newsletter update

December 2019 www.racecourseassociation.co.uk CONTENTS

Welcome 03 Marketing Services 05 06 Racecourse in Focus 06 Racecourse Technical Group 08 Racecourse Groundstaff 09 Badges & Pass 2019 10 Racegoers Club 12 Five Minutes of Fame 13 GBRI 14 Racing to School 15 Racing Together 16 Racing Foundation 17 RaceTech 18 Racehorse Owners Association 19 Pony Racing Authority 20 TBA 21 Careers in Racing 22 EBF 24 Duralock 25 TRIC 26 Diary Dates / Contributors / Staff 27 Contact List

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

for keeping the show on the road return for the hot cup of tea that was and providing fantastic days out for given! racegoers. Following our final meetings of the The RCA has written extensively about year, including our Raceday Experience the day in the life of racecourse staff Forum, Technical Group and at Christmas with difference angles Sponsorship Steering Group, the RCA covered including Chief Executive, office was in reflective mood. In our Clerk of the Course and Head December staff meeting (incidentally Groundsperson. They’re definitely named the Hwfa after our founding worth another read—you can do so director, Thomas Hwfa Williams), here . each member of the team was asked to highlight their own personal and In cold temperatures this time of year, professional highlights of the year. what could be better on-course than the warming tastes of the Punjab? Our It’s been a busy year for our small Racecourse in Focus this month is a team and an exciting one too given feature on which the arrival of David Armstrong as Chief became the first British Racecourse to Executive, but the overriding factor open a standalone Punjab restaurant. amongst everyone was the pride and A very merry Christmas to all readers David Hunter and his team were the pleasure we take in serving the sport of Update! most welcoming of hosts and we’d urge of horseracing, working in partnership As the majority of offices prepare anyone to go and sample everything with our extended teams from within to wind down for the festive period, from the spices of the Punjab restaurant the sport and beyond plus all 59 of our British racing kicks into gear with 31 to the finest homemade cakes by Jean racecourse members. Thank you for a meetings from Boxing Day-New Year’s the Baker. Having been mistaken for wonderful year and we look forward to Day inclusive. Everyone involved, a jockey by Racecourse Doctor Piers working with each of you in 2020. from racecourse staff to racing Reinhold, the author is formally giving staff, deserves the utmost respect the shoutout that was promised in

The most wonderful time of the year - Christmas at the Races - Image courtesy of

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

The latest from the Marketing Services, Racecourse in Focus and the Racegoers Club.

4 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR MARKETING SERVICES SUBSCRIBERS Three pieces of exclusive content for racecourses ahead of the Festive period

The RCA and GBR, in partnership with racecourses can review. Each subscriber worlds and offer a fresh perspective to Two Circles, are delighted to deliver an to Marketing Services received the PDFs racecourses. Treve Whitford (Head of early Christmas present for Marketing during the week of 9th December. Marcomms & Customer Experience Services subscribers—the latest at Yorkshire CCC), Connor Wells The awarding panel purposefully case studies from our Turbo Charge (Hospitality & B2B Marketing Manager selected a range of racecourses and campaigns and a video with three VIP at the R&A) and Harry Walkin (Head of themed days to provide the most guests from the recent workshops Marketing at the Ageas Bowl) spoke holistic review. Case studies include: crammed full of best practice. exclusively to us and you can hear what Bath’s Kids Takeover Family Raceday, they had to say in the first Marketing Turbo Charge campaigns were an ’s Easter Saturday, Services TV here. Our sincere thanks to integral part of the predecessor Newbury’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Day, RaceTech for assisting in producing this to Marketing Services, Insight = Cartmel’s July Saturday, York’s Welcome piece. Growth, and saw racecourses apply to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, Ladies Day to be included in a series of focussed at Ffos Las and Gentleman’s Day at On behalf of the Marketing Service marketing campaigns heavily supported Chelmsford City. team, we thank all subscribers for their by Two Circles. The comprehensive support in 2019 and look forward to kick Following the excellent autumn case studies that were created as starting 2020 to help further enhance workshops this year, we spoke in further a result include a full review of the the marketing reach and capability detail with each of our VIP guests to campaign plan plus the successes and within the sport. offer further insight into their sporting areas for improvement which other

Kids Takeover -

the Al-Shaqab Lockinge at Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival

5 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RACECOURSE IN FOCUS

Hunter said “We want the racecourse Eastern cuisine spices up the raceday experience in East Anglia to continue to be at the heart of the local community which is why we involve them in everything we do. The team and I want every racegoer to David Hunter and the team at Fakenham caters for everyone with vegetarian and with my food that I ordered take out so have a memorable experience, from Racecourse are always looking to vegan choices alongside the meat- my family at home could enjoy it too!” the welcome they receive to the food develop their raceday experience based dishes. Situated alongside the parade ring offerings they get to enjoy. Our local offering and the latest addition has David Hunter, Chief Executive of bar the new restaurant has quickly suppliers ensure that warm service and really added some extra flavour to a Fakenham Racecourse, said of the established itself as a must-visit great food are provided in spades and day’s racing at the East Anglian track. partnership “Raj and Rita are a joy to destination on the course. they are a key part of the Fakenham At the start of their 2019/2020 season work with and they provide a local, team”. The local partnerships don’t stop the Punjab Cuisine Restaurant at friendly, seasonal and fun service, along there at Fakenham, in fact it is at the Over at the Owners & Trainers facility Fakenham Racecourse was born, with the very best of Punjab flavoured heart of everything they do. Dotted 2019 saw Fakenham retain their ROA bringing an authentic taste of the food. They have adapted what they do around the racecourse are a plethora Gold Standard, proving that they are Punjab region to Norfolk. In partnership to fit the racecourse model really quickly, of concessions offering a range of continuing to provide an excellent with local business Currylicious, run offering reserved seating, walk-ups and delicacies from Thai cuisine to fish & experience to those with a runner at by Fakenham based couple Rajan and take-outs to ensure that everyone can chips. All of the on-site concessions are the track. The facility, fronted by Rachel Rita Verma, the new restaurant is the enjoy the cuisine regardless of their run by local businesses and residents, Hunter, offers a friendly experience first of its kind on a British racecourse. raceday schedule”. and the bars are operated by The Crown with complimentary meals, afternoon The dishes introduce racegoers to an Fakenham regular Malcolm commented Inn pub which is situated 5 miles down tea and freshly baked cake, so it is no authentic taste of India with delicate “I go racing all over the country and I the road in East Rudham. wonder that Owners who visit the spice blends taken from traditional can’t remember seeing authentic Indian Norfolk course are invariably keen to recipes that have been passed down food anywhere else. I was so impressed return. For winning connections, the the generation ladder. The offering experience is made that much more memorable having celebratory drinks and food with the racecourse chairman Rachel Hunter, Owners & Trainers area are good friends, and we keep it and mementoes of a bottle of locally manager and David’s wife, said “We relatively informal with no uniforms and distilled Archangel Gin and a handmade strive to make the Owners & Trainers casual seating. We use local suppliers glass from Langham Glass in Fakenham. area feel like a home from home for all for our food and drink offering and it our visitors. All of us who work in the is all served by local people, we like to think that our Owners & Trainers area encompasses all that is good about Fakenham Racecourse.” Upon receiving the Gold Standard David Hunter said, “We are delighted and proud to have retained the ROA Gold Standard Award once again. Credit goes to the entire Fakenham Racecourse team who have worked very hard to make our Owners and Trainers experience an enjoyable one.” Not a racecourse to rest on their laurels David and the team already have big plans for next summer when they’re looking to create a new public bar in the grandstand and course enclosure. On the horsemen side of the operation there are plans to create new saddling boxes and a new horse walkway. Away from Fakenham Racecourse there are plans afoot to head to the North Norfolk beach for a Laytown inspired beach raceday!

6 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page 7 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RCA TECHNICAL GROUP

The RCA Technical Group met on Safeguarding Racecourse Messenger Tuesday 26 November 2019. A The Group discussed the safeguarding The role of racecourse messenger summary of the key points and action requirements and would follow up as was discussed and would be further points is provided below: appropriate with the NTF and BHA. reviewed. Reverse Angle Camera Radios Going The Group discussed the use of reverse Annex A to BHAGI 4.6 would be The Group received an update on angle cameras, which would be further reviewed and updated to take into the newly formed Going Group and progressed with BHA and RaceTech. account the minimum radio allocation discussed the Going report system. Jump Race Timing for jump racing. Equine Welfare Further discussions with the BHA JIM Team Physios The Group received an update on the and RaceTech would be undertaken The Group supported proposed Horse Welfare Board. regarding break beam timing for jump amendments to the on-course physical Stables and Biosecurity racing. therapy SLA. The Group discussed feeding Flag Review notification and bedding requirements The Group considered a review of in the racecourse stables and agreed medical and veterinary flags, and agreed to compile and reissue best practice no changes were required at present. guidance documents on this topic.

