newsletter update

October 2019 www.racecourseassociation.co.uk CONTENTS

Welcome 03 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards 06 08 Showcase & Awards 08 Raceday Experience Forum 09 Save The Date 11 Badges & Pass 2019 12 Racegoers Club 13 Five Minutes of Fame 15 GBRI 16 Racing to School 17 Racing Together 18 Racing Foundation 19 RaceTech 20 Racehorse Owners Association 21 TBA 22 Careers in Racing 23 Duralock 25 TRIC 26 Overview of British Racing 27 Diary Dates / Contributors / Staff 28 Contact List

17

20 23 Front Cover: Image courtesy of Great British Racing International

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

a variety of subjects as well as have a Award. Market Rasen’s Steve Bakin was cup of tea and catch up with colleagues presented with the prestigious Neil from across the sport. With special Wyatt Lifetime Award in outside guests confirmed for both respect of an amazing career spanning sessions, I’d recommend booking your almost 50 years. place and being part of what promises This months’ Update is also a to be a cracking session. celebratory edition for the Racegoers On a more specific topic, the Marketing Club, with two-year old filly Spirit of the Services bandwagon will be making Sky bolting up at the second time of regional pitstops around Great Britain asking at . SOTS, as she’s this month. The RCA, GBR and Two affectionately known, has taken her Circles will be visiting Chelmsford, time to be racecourse-ready but has Salisbury, Perth, Catterick and proved that it has been worth every to deliver the latest Marketing second of the wait by rewarding owners Services workshop to all participating with a valuable +10 bonus win. You can racecourses. Again, with guest speakers read all about it on page 13, as well as confirmed for each session, these even more Group 1 success for our workshops are a fantastic opportunity cover star Frankie Detorri when winning We look forward to seeing you soon! to share an intensive best practice the Hill St Leger aboard Logician forum on marketing alongside (page 16). I use last month’s closing sentence as contemporaries. an opener here given the RCA team will Also included is Lucy Gurney's be racking up the miles in October with Our congratulations go to the winners reflections on a year at the helm of a series of events and workshops where of the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards Racing Together, an update on the latest we hope to meet as many racecourse who were announced last week. , initiatives from RaceTech and a sit down representatives as possible. Kelso and Lingfield Park Racecourses with the ’s Jack Parkinson all claimed top honours in the flat, who, amongst other things, is perhaps The October Members’ Fora take place jump and dual purpose categories the only Clerk of the Course who’s both on 22nd and 23rd at Newbury and York respectively, whilst the Perth team a welsh speaker AND digeridoo player. respectively. These sessions are a great were honoured with the Special Merit The mind boggles… way to hear the latest from the RCA on

Spirits are sky high at Nottingham after SOTS records first victory

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 Groudstaff Winners, Showcase, Raceday Experience Forum and the Racegoers Club.

5 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RACECOURSE GROUNDSTAFF WHAT THEY SAID...

AWARDS 2019 WINNERS Jonathan Garratt, Managing Director of said “The Groundstaff are an ANNOUNCED excellent team, they are always Winners: Runners Up: Special Merit - Perth open to trying something new and, above all, they are dedicated to presenting the track in the Flat - York Flat – Goodwood Neil Wyatt Lifetime best possible condition for our Jump - Kelso Jump – Ludlow and Achievement - Steve participants.” Dual - Lingfield Park Warwick Bakin Kelso Racecourse Groundstaff Team Dual – Carlisle

