newsletter update

August 2019 www.racecourseassociation.co.uk CONTENTS

Welcome 03 On Track 06 06 Racecourse in Focus 08 Did You Know... 10 Badges & Pass 2019 11 Swopping Saddles 12 Racegoers Club 13 Five Minutes of Fame 15 New Appointment 16 Racing to School 17 Racing Together 18 Racing Foundation 19 HBLB 20 TBA 21 Careers in Racing 22 Watt Fences 23 Overview of British Racing 25 Diary Dates / Contributors / Staff 26 Contact List

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17 19 Front Cover: Image courtesy of Go Racing in

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

straight and delirium when Enable just Elsewhere this month, the Go Racing did enough to pull clear over the line. In Yorkshire (GRIY) Summer Festival However, the sectional data from the with Sky Bet was in full swing as eight of race gives an entirely new perspective the nine Yorkshire racecourses hosted and one that’s equally as enthralling ten meetings from 20th-28th July. once the dust has settled. GRIY Manager Charlotte Russell will feature in our On Track article shortly, Some key stats (with thanks to but until then this month’s Racecourse Ascot’s Industry Affairs Manager, Will in Focus takes us to and Aitkenhead and Longines): , where the racecourse has Closing 3f excelled this season in bringing new elements to the raceday experience Enable - 38.13s and has even been rewarded with a Crystal Ocean - 38.53s Guinness World Record™. Top speed Enable - 40.8mph Crystal Ocean - 40.5mph Fastest furlong Enable - 11.37s Whether it’s the tale of the tape or the story of the statistics, Ascot’s Crystal Ocean - 11.40s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Distance travelled QIPCO Stakes sectional data shows Enable - 2419.8m racing has something for everyone… Crystal Ocean - 2417.9m What a wonderful, sure-to-go-down- in-history, race the 2019 Ascot’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Breaking down the battle into this Stakes was. This particular race has a minute detail demonstrates again prestigious past of throwing up some what a victory this was for Enable: she almighty battles (think Grundy and travelled faster and ultimately further Bustino 1975, Crystal Ocean and Poets than her nearest rival. Word 2018), with this year’s renewal Sectional data will open many adding Enable and Crystal Ocean to the new avenues for our sport and it’s list. encouraging that the technology is developing all the time to make this The official distance was a neck and for All roads railways and airways lead to Hamilton Park many this will be all you need to know; information readily available for all races the gasps from the crowd as the two in the future. The HBLB provide a useful market leaders pulled clear, the cheers update on funding later in the edition. to accompany the tussle up the home Another event where we’ve seen some almighty battles in the quest for victory is the RCA’s Showcase & Awards where racecourses have enjoyed healthy competition over the past ten years to celebrate and reward the best in raceday experience. In our decennary year, our On Track this month is a look back on Showcase with a nod to this year’s event at Hamilton Park. We hope to see as many of you there as possible on Thursday 14th November (although we can’t promise sectional data on the race to be Champion Racecourse just yet).

The Racecourse in Focus: Pontefract

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

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

5 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page ON TRACK He explained: “As the awards have become more established, we have – 10TH ANNUAL given the seminar a real push. In the early days we were working through our little black book to find speakers but SHOWCASE now it’s the opposite—we get more offers than we can accommodate on the programme.