The Meeting was attended by: Caroline Davies (Chair) Katya Browne Ashlee Byrne (BHA) Simon Claisse Holly Cook Ann Duffield (NTF) Dale Gibson (PJA) James Grey (RaceTech) Sally Iggulden Matt Mancini (BHA) George Noad (NTF) Jon Pullin Jimmy Stevenson Chris Stickles Kirkland Tellwright Sulekha Varma

8 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page EXTRA PRIZE FOR THE RACECOURSE GROUNDSTAFF AWARDS

We would like to extend our thanks to are three categories – flat, jump and Racecourse. Pitchcare, Watt Fences and Fornells for dual purpose – with the winner of We would like to extend an extra thanks their continued support of the annual each category becoming a finalist to Fornells, who added an extra valuable Racecourse Groundstaff Awards. This for the Racecourse Groundstaff bonus of 2 furlongs of Fornells Race hotly contested and highly coveted Champion Award, which is announced Rail to the prize for the Racecourse award celebrates the excellence and at the annual RCA Showcase and Groundstaff Champion. dedication of racecourse groundstaff Awards. Many congratulations to this teams across Great Britain. There year’s Groundstaff Champion – York

RACECOURSE GROUNDSTAFF COURSE

The date and location for forthcoming Racecourse Groundstaff Course has been finalised as follows:

Racecourse Turf Management Skills Course (Level 2) , Newmarket

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 BADGES & PASS 2020

The need-to-knows

RCA & Media Badge Posters for Accreditation Lists for Racecourses only

Racecourses only Eight copies of the large poster and four copies of the A4 sized Copies of the lists of 2020 RCA poster for 2020 have been sent to and Media Accreditation holders all racecourses. Extra copies and are available on request for electronic copies are available on racecourses only from Carol Walker request from Carol Walker

2019 Missing Badges for the remainder of the year

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, 58, 59, 130, 134, 135, 150, 163, 193, 201, 207, 219, 239, 240, 247, 264, 322, 328, 333 NTF: 300, 301, 330, 374, 482, 483, 547, 577, 578, 633, 745, 800, 987, 988, 1006, 1043, 1244, 1326, 1365

10 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page IT WAS A THISTLE- CRACKING END TO THE YEAR Words by Matt Jones

Stable visits are an integral part of got to meet some of the most famous greeted us throughout 2019, and to the Racegoers Club membership. This year equine faces in racing such as 2016 King racecourses who have continued to be we have been behind the scenes with George VI Chase winner Thistlecrack, fantastically supportive of the Club.” trainers such as Charlie Longsden, Philip 2018 winner With the countdown to Christmas Hobbs, Jamie Osborne and Michael and 2020 Cheltenham Gold well and truly on its all eyes on 2020 Dodds to name but a few. Cup favourite Lostintranslation. now at Club HQ. With the last few The penultimate stable visit of the Club Executive Sophie Hellyer memberships being confirmed, and the year took members to Jonjo O’Neill’s commented “We have had some final pieces of Club merchandise being Jackdaws Castle on what is sure to go brilliant stable visits and events up and sent out all that remains is to wish you down as one of the most memorable down the country this year, and our all a very merry Christmas and a Happy visits in Club history thanks to the final two stable visits were certainly New Year! stunning setting and fantastic two to remember. The welcome we If you’d like more information on hospitality offered by Jonjo and his received at both yards was incredible Racegoers Club visit our website at team. The final visit of 2019 saw 30 and Jonjo, Colin and all the staff at both www.racegoersclub.co.uk members travel to Dorset to the yard yards were very generous with their of Cheltenham Gold Cup winning time. I’d like to take this opportunity trainer . Here members to thank all the trainers that have

2016 King George VI Chase winner Thistlecrack Delighted Club members with trainer Jonjo O’Neill

11 | 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 Carol Nickels.

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

Which tune is the most played on your iTunes? It was Billy Ocean’s Red Light Spells Danger until he played at our race meeting this year – now I hate it!

What is your favourite racing memory? It has to be winning the RCA Showcase Champions!