The Racecourse Association (RCA) is very important for the safety of all the The winning racecourses all showed delighted to announce the winners of sport’s participants and they deserve tremendous commitment to improve George Hill, Clerk of the Course, the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards for our thanks.” Dale Gibson, PJA Executive their racing surfaces, parade rings, Lingfield Park said, “we are 2019. Director, said “racing on a consistent, unsaddling area and the counited delighted to receive this award well maintained and safe surface professional development (CPD) of the Sponsored by Pitchcare, Watt Fences and it is brilliant for the team to remains vitally important to all Jockeys.” groundstaff team. Goodwood, Carlisle, and Fornells, the award winners were Ludlow and Warwick racecourses, get the recognition for their hard decided by an industry panel made up of John Richards, Operations Director of runners up in the Flat, Dual Purpose work throughout the year.” representatives from the Professional sponsors Pitchcare, added “on behalf and Joint jump categories respectively, Jockeys Association (PJA), British of the sponsors, I would like to say how also impressed the judging panel with Horseracing Authority (BHA) and delighted we are to be able to recognise their forward-thinking approaches to National Trainers Federation (NTF). the outstanding contribution of Steve equine welfare, turf management and Bakin. I don’t think we have ever received The winning teams are deemed to have the further training of their groundstaff Lingfield Park Racecourse Groundstaff Team so many supporting references for a demonstrated the highest levels of teams by attending seminars and nominee.” commitment, innovation and excellence gaining formal turf management and across the year to racecourse In addition to this, two further awards first aid qualifications. groundsmanship and turf husbandry. were given; the Merit Award to Perth York, Kelso and Lingfield Park Racecourse, in recognition of the William Derby, Chief The sponsors and judges highly Racecourses will all be in the running exceptional efforts to save a weather commended the commitment and to be crowned the 2019 Racecourse Executive and Clerk of the threatened fixture in August and innovation these tracks have shown Groundstaff , where the Course at , also for the assistance they gave to throughout the year and their tireless announcement will be made at the Racecourse early in the said “the racing surface is work to enhance the quality and safety tenth annual RCA Showcase Awards season, and the Neil Wyatt Lifetime our most important asset, of the racing surfaces and other areas of held at on Achievement Award which went the way the course. George Noad, representing Thursday 14th November 2019. the stage on which the stars of ’s Steve the NTF, said “the hard work undertaken of our show perform.” Bakin to celebrate his fantastic 44 year by Groundstaff throughout the year is career.

York Racecourse Groundstaff Team

Hazel Peplinski, Chief Executive, said “2019 has been a very difficult year for our track team and I am Steve Bakin added “I am grateful to them for how they grateful to the judges for have addressed each and every such a personal recognition challenge which has been a and I leave Market Rasen monumental team effort of Racecourse in good hands.” perseverance.”

Perth Racecourse Groundstaff Team

6 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page 7 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page A RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR SHOWCASE & AWARDS!

Celebrations for team Hamilton Park, our reigning Showcase & Award Champions

After weeks of hard work by racecourse “The evening awards are set to be just of the customer experience. The team teams across Britain all of the as exciting with record submissions at Hamilton Park Racecourse and I submissions for the RCA’s 2019 setting us up for one of the most cannot wait to welcome the industry to Showcase & Awards 2019 are now competitive years to date. The judging Scotland on 14th November.” in. We’re pleased to report that it is day is just around the corner and there Make sure you don’t miss out on what officially a record breaking year with a is no doubt that some difficult decisions is set to be a showstopping event by grand total of 88 entries! will have to be made. Nevertheless, we booking your place at the Showcase & have the best team for the job with our Fantastic support from the racecourses Awards now! expert judging panel covering all aspects has led to bumper entries across the categories with the most popular proving to be Food & Beverage with thirteen submissions, highlighting the amount of innovative work being done in this sector. Also popular was the brand new Diversity & Inclusion award which aims to celebrate initiatives which open the sport up to all, and inspire the whole industry to continue developing in this important area. Paul Swain, Brand & Experience Manager at the RCA, said, “It is brilliant to see the racecourses continue to show their support towards our Showcase & Awards. This year’s event at Hamilton Park Racecourse is set to be a cracker with a seminar programme packed with best practice from the sport and leisure industry, along with plenty of surprise and delight along the way. Operational Excellence winners Royal Windsor at last year’s Showcase & Awards

8 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page HAVE A GREAT DAY AT SIX THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THE RACES FROM SEPTEMBER’S RACEDAY EXPERIENCE FORUM

Have a Great Day at the Races—the Have a Great Day at the Races areas of study we’ve curated for has Showcase & Awards 2019 RCA’s strategy for Raceday Experience racecourses. provided the guidance to all Raceday After a weeks of hard work across Britain all of the submissions for Showcase 2019 are in, and it won’t be long aims to ensure that all racegoers are Experience Forum meetings for the “The fact it is based on market research until the judges have decided the finalists. Make sure you don’t miss out on what is sure to be a top-quality assured of a first-class day out each past 18 months and will be the defining from both racing’s customers and 1. event by booking your place now! time they visit a racecourse. theme of next month’s Showcase potential customers is a powerful Seminar, offering racecourses a Via our Raceday Experience Forum, message. I’m eagerly anticipating the snapshot of the strategy in a day with the RCA and racecourses explore the Showcase Seminar at Hamilton Park on keynote speakers from inside and four key areas of Have a Great Day at 14th November to share our strategy outside of racing. the Races to generate new ideas and and the outcomes to date with the share best practice to enhance the Paul Swain, the RCA’s Brand & sport at large.” raceday experience. The four areas Experience Manager, said of the Culture is Key were chosen following market research strategy “Have a Great Day... has been The culture of the Masters is renowned as being the most revered in the sporting world. The values which uncovered the primary inhibitors a wonderful tool to direct our raceday and behaviour of all concerned, from players to patrons, allows the official rules to be self-policed and 2. demonstrates an etiquette that is almost as famous as the golf tournament itself. to visiting a racecourse. experience work and segment the