“We give a platform to those racecourses which have reached the peak of excellence that year, and then combine that insight with the best from Moët Hennessy have been a valued partner of the event for many years outside the sport. We’ve had some fantastic speakers form huge brands: The formalisation of five Award the racecourses and curate an event Centre Parcs, the Royal & Ancient, categories in 2011 – Best Campaign/ which has become an established part Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal football Marketing, Events, Food & Beverage, of the racecourse calendar. Showcase clubs and Wimbledon to name but a few. Operational Excellence and an overall recognises two brand values at its core: “We’re never afraid to put something champion – has evolved over the years excellence and innovation. We stress on the agenda that we think will stretch to reflect the increased breadth of both terms in everything we do.” and challenge the racecourses, because racecourse commitment and areas the whole point is to inspire them and that the RCA wish to inspire change Expert Independence drive up standards. It’s incredible how amongst racecourses. The judging panel, unsung heroes many new ideas introduced by our “We were, and remain, fortunate to of the Showcase process, have and speakers have been adopted by other have such an expert sounding board always will be an independent body racecourses who are then able to put in the RCA’s Raceday Experience comprised of experts in their own field. their own spin on them.” Forum to discuss not only the Awards A three-year limit was introduced to themselves but what was important to the panel to ensure a fresh stream of Awards for Awards The RCA team are looking forward to hosting the tenth annual Showcase & Awards the racecourses” explained Davies. “This ideas continued to flow and to ensure The success of the Showcase & group has been an integral part of the no perceptions of complacency or bias Awards has not gone unnoticed in Celebrating the tenth annual RCA light was given and the idea pitched at early in the process and has remained evolution of Showcase.” could be cast. other quarters. The RCA and the ECB Showcase event, the marquee event a racecourse managers’ gathering at ever since—the Awards must reflect have an established partnership which of the Racecourse Association which Chester in 2009. What would become all aspects of the operation of a The Racing Together Community “The structure of the awards has to sees Showcase and the Business of launched last week, marks the coming the Showcase & Awards would follow racecourse. & Corporate Social Responsibility befit the work the racecourses put in” Cricket awards (BOCAs) share best of age of an initiative that provides a a year later with a one-day conference category was introduced in 2012, explained Swain. “The submissions are practice with each other, and the RCA platform for excellence and innovation at Doncaster, led by brand consultant followed swiftly by categories on the a labour of love for the authors and received international acclaim at the among racecourses. David Fraser of Harrison:Fraser who “Over the years we’ve Owners’ Experience award, Digital & in some cases we are talking about 2017 European Association Awards for remain valuable partners to the RCA’s been able to build Social Media, Love of the Sport and hours of work. It’s essential that each Showcase. “It was an unexpected but This year’s event will take place on Raceday Experience Forum to this day. Diversity & Inclusion, with the latter submission is judged on its merit and by wonderful moment to be recognised Thursday 14th November at Hamilton “As you would expect, there were people’s confidence receiving the backing of the pan-sport a panel who have the required expertise by our peers, particularly on a European Park, the reigning champions, and will racecourses that were early adopters, that this is a proper Diversity in Racing Steering Group. to decide between the good and the level” recalled Swain. “It gave us a taste be partnered by Great British Racing, but some were more cautious” truly excellent.” of our own medicine in many ways—we Racing Post and Moët Hennessy. A explained Davies. “As organisers, learning and sharing Gear Change now know how all of the nominees must decade is a long time in any walk of the RCA needed to convince them experience and an After the second Showcase event feel at Showcase!” life, and the Showcase & Awards is no that a better experience at individual at Epsom Downs in 2011, the “We’re never afraid to exception as RCA Racecourse Services racecourses would help us all in the long event that they cannot Davies-Cook administrative axis was put something on the All Roads Lead to Hamilton Park Director Caroline Davies recalled. run and that it was necessary to look augmented by the addition of the Ascot Taking the event to reigning champions outside of the racing bubble at what afford to miss." head office’s newest arrival Paul Swain. agenda that we think will Hamilton Park will be a landmark Inspiring & Celebrating Change ‘excellent’ looked like from elsewhere. In time Swain was promoted to the moment for Showcase given that it will “When the Showcase idea was pitched “The data we’ve now got from Two roles of running the annual event and stretch and challenge be the first time it has been hosted in by the RCA and Great British Racing Circles tells us that there’s not massive Davies, who worked on the project in managing the RCA’s raceday experience the racecourses, Scotland. “Once Hamilton Park were (formerly Racing For Change), it was fair competition among racecourses its early days alongside Racecourse strategy. crowned Champion Racecourse, it was to say there was a mixed response from for attendance. The competition is Services Manager Holly Cook, takes up because the whole point a case of when and not if we could get the various bodies that had to sign it around what else is going on in the local the story: “It was to our then-chairman Swain, now the RCA’s Brand & is to inspire them and the meeting in the diary with Vivien off,” said Davies. “We had to introduce it environment that will attract the leisure Ian Barlow’s credit that he saw the Experience Manager, reflected: Currie and Ashley Moon to discuss gently and needed to remain true to the pound at a given time. advantages of opening up a range of “Showcase has become far more drive up standards." the logistics of bringing Showcase to positive principles we wanted to convey. categories across the racecourse. He sophisticated in its tone and them” Swain said. “I have no doubt it There was some nervousness about “Over the years we’ve been able to build led the conference at Chester and the presentation because, as organisers, we will be a fantastic event, befitting of our the degree of competition between the people’s confidence that this is a proper first Showcase at Doncaster, where the acknowledged we had to up our game. The Real Value of the Exercise champion racecourse. The RCA has racecourses, and whether there was learning and sharing experience and an response was extremely positive.” We’re putting on a marquee event for A significant aspect of Showcase’s had unbelievable support from both room in the calendar for another awards event that they cannot afford to miss." people who put on marquee events success has been the recent focus on Hamilton Park and Scottish Racing in the ceremony.” every day of the year!” developing the daytime seminar, which planning thus far. I can’t wait to welcome Across the Board Swain describes as “the real value of the all racecourses to Hamilton alongside Accepting of the need to inspire and A decision on what the categories “We’ve worked hard to build trust with exercise.” Vivien and Ashley later this year.” celebrate new initiatives, the green for the Awards should be was taken