What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? “I don’t like racing because I’m a vegan so can I drop my father off at the course and will you look after him?”

Name one thing that drives you crazy? There are lots but arrogance is one.

If you weren’t at work today, what might you be doing instead? Sleeping.

If you were writing your autobiography the name of it would On what day of the week were you be... Carol Nickels born and what was number one in “Carol’s Big Tips on Tour” the charts? – Monday Get It On by T Rex. Administration Manager What do you find most rewarding? Making people laugh – it’s usually at me though! When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up? A policewoman. What is your most bizarre talent? Eating 6 Cream Eggs in one go. What’s your guilty pleasure? Cheesy Music. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I won lots of competions for ballroom What makes you tick? dancing when I was 6. Seeing my daughter doing well.

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

Words by Camilla Perrett

British Bred Success

Belvoir Bay who was bred by Lenore Peacock at Manor House Stud in Middleham delivered connections with a fairy‐tale result when winning the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita. The daughter of Newsells Park Stud’s Equiano overcame the trauma she suffered in the 2017 San Luis Reyfires to land the contest in emphatic style, breaking the track record in the process.

The first Grade One hurdle of the season was won by Cornerstone Lad who scored by a short head to win the Grade 1 for breeders Overbury Stud. The following day Honeysuckle maintained her perfect record with a decisive victory in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle. The dual Grade One winning hurdler who is now undefeated in six starts was bred at Belvoir Bay winning the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint The Glanvilles Stud by Dr Geoffrey Guy and Doug Procter.

The Cartier Racing Awards

The Cartier Racing Awards marked a Prince Khalid Abdullah’s wonder mare Ouija Board and fellow Juddmonte star special evening for British racing and was crowned Cartier Horse of Frankel. breeding, with all eight categories won the Year for the second time, becoming by horses bred or trained in Britain. only the third horse to do so behind

Tattersalls December Sales

Demand was unrelenting at the December Foal Sale with more than 70 foals selling for 100,000 guineas or more and turnover well in excess of any other European foal sale. The December Mares Sale saw a record breaking 27 lots sell for 500,000 guineas or more and an unprecedented 81 lots made over 200,000 guineas.

The highlight of the week was the 2.1 million guineas sale of outstanding broodmare Coplow, the dam of Guineas winner Billesdon Brook who was bred by Jeanette McCreery and her late husband Bob at Stowell Hill Stud. Vibrant international demand at both sales demonstrated the enduring appeal of the quality British bloodstock on offer with buyers from America, Australia, Africa, the Gulf region, Japan and numerous European countries.

Coplow who sold for 2,100,000 guineas

14 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page MILESTONE REACHED AT SANDOWN PARK – 15,000TH PARTICIPANT OF 2019

Words by Rob Sage

On 6th December, Racing to School “What is perhaps most pleasing about the sport and 96% said they would like staff welcomed Year 7 pupils from the charity’s growth, for which we to come racing again in future. At a local Esher High School to Sandown should like to thank our funders and time when the sport faces uncertainty Park Racecourse for a maths activity staff, is that this has been achieved in some key areas, we hope that day. What made the day even more without any drop in quality as evidenced these figures will offer reassurance special was that within this school in our feedback,” said Chief Executive to everyone who supports the next group enjoying access all areas was the John Blake. generation’s engagement with charity’s 15,000th participant this year. horseracing.” “Around 65% of our pupils this year – This new milestone marks a remarkable about 9,750 children – were visiting rise from the 10,000 young people the racecourse for the very first time. coming through the Racing to School Overall, 97% of all students indicated Programme just a few years ago. an increased positive perception of

Oisin Murphy leads team of Racing to School Thank you for all your support Ambassadors in this record year

The charity’s new Ambassador Programme, which includes Champion Flat We would like to thank all our supporters, in jockey Oisin Murphy is a great boost to promoting our work with young particular our racecourse partners – crucial people. Joining Oisin is BBC Commentator John Hunt; ITV Racing’s Sally to allowing us to deliver our free educational Ann Grassick; top National Hunt trainer Warren Greatrex; former Champion events to an increasing number of young jockey Ryan Moore; World Record-breaking marathon runner and Director people. In 2020 we are planning to continue our of Communications & Corporate Affairs at Tote Group UK Susannah Gill growth, with 390 events pencilled in, and we and, last but not least, our former Trustee and long-term supporter Morag look forward to working with you for the benefit Gray MBE. of the next generation and for racing.

