an industrywide attempt to address the the Racing Foundation, to support the development problems. The results will provide a baseline against and retention of racing’s workforce. This initiative is which progress can be monitored and impact can be being led by the BHA and delivered by a range of measured over the coming years. organisations including JETS, Racing Welfare, BRS, NRC, TBA and The National Stud. A pdf of all key findings is available on the Racing Foundation website: The survey, endorsed by the NTF and NASS, generated www.racingfoundation.co.uk/latestnews or by emailing: a substantial response, with 457 trainers and 936 racing [email protected] staff taking part, providing invaluable feedback on a range of issues.
Key findings from the survey include: Words by Tansy Challis
• 48% of permanent vacancies in the racing industry are hard to fill. • 19% of trainers reported retention difficulties. • 29% reported a lack of sufficiently skilled staff. • 51% of trainers have not been able to fund or arrange training and development for their staff in the last 12 months. • Whilst 80% of stable staff are satisfied with their jobs, only 29% received training and development in the last 12 months and 21% stated that they are likely to consider leaving the industry within two years.
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Racing Welfare
Rewards4Racing Announces the You Spend, We Give Charity Partnership with Racing Welfare Rewards4Racing, the rewards Rewards4Racing one of our aims programme for racegoers, has was to make a real contribution to formed an exciting new partnership the racing industry and give back with Racing Welfare, the charity to this amazing sport. In 2016 supporting the workforce of British 87,000 Rewards4Racing members horseracing. spent over £13.8million with the programme’s online and in-store As of now, Rewards4Racing will be retailers, now every time there is a Racing Welfare, founded in donating to Racing Welfare each shopping transaction from one of 2000, endeavours to enhance time a member makes a purchase our members through the system, the wellbeing of people from the through the Rewards4Racing Racing Welfare will benefit” racing and breeding community, website with one of their 4,000 plus Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive by providing comprehensive and retailers which include Booking. of Racing Welfare said: “We individual support throughout com, Argos and AO.com. Members are thrilled to be supported by and after their working lives. The will still receive their full allocation Rewards4Racing. Not only will the, charity’s work aims to ensure that of points from Rewards4Racing You Spend, We Give, partnership no-one from the thoroughbred but at the same time they will be raise significant essential funds for racing and breeding community is giving back to the racing industry, the charity, it will also ensure that left unsupported and that everyone through the donation made by the racing fans who are customers has the opportunity to thrive. Rewards4Racing. of Rewards4Racing are able to find out more about the vital role that Josh Apiafi, Co-Founder and Racing Welfare plays in supporting Director of Rewards4Racing racing’s workforce.” said: “When we started Words by Rachel Cawley
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The Thoroughbred Club
Shatabdi Foals On 7 February, the Thoroughbred Club received The early signs, that Blue might one day emulate her the exciting news that one of the club-followed half-siblings on the racecourse, are positive, as she broodmares, Shatabdi, had foaled. The 15-year-old has been described as a filly with, “plenty of bone”. She mare, previously in training with Nicky Henderson and will, hopefully, build on this promising physique during now housed at the Waley-Cohens’ Upton Viva Stud, the six months she has with her mother before weaning gave birth to her third filly in “textbook” fashion. Both begins. are now in reportedly perfect health. Shatabdi, meanwhile, assuming she is clear of infection Stable named ‘Blue’, her sire being Blue Bresil, she and shows herself to be back in season, will imminently is the sixth foal Shatabdi has delivered since her be shipped to Ireland for her next covering. This cover retirement in 2009. Thus far, three of those five have is to be with none other than Min and Douvan’s sire made a racecourse debut. All the Answers (6-y-o), Walk In The Park - a very exciting proposition. by Thistlecrack’s sire Kayf Tara, trained by Joseph O’Brien, has carried the McManus silks to victory As ever, for breeders and bloodstock enthusiasts, on three occasions, in bumper, novice hurdle and this is a very exciting time of the year. Hope and handicap hurdle company. Likewise, Jameson (5-y-o), expectation watch over every delivered foal and each Henderson for Dai Walters, has recorded success with consummated cover, as the addicts who fuel this a bumper win at Bangor-On-Dee. The Jaffna Queen, fantastic sport, search, with eternal fixation, for their trained in France by Dominique Bressou, handler of next champion. French Jumps champion Milord Thomas, has yet to be placed in two attempts on the flat. Words by Tallulah Lewis
TTC Full Members have priority access to all our events and can book a place via the Events page on the website thethoroughbredclub.co.uk
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British Horseracing Authority
Stud and Stable Staff Awards
Terry Doherty, Stud Manager for Watership Down Doherty was also presented with a cheque for £30,000, Stud, was crowned Employee of the Year 2017 at the of which £20,000 will be shared amongst the staff Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards last month. at Watership Down Stud, part of £120,000 in prize money which was awarded on the evening by sponsors Terry was awarded with the perpetual Godolphin Godolphin. Trophy by special guest presenter Freddy Tylicki, alongside presenter Ed Chamberlin and Stobart Terry has been Stud Manager of Watership Down for Champion Jump Jockey Richard Johnson. 24 years and was earlier in the evening presented the prize as winner of the Stud Staff Award.