6 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page 7 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page option at £55 which utilised unused hospitality boxes. RACECOURSE IN FOCUS - A “While availability for this new option was limited, it gave us an added sales tool to upsell. We’ve seen a huge demand DAY’S RACING AT PONTEFRACT- for Premier Gold options at every race meeting, so much so that historically quiet midweek meetings are now fully I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY! booked” explained Hammill. It isn’t just the improved facilities and customer packages at Pontefract that they are proud of, but their people and heritage as well. From their Racing For Generations timeline displayed across the site to their Flat Cap & Whippet Family Day the racecourse encompasses a little bit of Yorkshire spirit in everything they do. To celebrate this Yorkshire spirit, the

The new bar uses industrial themes to achieve a more contemporary feel team at Pontefract wanted to rewrite the record books by setting a new, “Following the Raceday Experience “Since the bar opened on the 24th May official Guinness World RecordTM. The Forum’s Revive:Live Tour, I arrived back 2019, takings have increased by at least challenge was to create the largest in Pontefract armed with new ideas to 50% at every meeting compared with human image of a dog, and what’s more transform one of our most underused the corresponding day in 2018” said Yorkshire than a giant whippet made out bars into something more akin to what Hammill. of people wearing flat caps. The event the consumer might expect to find on saw racegoers of all ages get involved It isn’t just the structural improvements the high street. and a new record set at 691 people. that have added to the raceday “While we created a new terraced experience though. The team have also Hammill said “There was such a A view of the recently transformed Parade Ring at area outside the bar, the bar itself set about reorganising and streamlining fantastic atmosphere on the day and was simply refurbished to give a more some of the enclosures and offerings racegoers seemed really thrilled to have contemporary look using industrial that racegoers can enjoy. been able to be a part of it. Mums, dads With their recent success at the RCA challenge was to go about transforming started again from scratch, taking in themes with brushed steel and neon and kids of all ages all took part with the “The first change was to add a new Showcase & Awards it should come as their enclosures and stands to improve an old Tote position, a beer cellar and a featuring heavily in the design. We youngest being just a few months old Premier Gold experience within the no surprise to racegoers that racing at the facilities available to all racegoers. number of storage units and redesigned wanted to give the bar a clear concept and the eldest in their 90s! Everyone Premier Enclosure, an option which Pontefract really is a top day out. From This work started in the Owners & the whole area to create a new facility and, in conjunction with our caterers, who took their place will always be able Pizza in the Paddock included their admission, a seat for the , an eye-catching Trainers area. which had, in effect, tripled in size” the Pizza in the Paddock bar was born to say they were part of history!” addition to the Owners & Trainers explained Hammill. entire race meeting and their food. We “We knew that the Owners & Trainers serving premium lagers with a selection experience and a Guinness World therefore created a new entry level facilities desperately needed to be However, the improvements for of bottled and cask craft ales and pizza. RecordTM this is a racecourse striving upgraded. Having canvassed opinion Owners & Trainers didn’t stop there. for excellence in everything they do. from local Owners and Trainers and The racecourse also forged a new Last Sunday was a prime example of the ROA, everyone was unanimous in partnership with local farmshop, Farmer this as Pontefract hosted their Tribute their agreement that the current O&T Copleys to enhance the experience for Bands Family Day to bring the Go bar was in the correct location but winning connections. Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival to was just too small. We basically took a “Farmer Copleys provide a gorgeous a close. This fun-filled day featured the sledgehammer to the whole area and Yorkshire hamper for all winning likes of Totally Take That, TotOlly Murs connections and have created a new and Classic Kylie, a tribute to pint-sized room for them to celebrate their Australian megastar, and Pontefract victory. We have had fantastic feedback Racecourse favourite, Kylie Minogue! "We have had fantastic following these improvements and In recent years, the Pontefract feedback following look forward to welcoming Owners and Racecourse team have transformed Trainers to see the new facilities through their raceday experience for both these improvements the rest of the season” said Hammill. racegoers and horses alike. Managing and look forward to Nevertheless, it wasn’t just the raceday Director, Norman Gundill MBE and Chief experience for Owners & Trainers that Operating Officer, Richard Hammill have welcoming Owners and the team at Pontefract were looking looked at every aspect of the site to Trainers to see the new to improve. 2019 also saw the grand ensure that they are always improving opening of Pontefract’s Pizza in the their racecourse experience offering. facilities through the Paddock bar. Having completed extensive renovation rest of the season” work to the pre-parade, parade ring and horsewalk the Pontefract team’s 2019 That record breaking moment!