15 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GATHERS PACE Words by Lucy Gurney

It’s been a fantastic year for racing’s Racing Together Community Day and community programmes in the past community engagement activity, an acknowledgment in the House of year. reflected in the quality of the entries for Commons of racing’s capacity to help We are looking forward to working with the Racing Together Community Award others. Thank you to all racecourses, you for an exciting 2020! at the RCA Showcase & Awards. charities and other racing organisations that have supported the growth of Among 2019 highlights were a record Racing Together by growing your own

NEW resources for Racecourses

Help us to showcase yours and racing’s growing community engagement activity by making the most of new screen and racecard graphics. These are on file with Racetech and , and can be downloaded here.

Racing Together Community Award winner: Aintree

Grant Rowley and Jess Dalgliesh the heart of the racecourse. Aiming to a lot to everybody at the racecourse. collected the award on behalf of Aintree help hundreds of young people; military Community engagement is part of our Racecourse for the Aintree Community veterans; local community groups and DNA. We’re lucky enough to work on the Programme for the fourth time in five a new partnership with Park Palace and we feel we have a years at the RCA Showcase & Awards at Ponies, their local inner-city riding responsibility to look after and protect Hamilton Park. school, the programme is truly diverse its legacy and Aintree Community and inclusive. Grant Rowley, Regional Programme is a big part of that.” This year-round programme makes use Communications Manager for The of the Peter O’Sullevan Hub, which is at North West said: “It means

16 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page GREAT PROGRESS BEING MADE INTO USING STEM CELLS FOR TENDON REGENERATION Words by Tansy Challis

The Racing Foundation currently safety of the ESCs and support the works in partnership with the HBLB clinical application of the cells. to administer and assess grant We are delighted to report that this applications for equine science research research has led to 2 published projects. Support is prioritised for papers and the overall conclusion that research that has potential practical ESCs may be safe to use in clinical benefits for Thoroughbred horseracing transplantations to injured tendons of and breeding. unrelated animals. With this in mind, Since inception, we have invested we are delighted to also report that £1.3million in equine science through 20 we are co-funding the next phase grants awarded for a variety of research of the research with the HBLB via a projects. One of these was to enable new, 3-year grant. Dr Guest will now Dr Debbie Guest of the Animal Health use the cell-based system to identify Trust to establish the safety of using the genetic mechanisms behind equine Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) for fracture risk and analyse whether this tendon regeneration. Tendon injuries predisposes some horses to fracture. occur frequently in Thoroughbreds The ultimate aim will be to determine so looking at new ways of repairing whether fracture risk can be predicted tendons was considered very important. and, if so, whether development of novel drugs and management The research looked specifically at strategies could help reduce the risk whether using ESCs in horses unrelated and also impact how injured racehorses to those from which they were derived are restored to race fitness. may be rejected as foreign by the immune cells of recipient horses. We look forward to reporting on the results of this research over the next An established laboratory system was few years. used to determine the immunological

17 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RACETECH

Words by Kate Hills

Festive Fun on the RaceTech Run at Christmas

Many of you will be working over the Christmas period running race meetings up and down the country. All our teams will be out in force covering the outside broadcast services working closely with racecourses and our colleagues at Racing TV, and ITV Racing throughout the festivities. Racecourse TV production steps up a gear at many courses during this period with extra graphics and additional cameras in action used to capture all the colour and festive entertainment alongside the excitement of the races and their participants. With eight meetings on Boxing Day our line-up includes over 100 staff on OB and Photo Finish duties with 25 at Kempton Park for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase Day. We have a team rigging at Chepstow for the Coral Welsh Grand National meeting the following staff in action, half of them at Chepstow programme from Kempton Park. where Sky Sports Racing are running day. We will be providing on-site edits Over the two days there will be around with two roving reporters. We are for Kempton Park and an enhanced 40 RaceTech vehicles in action including providing enhanced RCTV production RCTV service with dedicated RCTV 18 HGV OB Units and Tender vehicles, which includes a radio camera. production. nine crew buses and 13 camera hoists. The next day there are four race For the WGN we are also providing an meetings with around 50 RaceTech ITV inject from Chepstow into their live