The other winners were:
Leadership Award: Dedication to Racing Award: Rory O’Dowd – Brian Meehan Colin Nutter – Sir Mark Prescott Runners up: Runners up: Michael Finn – Graeme McPherson Kim Jones – Malcolm Saunders Hayley Kelly – Mark Johnston Bryn Walker – Hugo Palmer
Rider/Groom Award: David Nicholson Newcomer Award: Jamie Bunsell – Paul Henderson Elisha Whittington – Tom Dascombe Runners up: Runners up: Jason Favell – William Haggas Anthony Lynch – Wadacre Stud Chetan Singh – Andrew Balding June Palmer Kimpton – Ben Haslam
Stud Staff Award: Rory Macdonald Community Award: Terry Doherty – Watership Down Stud Sarah Monkman – Racing Welfare Runners up: Runners up: Jo Brown – Overbury Stud Gary Humphries – Godolphin James Fitz-John – Swanbridge Bloodstock Kevin Parsons – National Association of Stable Staff
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British Horseracing Authority
Race Planning
Two-year-old Novice and Maiden Programme As recently announced, the majority of maiden with historic meaning. The Racing Group also recently races from 1 July onwards will be altered to novice agreed to an increase in the number of auction novice events. Some races will be retained as maiden races, and auction races for two-year-olds, especially over primarily those that previously contained conditions longer distances. such as “which have not run” or which have some
Two-year-old Races for Stallions which won over 10f and 12f We will be reviewing the programme of two-year- very soon. While some races have worked well, others old maiden races for horses sired by stallions have been quite disappointing, so we’ll be looking to which won over 12f or further, and will be making improve the programme and remove under-achieving recommendations to the European Breeders’ Fund races.
Two-year-old 10f Maiden Races As part of our staying race initiatives, we will be seeking to add a handful of 10f two-year-old maiden races to the programme in October, November and December.
Additional Three-year-old 12f Maiden Races We are adding further 12f three-year-old maiden races in the second half of the season. We will look to plug gaps in the programme rather than enhance the value of existing races and racecourses will be offered these races in the coming weeks.
Other New Race Types The Racing Group is keen to add variety to the race programme and has recently discussed each of the below race types. We would like to hear from any racecourse wishing to programme one of these race types, for incorporation into the third and fourth quarter flat programme.
1. High Value Claimers – races of £8,000 TPF or more, with maximum claiming prices of £25,000-£30,000 from July onwards; maximum of eight races up to the end of September. 2. Optional Claiming races – we are looking to programme a maximum of 12 two-year-old auction races (novice or maiden) in which horses which would otherwise not be qualified to enter the race, are eligible to run if connections allow the horse to be subject to claims; such claims will be equal to the maximum auction price of the race. For example, in a novice auction race in which horses must have been purchased for £20,000 or less, a horse purchased for £20,001 or more may enter, but will be available to claim for £20,000. 3. Veterans’ races – we want to hear from any racecourse which wants to stage a race for six-year-olds and upwards, primarily at 8f or more. We would wish to programme a maximum of eight such races from July to October. 4. Confined races – last autumn we began programming races for horses which had not won a race within the previous 12 months, but which had been placed at least once during that time. We wish to extend the programme of these races, up to a maximum of 10 races from July to October.
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British Horseracing Authority
Return of Plus 10 Bonus Racing
With the return of the flat turf season in April, Plus 10 More than 400 two-year-old races will feature a Plus £10,000 bonuses will once again feature prominently 10 bonus in Britain this year, as well as about 60 three- across the two-year-old programme. year-old races.
Racecourses are thanked for their support of the scheme in previous seasons and are encouraged to continue to present the Plus 10 cheques and promote bonus races on Twitter using @Plus10bonus and #Plus10 #bonusracing.
Since March 2015, more than £8 million in bonus prize money has been won, shared amongst the owners, breeders and trainers of more than 770 horses.
For more information, contact: [email protected] or +44(0)20 7152 0026.