8 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page 9 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page DID YOU KNOW...

Did you know that the RCA hosts a We are starting the early stages of Technical Group, and other partners. wide range of seminars, workshops and planning for the next RCA Racing Racecourses should contact Holly Cook events for our members throughout and Turf Management Conference, with details of any items they would like the year, culminating in the annual which will be held in early 2020. The to see included on the programme for Showcase and Awards in November. programme will be crafted based on the event. feedback from racecourses, the RCA’s

Horsing About: Festival Freddie takes a relaxed pose at the GRIY Summer Festival

RACECOURSE GROUNDSTAFF COURSES

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

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

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

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

The need-to-knows

RCA & Media Badge Posters

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

Missing Badges for 2019

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

11 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page SWITCHING SADDLES The RCA's latest Graduate Intern Harry Phipps gives the low down on swapping the yard for the office

“The most interesting day was the one devoted to the funding of racing. The sessions were very important, because there is so much scrutiny in the media about this aspect, so it was important for me to understand the skeleton of the topic. “Also, the presentation by the Alizeti Group was fascinating, because I think the idea of the Tote supporting British racing is a wonderful idea, and the tours were second to none. The three hours we spent at Sir Mark Prescott’s stable was very insightful and going to Dalham Hall was a really good experience.” The breadth of topics covered by the residential part of the programme has now spilled over into Phipps’ placement Harry Phipps, a winner in pony racing had the best time and fully intend to go at the RCA, where is working to brand & and point-to-pointing, is keen to make back there at some stage, but when I experience manager Paul Swain, himself his career in racing administration, returned to , I went to the Royal a former graduate of the programme. rather than directly with horses, but he Agricultural University in Cirencester For Swain, Phipps is tackling a particular is not yet sure in which direction the simply to get on the BHA Graduate project examining anti-social behaviour, ambition will take him. As the latest Programme. not just on racecourses but other stadia member of the annual BHA Graduate “So many good people have come out such as football, while he is also working Programme to carry out a placement of the course that I was very focused with racecourse services manager at the RCA’s head office in Ascot, the during my three years at university on Holly Cook, looking at fence bypassing 23-year-old is already seeing various making sure I got on the programme. to create a new video for clerks of the options taking shape. Fortunately, despite turning up at the course that will have commentary “I went to university just to try and get interview on crutches after doing in by Richard Hoiles, and with racing on the BHA course,” he says, “and the my anterior cruciate ligament six days executive Kevin Walsh, examining trends RCA placement was the one to go before, I was accepted.” for European Pattern races. for. The office has so many different The first two weeks of the programme Phipps says: “I could hardly have been departments, but it was also important are spent at the British Racing School, given projects that are more varied, that I went to a key member of the involving lectures, presentations and but that suits my plan to cover as many tripartite agreement which is involved in site visits around Newmarket. different aspects as possible. Since I’m so many aspects of racing.” from a horseman’s background, I never Phipps mused: “That part provides The move is already paying off. He adds: thought I’d be doing these sorts of an invaluable opportunity to mix with “I’m getting a good flavour of all sides of projects, which cover issues that might the key stakeholders in the racing the RCA’s work through the projects I’m have crossed my mind but not to the industry, and because the process is so carrying out. It’s a small team at Ascot, point of getting seriously involved with competitive, it means you also meet the which suits me, and they’ve been just them.” right people taking the course itself. It the best to be involved with.” gives you access that you wouldn’t get As for the future, Phipps is beginning to Phipps, whose parents rode and trained as a member of the general public. see his aims more clearly. “I’m very keen point-to-pointers and great-uncle Dick on trying to get a better understanding “I was open-minded about what the Bainbridge remains a legend in West of international racing, perhaps in the course might lead on to. I’ve always Country pointing circles, had no plans to Far East or back in Australia,” he says, “so been interested in all parts of the go to university when he left school at that I can perhaps bring back new ideas industry, so in one sense I’ve been in a the age of 18. to improve British racing.” pickle about which direction I’d like to “Instead I went to Australia for a year, take, so the overview that those initial Meantime, it’s on with anti-social working and travelling around stud two weeks provided meant I could find behaviour, fence-bypassing and farms and training yards,” he explains. “I out what I really found interesting. European Pattern races.