2020 RaceTech Calendars

We are in the process of sending out the Finally RaceTech would like to wish all 2020 RaceTech wall calendar published our customers, partners, friends and by Mel Fordham, featuring pictures colleagues a very Happy Christmas taken at racecourses throughout the and New Year and we look forward to year by members of the RaceTech working with you over the seasonal teams. We hope you enjoy them and festivities and in 2020. display in a prominent office space. Do tweet us a picture of your calendar in position like some of you did last year @ raceTechUK. Calendar 2020

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

Words by Pip Kirkby

Industry Ownership Strategy: Update

Syndicates pipeline, and will be scheduled for Ownership Racedays February. These will build on the The development of the Syndicate Thank you to Racecourses for their Quality Mark scheme and set out the Manager Accreditation Scheme help in developing the schedule for the plans for 2020. Dates, details and continues with ongoing conversations 2020 Racedays – we will be working joining instructions will follow shortly. taking place across the industry. across the Industry to utilise the Racecourses will also be asked to Racedays to promote ownership of all The initiative to provide raceday provide a selection of fixtures for their types. facilities for syndicates is also assessments. In order to achieve a developing and further discussion more holistic understanding of the is ongoing with racecourses to Raceday Experience a number of understand the best mechanism to “Festival” visits will also be made to deliver this. Racecourses. Racecourse Quality Mark Scheme Again, thank you to all Racecourses for Plans for regional Ownership your support and assistance with the Experience Workshops are in the scheme.

Musselburgh Racecourse were the 2019 Owners Experience Winners at the Showcase Awards - Image courtesy of

19 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page PONY RACING AUTHORITY

Words by Clarissa Daly

The 2019 Charles Owen Racecourse Series reached a fantastic finale at on Sunday 17th November as part of their Open Meeting. 20 ponies competed in the two finals with Harry Davies winning the 138 cm race on Little Anne and Edward Vaughan winning the 148 cm race on White Water. These finals saw one pony – Push the Button – carry her 5th jockey in a Finals. Even more astounding - she won her 50th Charles Owen Pony Race earlier in the season at Musselburgh. Her previous jockeys include Charlotte Greenway, Sean and James Bowen and Sophie Smith – all of whom now ride, either as professionals or amateurs, or are working in racing. We had our first Youth Training Scheme rider participate in the Charles Owen The Finalists at Cheltenham Racecourse Final. These schemes are run for children who don’t own their own ponies. It is testament to Ben’s determination and hard work that he was able to compete in the finals before he goes to work for a flat trainer after his exams next summer. We are currently putting together our 2020 Fixture list. If you would like to be part of the series and I have not been in contact, please get in touch. Cheltenham was a very fitting Finale to the Charles Owen Sponsorship of the Racecourse Series. Charles Owen have been with us since the start in 2007 and have been fantastic sponsors. But as one chapter closes, another opens and we look forward to working with new sponsors from 2020. For further information on sponsorship opportunities please get in touch with [email protected].

Push The Button with Sophie Smith and Thomas Bradburne

20 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page NH Stallion Showcase Tuesday 21 January

Don’t miss the chance to view new and established National Hunt stallions for the 2020 covering season on the first day of the January Sale at the Goffs UK Sales Complex, Doncaster.

Sponsored by:

Flat Stallion Parade Thursday 30 January

A selection of stallions who will be standing their first or second season in GB will be paraded in the Sales Ring immediately before the start of the February Sale.

Supported by:

For further information on the events and a list of stallions attending, please visit thetba.co.uk

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

Words by Adam Harman

As the year comes to a close, the Careers in Racing job board has once again been a fantastic tool for advertising and showcasing the vast number of roles available in horseracing. The job board, which is still free to use for all racing employers, hosted over 300 jobs at racecourses. This is a rise on last year and spanned across a variety of different jobs from office-based roles in marketing and administration, to event staff, groundstaff, sales and hospitality roles. Thank you to all the racecourses that have used the job board throughout the year. We hope to see an even greater number in 2020! Our recruitment activity has taken us amongst other places to Cheltenham, Sandown Park and for the National Apprenticeship Shows where the new interactive stand has gone down well with students and has even won best stand. We have also been busy with our Experiential Days throughout 2019 with Explore Racing Days held at Newmarket, Haydock Park and Kempton Park. We have engaged with over 150 people including Pony Clubs, inner city youth organisations including The Urban Equestrian Academy and University Campus of Football Business. We would like to thank all of the racecourses we have engaged with this past year as without your ongoing support we would not be able to deliver these experiential experiences and look forward to another productive year working with even more racecourses in 2020!