Goodwood Cup and Queen’s Vase Upgraded
The European Pattern Committee from Listed to Group 2 status, and These upgrades form part of a (EPC) recently gave the green light its distance has been altered to 14 broader plan to safeguard the future to upgrades of prominent stayers’ furlongs. of the flat staying horse in British races, the Qatar Goodwood Cup racing, with other elements set and the Queen’s Vase at the Royal Both races will receive substantial to include substantial investment meeting. prize money boosts, and these in prize money and further upgrades are supported by further, enhancements at grass-roots level. The Goodwood Cup has been complementary, enhancements to upgraded to Group 1 status, while the stayers’ Black Type programme the Queen’s Vase has been the across Europe.. subject of an exceptional upgrade
BHA and Mind Team up to Tackle Mental Health
We appointed mental health workplace wellbeing events and understand that being in a mate’s charity Mind as an advisory body activities and reaching out to local corner can make a big difference to assist the sport in achieving its communities through linking BHA if they’re experiencing a mental commitments to the Mental Health with the local Mind network to health problem, and that there are Charter for Sport and Recreation. deliver events and activities. simple things we can all do, such as reaching out by text or phone, We will be working with Mind to We will also be promoting the listening without judging and being ensure we meet our obligations to national “#InYourCorner” campaign yourself and not changing with that the mental health charter, including which is designed to improve person. supporting the mental health and attitudes towards mental health, wellbeing of staff through delivering especially among men under the You can find out more about Mind mental health awareness training, age of 45. The #InYourCorner by visiting www.mind.org.uk. supporting the BHA to deliver campaign wants people to
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British Horseracing Authority
British Racing Industry Roadshows Thank you to the racecourses for their support and attendance at our recent British racing industry roadshows.
The events are an important opportunity for racing’s leadership team to discuss the latest news and developments affecting our sport. They are also a vital opportunity for stakeholders and participants to provide their feedback and have their say on important matters. BHA CEO Nick Rust answering a question at the British racing industry roadshow held recently The annual events will continue in at York Racecourse. He is joined on the ‘question time’ panel by (L-R): Rod Street, GBR CEO, 2018. Lisa Hancock, The Injured Jockeys Fund CEO, Stephen Atkin, RCA CEO, Philip Freedman, The Horsemen’s Group Chairman & Rupert Arnold, NTF CEO
Code of Conduct for Syndicates
Recently, we launched a Syndicate highlights a number of basic The Code is part of a package Code of Conduct to promote requirements all syndicators will of reforms set to simplify the transparency and ensure syndicate need to ensure are met. It will be administration of racehorse members are better protected the first time the Rules of Racing ownership and is one of many and informed when entering into will include specific protection for changes set to improve racehorse syndicate ownership. syndicate members and it is hoped ownership and promote syndication. this will improve the confidence of The Code, which is a response to prospective and existing owners in the continued growth of syndication, the syndicate market.
BHA Racing Department Contacts
Following recent changes made to the Racing Department, race planners have been assigned to the following courses, with contact details supplied.
Words by Sheena Coffey
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British Horseracing Authority
Emma Marley Appointed as Head of Raceday Operations at BHA
The British Horseracing Authority is pleased to As Head of Raceday Operations Emma will announce the appointment of Emma Marley to the report to the Director of Integrity and Regulatory position of Head of Raceday Operations. Operations, Brant Dunshea, and have responsibility for management of various raceday regulatory teams Emma, who is currently Racing Manager and Clerk of including the Racecourse Inspectorate, Starters, Clerks Course at Ayr Racecourse, will join the BHA in April of Scales and Judges. In addition to this the role will 2017. involve oversight of racecourse licensing, Point to Point racing and the BHA’s relationship with the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO).
Emma Marley said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the BHA team, utilising my years of experience in the horseracing industry. I have enjoyed a memorable seven years at Ayr, and sincerely thank the Directors and Ayr staff for their vital support”.
Brant Dunshea, Director of Integrity and Regulatory Operations for the BHA, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Emma to the team. This is such an important role for the BHA and for the operation of the sport, and the quality of applications we received reflected that. Emma really stood out, not only because of her proven track record at both Bath and Ayr, but also her understanding of the racing industry as a whole, which is reflected in her qualifications and participation in the Horseracing MBA”.
David Brown, Ayr Managing Director, added: “Emma has been an outstanding contributor to Ayr’s success during the seven years that she has spent here. Although we will be sad to lose her we are delighted that she will be able to further and develop her career at the very heart of British Racing. We wish her and the BHA even greater success in the years to come”.
Well known to many in racing, Emma participated in the BHA Graduate Development Programme in 2007 after completing a Bachelors degree in Business Management for the Horseracing Industry. Following this Emma has held various roles within the industry The next intake of students for the Horseracing including the position of Clerk of Course at Bath MBA start in early October and the University is Racecourse before moving into the role at Ayr in 2010. recruiting now.