12 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page A WEEK OF WINNERS

Words by Matt Jones

The fun started at Stratford-On-Avon Racecourse as Some Day Soon set about making it four wins in a row. Having won three Novice Hurdle races on the trot he went into the race under a 15lb penalty and carrying 10lbs more than his main rival. Nevertheless, he wasn’t going to let anything get in his way, and under the guidance of Gavin Sheehan he put in his best performance yet to win comfortably by two lengths. After the race the atmosphere on course was electric as the happy Owners welcomed their winner back into the winner’s enclosure. However, the winning streak didn’t end there for Club members. Just three days later Golden Force headed to Leicester for his third start this season. Hopes were high that a new distance would bring out the best in Golden Force, and he didn’t disappoint, making all and holding on gamely to win in a photo finish. Club Executive Sophie Hellyer commented “July was an incredibly exciting month for the Club with two Golden Force returns to winning ways at Leicester winners in the space of a week! Some Day Soon has been a real star this Adam Kirby and proved to everyone If you’d like to find out more about the season and we can’t wait to see how far how good he can be. I’d like to thank Racegoers Club or horses currently he can go. It was great to see Golden Stratford-On-Avon Racecourse and in training, visit the website at Force return to winning ways too, he for looking after www.racegoersclub.co.uk. put in a really game performance under us so well and to everyone who looks after our Club horses on a daily basis.”

A victorious Golden Force with members of his Owners Group Some Day Soon makes it four from four at Stratford-On-Avon Racecourse

13 | 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 Toby Shaw.

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

On what day of the week were you If you were writing your born and what was number one in the autobiography the name of it would charts? be... Thursday - ABBA Trying to be cool.. and failing. Knowing Me, Knowing You

What do you find most rewarding? When you were a child what did you Talking. want to be when you grew up? A vet. What is your most bizarre talent? Break dancing. What’s your guilty pleasure? Liquorice Allsorts! What is something about you that most people don’t know? What makes you tick? I was the heaviest baby born in High New experiences and meeting new Wycombe in 1977. people.

Which tune is the most played on your iTunes? Gosh -Jamie xx

Toby Shaw What is your favourite racing memory? My first family day at Beverley Director of Comms & racecourse. Marketing

Great British Racing What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? Do you have to ride in a race?

Name one thing that drives you crazy? People walking slowly looking at their phones.

If you weren’t at work today, what might you be doing instead? Probably at a swimming pool - my daughter is a serious swimmer.

15 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page DELIA BUSHELL APPOINTED AS GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE JOCKEY CLUB

British national life and I’m looking forward to working with the talented team at The Jockey Club and wider industry stakeholders to drive its future success. The years to come will be critical for the sport, as we embrace the opportunities and challenges of innovating for fans and racegoers, appealing to new and more diverse audiences, broadening revenue streams, and driving inward investment. I’m looking forward to immersing myself fully into the world of racing and using my wider experience in sport and media to help deliver these goals.” Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said: “With Delia’s experience at the top of media, sport, technology and business management, we are delighted she will join us as our new Group Chief Executive. The Jockey Club has a talented team in place, Former BT Sport and Sky executive, consumer business; Director of so we needed to make a first-class Delia Bushell, has been appointed as Broadband & Telephony for Sky UK, appointment to lead the group. Over Group Chief Executive of The Jockey taking Sky’s Broadband service from the months and years ahead under Club, the largest commercial group launch to three million customers; Delia’s leadership I am confident The in British horseracing, which runs The and Managing Director for Sky Ireland. Jockey Club will go from strength-to- Cheltenham Festival, the Randox Health Most recently Delia was UK CEO and strength in order to benefit our sport. Grand National and The Investec Derby European COO at Afiniti, a US tech Festival. company that is a leader in artificial “I would like to take this opportunity to intelligence. thank Simon Bazalgette for all he has One of the leading executives in media done for The Jockey Club and our sport and sport, Delia has more than 20 She is also a non-executive director over his 11-year tenure. His leadership years’ experience in the sector in both of the England & Wales Cricket Board helped us to grow commercial revenues executive and non-executive roles. She (ECB) and of Commonwealth Games significantly, enabling us to return record spent three years at BT Group plc as England, and is on the Advisory Board sums back to British Racing. We have Managing Director of its c.£1bn TV and of The Telegraph Media Group. She improved our facilities considerably, Sport division, overseeing BT’s Sport holds an MA in Modern History and an none more so than our flagship £45 channels, Pay TV platform and digital MPhil in International Relations from million development at Cheltenham. services, including the acquisition of Oxford University and is passionate His vision was pivotal to a range of premium sports and entertainment about encouraging female participation achievements by the industry, including rights, such as the English Premier in sport. the growth of media rights value, our League, UEFA Champions League, Delia will join in early September and, terrestrial broadcast relationship with Premiership Rugby, FA Cup, MotoGP following a period of handover, succeed ITV, Levy Reform and the creation of and The Ashes. current Group Chief Executive Simon QIPCO British Champions Day.” Prior to this, Delia spent 14 years at Bazalgette when he stands down in Sky in a variety of roles. She was Chief October. Commercial Officer of Sky Italia, leading Delia Bushell said: “I’m excited and marketing, customer management honoured to lead this iconic institution. and digital development for its €2.7bn Racing is such an important part of