22 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page NEW CHAIRMAN AND TRUSTEES FOR 2020

One of Britain’s top prize money supporters, the British EBF, has engaged Simon Sweeting of Overbury Stud to replace Philp Mitchell as Chairman of the board of trustees.

The trustees also welcomed two new members: European Editor of the Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN), Emma Berry and Gary Middlebrook currently a Trustee of Racing Welfare.

Simon Sweeting commented: “I am looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Chairmanship of the British arm of the European Breeders’ Fund from 2020 and on behalf of the trustees, thank Philip for his enthusiastic leadership over the last three years. The British EBF continues to provide a unique and much needed industry funded mechanism for supporting racing’s prize money.”

Emma Berry commented: “With prize-money in this country under threat from several quarters, the financial support that British racing receives from the BEBF has not just been maintained but has increased in recent years. I am therefore delighted to be joining this vital and much respected organisation at a time when its work is more important than ever.”

Gary Middlebrook commented: “Having been involved in racing and breeding for many years, and having served as a racecourse director in the past, I know how important EBF funding is to the developmental races in the programme. I am looking forward to working with the trustees and executive to take the British EBF forward.”

The British EBF is funded mainly by British stallion studs and as a result of their contributions, it invested £1.7million in to prize money in this country during 2019. Simon Sweeting, provided courtesy of Overbury Stud.

British EBF Trustees 2020:

Simon Sweeting (Chairman) Emma Berry (Independent) Sam Bullard (Darley Stallions) Fiona Denniff (Independent) James McHale (Independent) Gary Middlebrook (Independent) Simon Mockridge (Juddmonte Farms) Chris Richardson (Cheveley Park Stud) Julian Richmond Watson (TBA) Claire Sheppard (TBA)

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

A word from partners of the RCA : Duralock, and TRIC

24 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page DURALOCK

• DURALOCK ROUND RAIL•

Duralock Round Racerail is designed to cope with the pressure of a high-speed racing environment with the flexibility of being easily moved between race meets.

CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS ALL FENCING PROJECTS

T: +44 (0)1608 678238 E: [email protected] W: www.duralock.com

Duralock UK Ltd. 6A Enstone Business Park, Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4NP

25 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page Join The Racing Industry Course for 2020

Applications are now being taken for The Racing Industry Course, which will take place from Monday 3rd February to 7th February 2020 at the British Racing School in Newmarket.

Whether you already work within horseracing or simply have a desire to learn about what goes into running and administering the multi-million pound industry then TRIC is the course for you. With an established reputation, TRIC attracts delegates from all over the world as well as a top-class line-up of speakers throughout the week.

Run by the British Horseracing Authority, TRIC is held in Newmarket, the epicentre of British racing, and hosted by the British Racing School which not only provides first-rate lecture facilities but also overnight accommodation and full board for all delegates.

TRIC provides a fascinating overview of all facets of the racing industry, from the history of the sport to promotion and its contribution to the British economy. Leading trainers and jockeys give their views of the hands-on aspects of racing, while a number of the sport’s administrators detail the day-to-day running of and breeding in this country and in other racing jurisdictions.

Duncan Gregory, Operations Director at the British Racing School said, “This is an outstanding opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the racing industry and to explore the many issues it faces, both here and abroad. The course attracts a host of top speakers and feedback from delegates is invariably outstanding. Places are limited so be sure to reserve yours”.

The five-day course is £1,400 which is residential and the price includes all meals, accommodation and excursions. For more information or to reserve a place please contact Cath Goff at The British Racing School on [email protected] or call 07766 051545 or 01638 665103. Further details of the course are available on our website

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

Monday 16 December BHA Audit Committee Wednesday 18 December Racing Futures Steering Group

Tuesday 14 January Horse Welfare Board Tuesday 21 January RCA Board Wednesday 22 January RCA Technical Group

CONTRIBUTORS

Tansy Challis 07709 954620 [email protected] Clarissa Daly 01584 823783 [email protected] Lucy Gurney 07387 260980 [email protected] Adam Harman 020 7152 0068 [email protected] Kate Hills 07813947201 [email protected] Pip Kirkby 0207 152 0200 [email protected] Olivia May 01638 661321 [email protected] Amanda Prior 0207 152 0103 [email protected] Rob Sage 07798 655427 [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

27 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page