Emma is also presently completing the Thoroughbred The MBA runs part-time over two years and more Horseracing Industries MBA through Liverpool information can be seen here or email Neil Coster University as part of the inaugural intake of this at [email protected] for further details on the recently developed post-graduate program. programme content and scholarships.
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RaceTech
Words by Kate Hills
Over the past few months RaceTech has been recently streamed Cheltenham Festival previews developing a basic Racecourse TV package to be live from racecourses, we would be very happy to used by racecourses at standard meetings. It is very discuss any live streaming requirements you may be much aimed at enhancing the customer’s experience considering. on arrival, during the first 90 minutes, the time between gates opening and the first race. RaceTech is delighted to again be working with the Arabian Racing Organisation for 2017. ARO’s season begins on Sunday 17 May at Wolverhampton, the seasonal highlight being the Dubai International Arabian Race meeting at Newbury on Sunday 30 July. ARO has increased their fixture list for 2017 and are excited to be upgrading towards full integrity services. The races will therefore be utilising a full camera crew for stewarding purposes as well as photo finish and starting stalls.
We are also looking forward to continuing our association with Pony Racing for 2017. RaceTech will continue to support the Point-to-Point pony racing covering the Championships and Point-to-Point Pony Racing Graduate Award. The presentations will again take place at Cheltenham in October. RaceTech is again sponsoring the all-important educational course walks and training days for our budding next generation of jockeys.
Finally, as previously reported in Update, John Bozza is to join RaceTech as Chief Executive Officer. We are therefore very pleased to be able to announce, John will be joining us at RaceTech on 20 March.
It is during this time when racegoers are looking to absorb useful information about where they can get something to eat, drink and generally find their way around. It is ideal for racecourses to be promoting their facilities and entertainment on the day and also future race meetings and events.
We are working closely with the RCA to promote this initiative which will enhance standard meetings. We look to produce three tiers of broadcast production for RCTV, the middle level and premiere meetings can include many extras, but for any level of race meeting, individual elements can always be added. If you would like to know more about RaceTech’s RCTV options, please contact our media department at your earliest opportunity.
Live Streaming on social media is becoming really popular with racecourses as an ideal way to showcase events and entertainment to a much wider and potential new audience. For instance, we have
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Watt Fences
Watt Fences - Supplier to Racecourses and Trainers Watt Fences – Supplier to Racecourses and Trainers
We are pleased to inform you that we have recently acquired the business of Racing Auxiliary Services which was formerly owned by Bob Gilling. Please be assured that all products will Webe available are aspleased previously to supplied inform including you Gilling that Running we have recentlyRail, Wings, acquired Starter Tape the and Starterbusiness equipment of Racing etc. Auxiliary I’m sure you would all like to join us in thanking Bob for his 50 Servicesyears service which to the racingwas formerlyindustry and owned we wish himby allBob the Gilling. best in his retirement. Please be assured that all products will be Wing Connectors availableWe are now producingas previously 19ft Watt Fencessupplied and 18ftincluding Gilling Gilling Racecourse wings as well as false wings and wing connectors Running(to connect 2Rail, wing sectionsWings, together). Starter Tape and Starter equipmentIn use at Doncaster, etc. Musselburgh, Exeter, Huntington, Kelso, Stratford, Ffos Las, Catterick Bridge, Market Rasen and I’mmany suremore.. you would all like to join us in thanking Bob for his 50 years service to the racing industry A very popular product built to high specifications. BHA andApproved. we wish him all the best in his retirement.
Easy to install and can be sent flat packed for ease of Racecourse Wing Wetransport. are now producing 19ft Watt Fences and 18ft
GillingWe currently Racecourse have a sale wingson quantity as orders.well asPlease false call wing us fors and wingmore information connectors and prices. (to connect 2 wing sections together). For more information please contact Watt Fences InT: 01748 use 822666 at Doncaster, Musselburgh, Exeter, Racecourse Wings E: [email protected] Huntington,www.wattfences.com Kelso, Stratford, Ffos Las, Catterick , FalseFalse Wing Wing Market Rasen and many more.. A very popular product built to high specifications. BHA Approved. Easy to install and can be sent flat packed for ease of transport. We currently have a sale on quantity orders.
Please call us for more information and prices. Racecourse Wing
Plastic Birch - Southwell Racecourse Wing For more information please contact Watt Fences T: 01748 822666 E: [email protected] www.wattfences.com 28 Back to content page RCA Update Newsletter March 2017