16 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RIDERS’ PROGRAMME TAKES RACING’S OPPORTUNITIES TO SUMMER PONY CLUB CAMPS Words by Rob Sage

The school summer holidays means with one of our Equicizers, to offer courses at the two racing schools are Summer Camp for many young help and advice about how race-riding also highlighted. equestrian enthusiasts and local Pony differs from the competing that might The Pony Club camp visits form Club branch members across the be used to doing with their ponies. They an important part of the Riders’ country. As usual, the Racing to School also learn about the different tack used Programme, which is aimed at giving team has been visiting a number of in racing and why it is so important. A young riders a practical pathway into these camps to offer workshops to racing career might not be top of the list considering racing as a career route. provide these riders with an insight into for Pony Club members given the many Kindly supported by The Racing the racing industry and its career paths. choices they have, just in the horse Foundation, we are on schedule to world. We talk to them about what a The Racing to School team is usually deliver 65 of these events this year, career in the sport might entail and the seen at racecourses but for these Pony engaging around 1,800 young riders. next steps to take. Pony Racing and Club events we go along to the camps

All-Party Charity Dinner Raises £35,000

On July 4th, Racing to School was evening raised over £35,000 for the and to everyone from the industry who delighted to be a first-time beneficiary charity’s unique outdoor educational came together to help us raise such a of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on events for young people. Our thanks go fantastic sum. Racing & Bloodstock’s Charity Dinner. to All-Party Group Chairmen, Laurence We are very pleased to report that the Robertson MP and Connor McGinn MP

17 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page AINTREE DELIVERS AMBITIOUS COMMUNITY YOUTH TRAINING INITIATIVE

Words by John Blake

The Jockey Club, alongside Merseyside Police; the Royal Marines; Sale Sharks, Liverpool FC and Be Military Fit combined to offer 76 young people from seven local schools a day full of inspiring talks and physical activities. Former jockey Katie Walsh, Aintree’s Jessica Dalgliesh and Racing Together Community Engagement Manager, Lucy Saunders all hosted a session in the weighing room, to explain more about racing, and the Grand National. The idea was to inspire the young people and for them to learn about the wider opportunities available to them within horseracing. During the lunch break, 2012 Grand National winner Neptune Collonges popped in to say hello, proving extremely popular with everyone. Peter Gaul Head Teacher at King’s Leadership Academy Warrington said of the event: “This event is the first of its kind in the North West. It’s great that so many social agencies have put on this activity for young people from across Merseyside to engage with each other. The pupils have loved the whole event kindly hosted by Aintree and they’re getting a lot from the day.” Olympic Gold medal-winning hockey player Sam Quek finished off the day’s activities by providing an insight into her own success story of determination and resilience.

Racing Together Update

Racecourses have been busy promoting young racegoers. Led by Great British very pleased to announce this summer this summer’s Under 18s Race Free Racing, these community-focused days that their popular family day, the Dubai Programme and a number of new ‘Kids are the perfect way to highlight what the Arabian Raceday at Newbury doubled its Takeover Racing’ days, inspired by the sport offers young people, and the value crowd from 2018. brave decision of Bath last year to hand to parents looking for school holiday over some key duties to some keen entertainment. Shadwell were also

18 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR HORSERACING INDUSTRIES MBA 2019/20

Words by Tansy Challis

The Racing Foundation has been College, Retraining of • A number of online, digital options funding two charity scholarship Racehorses and British Thoroughbred have been implemented. places per year on the Thoroughbred Retraining Centre. • There will now be multiple exit Horseracing Industries MBA course, During the first years of delivery, the points and qualifications so that being run by Liverpool University since MBA was run as a part-time course a student can complete the MBA its inception. So far, this has included 3 at Liverpool University which meant over a longer time period using cohorts, two of which have completed a number of eligible racing staff were credits accumulated. their course and achieved the MBA unable to participate due to the qualification. The third cohort are Recruitment for the 2019/20 cohort is constraints of their jobs. This was currently in their final year. still open and we are once again offering especially the case for racehorse 2 scholarships for racing charities but To qualify for a Racing Foundation trainers, stud/stable staff, and scholarships for other racing staff are scholarship students have to satisfy the racecourse staff. also available. university’s academic and admissions As a result, we provided funding support criteria but must also be a member For further information, contact: for Liverpool University to explore and of staff of a racing related charity and [email protected] develop a blended learning version agree to write their final dissertation 07813 247 575 of the MBA. The course will now only on a topic of direct relevance to their be offered in this new format, which charity or to industry issues that may means: affect their charity. • The number of days at Liverpool Charities represented, to date, include has been reduced by 50% to 13 Racing Welfare, British Racing School, days per year.

19 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page CONFIRMATION OF 2019 EXPENDITURE

The Horserace Betting Levy Board Betfred, Ladbrokes Coral, Paddy Power Great British Racing (HBLB) has now reviewed and agreed its Betfair, Sky Bet and William Hill have Great British Racing will receive funding allocations for the full calendar agreed voluntarily to share with the £1.4m to build upon its 2018 National year 2019. Board their race by race betting data Campaign. from both Digital and Retail channels for Having decided how to apply a reduction every British racing fixture from January Ownership Initiative in expenditure from £99m to £94m, 2017 onwards. details of which are set out at the end of The Board continues to support the this release, it has now reconfirmed that This data collection agreement has ROA’s Ownership Strategy Project and the projects below will receive funding been negotiated by the Levy Board’s is contributing an additional £0.79m in 2019: Betting Liaison Group (BLG), which is in 2019, taking total funding for this managed by the HBLB Executive and strategy to £1.66m. Sectional Timing and Tracking includes the five betting operators, Technology Equine Welfare and Racing Futures racecourses, horsemen and the BHA. HBLB has made a commitment to work £0.65m has been set aside to support HBLB has invested significant resource with media rights holders and their the new independent Equine Welfare in this project to ensure that data is selected tracking partners, the BHA Board and the Racing Futures Project accurately and securely captured by and the RCA to support the ambition of led by the BHA. appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers live sectional timing and tracking data (PwC) as its data collection partner. Reductions in 2019 Prize Money being available at every British racing Each bookmaker provides its data in fixture by the end of 2021. To this end, confidence to PwC, which supplies The Board has agreed the cessation, HBLB has agreed to contribute a total of HBLB with a single anonymised and from 1st July 2019, of the prize money £0.9m over the next three years to the aggregated dataset. boosts that had been effective from 1st operating costs at fixtures from 1st April April 2019 for the Race Incentive Funds 2019, in line with certain criteria and a HBLB is already working closely and for General Prize Money, as well as a racecourse rollout plan agreed with the with bookmakers, racecourses and reduction in the planned increase in the relevant rights holders. representatives of Racing to ensure that Raceday Services grant budget in 2019. the data is extensively and proactively However, the Board’s contributions to The contribution to the fixture’s utilised. The intention, over time, is to both prize money and Raceday Services operating costs for the provision of grow betting activity in the long-term are still expected to be higher than this service will allow the media rights interests of the sport. in 2018. In addition, a proposed new holders and their tracking partners to scheme for the benefit of the British invest further in developing their own The Board is grateful to the bookmakers breeding industry is not expected to tailored solutions. Accurate and fast for their substantial cooperation in involve any material drawdown of Levy data for all races is widely regarded as sharing this data and for their support of funds in 2019. beneficial in engaging new audiences, the project. while also offering bookmakers the The Board will consider its ongoing Industry Recruitment, Training and opportunity to develop more compelling expenditure budgets in autumn 2019. Education betting products in an increasingly As previously publicised, there is a competitive market. The budget for Industry Recruitment, likelihood of expenditure reductions Training and Education has been before the end of the 2019/20 year to This technology will also provide key increased by £1m to £3.1m, reflecting 31st March 2020. data-based evidence for industry the importance of this area to Racing. priorities including equine welfare, The key additional funding areas include integrity and regulation. a substantial boost to the vocational Betting Data Collection training programmes at the British Racing School, Northern Racing College HBLB has also formally announced and National Stud, plus extra investment the existence of a major data sharing in careers marketing and a range of agreement with a number of leading other activities. bookmakers.

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

Words by Alice Thurtle

Breeders Badge Scheme

The TBA would like to thank the Members can apply for a maximum of will only be issued subject to the horse/s following racecourses for their support two badges per membership. Please being declared to run. Applications in offering badges to TBA members. note that there is a limited number of must be made by midday on the day If you would further information on tickets available and they will be issued prior to the race and must be submitted badges offers for our members then on a first come, first served basis. by email to [email protected]. please contact the TBA office on info@ Please submit requests to olivia.may@ These offers are for TBA members thetba.co.uk thetba.co.uk / 01638 661321. only. If you would further information - 17 August York Ebor Festival 21-24 August on badges offers for our members then please contact the TBA office on info@ Newmarket Racecourse has kindly has kindly invited TBA thetba.co.uk offered members the opportunity to members to apply for breeders’ badges attend the County Fair Race day on for the York Ebor Festival. Saturday 17 August, which will feature Members can apply for up to two 'The TBA Supporting British Breeders badges per horse entered, and badges Fillies' Handicap'.

THE THOROUGHBRED CLUB

The Thoroughbred Club is pleased to which will feature the Juddmonte the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and announce a number of exciting tickets International (Wednesday), Darley Concert at Ascot. The unique fixture offers for its members in August and Yorkshire Oaks (Thursday), Coolmore will incorporate the world’s premier would like to thank the participating Nunthorpe Stakes (Friday) and the international jockey’s competition with racecourses. For further information of Hamilton Lonsdale Cup four competing teams: Great Britain and badge offers for our members, please Stakes (Friday). To enter the draw simply Ireland, Europe, the Rest of The World contact info@thethoroughbredclub. email [email protected] and 2018 winners, The Girls’ team. co.uk with your name and contact details. Half-price tickets can be purchased on the day from ticket office East following The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor presentation of a valid TTC membership Festival, York Racecourse Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and card. Wednesday 21- Friday 23 August Concert, Members will have the chance to win Saturday 10 August two Grandstand and Paddock badges Members of The Thoroughbred Club to the Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of will receive half-price admission to the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival

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

Words by Michelle Douglas

Dedicated Job Board

Part of the Careers in Racing website is our ever-popular With over 160,000 page views to the job board in this period dedicated job board which regularly advertises and promotes and thousands of registered job seekers, it continues to be the jobs working at racecourses. most popular section of our website. The first half of this year saw over 130 roles posted on the We would like to thank all of the racecourses for continuing to job board based at racecourses at a number of different use our job board, a resource that is free to use for all racing racecourses across the country. We advertised roles in many employers. areas including Groundstaff, Facilities Operatives, various We are excited about moving forward, promoting these Marketing positions, Business Development Executives, positions and hope the second half of the year is as successful Administration and Sales. This is just a small selection but as the first! shows the mix of opportunities available in the industry.

Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival -

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

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

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

Gallop Rails We supply our own, Duralock and Gilling Gallop Rail. Both our upright and swan neck Gallop Rails are made to BHA specifications and are perfect for use on gallops and schooling areas.

Wattfences Gilling Duralock

Wings Portable Fences We Supply our own, Duralock and Wattfences portable Picket Fences Gilling Wings. We have a range of provide a safe and sturdy mobile wings, available in various sizes to barrier for any event. Available in suit individual requirements, made 6ft sections our fences are durable to BHA specifications. and maintenance free.

Recent Installs

Wattfences have installed a permanent Picket Fence around the walkway at .

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

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

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

a a a a gas sai in

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

“The s ran crs in I’ve

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

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

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

Tuesday 13 August RaceTech Board Wednesday 28 August RCA Technical Group Tuesday 3 September GBR Board Wednesday 4 September BHA Board Friday 6 September RCA Racing Group

CONTRIBUTORS

John Blake 07766 114 828 [email protected] Tansy Challis 07709 954620 [email protected] Alan Delmonte 0207 333 0043 [email protected] Michelle Douglas 020 7152 0020 [email protected] Kate Hills 07813947201 [email protected] Rob Sage 07798 655427 [email protected] Alice Thurtle 01638 661321 [email protected]

RCA STAFF CONTACT LIST

David Armstrong 01344 873538 [email protected] Katya Browne 01344 873536 [email protected] Andy Clifton 01344 625723 [email protected] Holly Cook 01344 873536 [email protected] Caroline Davies 01344 873536 [email protected] 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

26 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page