Expectations are High 53% of people will abandon a website purchase if the site takes more than three seconds to load! Ten years ago we hadn’t heard of Apple Pay, Uber and Deliveroo, now consumers are used to this level of functional value and 3. have come to expect it.

The Wall of Fame Everybody wants their 15 minutes of fame, and Racecourse have embraced this idea with their Wall of Fame, a large horse music in the Paddock Lounge Bar made up of racegoers from the previous year. The wall 4. challenges racegoers to spot themselves and rewards them with one of a range of prizes.

The Next REF The final REF of 2019 will take place in December and focus on the Great Racing strand of the Have a Great Day at the Races strategy. This meeting will look at how we can feed into the important messages on equine 5. welfare, our use of racing’s heritage in the marketing and how we have, and can continue to adapt the parlance of the sport. We will also look at diversity & inclusion within racing and get the latest update from GBR.

Beyond 2019 In 2020 REF will continue with the new-look Have a Great Day at the Races strategy focusing on what 6. racecourses can do to attract a wide range of customers to the sport.

9 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page 10 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page SAVE THE DATE

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

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

RACECOURSE GROUNDSTAFF COURSES

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

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

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

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

The need-to-knows

RCA & Media Badge Posters

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

Missing Badges for 2019

RCA: 60, 176, 318, 333, 348, 463, 481, 482, 931, 939, 940, 1036, 1037, 1137, 1138, 1294, 1607, 1608, 1700, 1721, 1782, 1881, 1940, 2250, 2266, 2306, 2433, 2455, 2469 Media: 97 PJA: 19, 20, 26, 58, 59, 130, 134, 135, 150, 163, 193, 201, 207, 219, 247, 264, 322, 328 NTF: 300, 301, 330, 374, 482, 483, 547, 577, 578, 633, 745, 800, 987, 988, 1006, 1043, 1244, 1326, 1365

12 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR THE RACEGOERS CLUB STABLE

Words by Matt Jones

After putting in a good performance and quickened nicely to win the race have done a brilliant job to get her to on debut at comfortably. the racecourse, and the whole team everyone at Racegoers Club was at Racegoers Club are thrilled for her The impressive performance reminded excited to see what Spirit Of The Owners Group. We’re all hoping that she many Club members of Spirit Of The Sky, known affectionately as SOTS in can continue in this rich vain of form and Sky’s Dam, Clouds Rest who also ran the Racegoers Club office, would do win third time out, just like her mother for Racegoers Club. Clouds Rest won next. Her second start saw her head did for the Club.” twice as a two year and took the Club on to and line a memorable journey to Royal Ascot in The excitement doesn’t stop there up in the ROA Rewards Member EBF 2014. After Spirit Of The Sky’s victory for the Racegoers Club stable, as Club Maiden Stakes, a Plus 10 bonus race. at Nottingham jockey Tony Hamilton jumper Some Day Soon is all set to head With hopes of a winning run high, Club described the Dam and filly as like “two to the Grade 2 at Chepstow members turned out in force to watch peas in a pod.” Racecourse on Friday 11th. The buzz their filly run, however it wasn’t going in the Racegoers Club office is growing to be an easy task with heavy ground Sophie Hellyer, Racegoers Club everyday and we can’t wait to cheer him underfoot and a favourite with more Executive, said “It was fantastic to on around the historic Welsh track. racecourse experience to contend see Spirit Of The Sky win so well at with. Nevertheless, Spirit Of The Sky Nottingham Racecourse, even more For more information on Racegoers wasn’t going to let anything stop her so after the setbacks she had over the Club visit the website at - as she jumped well, took the lead summer. and his team www.racegoersclub.co.uk.

Spirit Of The Sky looking a spit of her mother in the parade ring before her run at Thrilled Owners with their winner after the race Nottingham

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 Jack Parkinson.

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

On what day of the week were you What’s the daftest work related born and what was number one in question you have ever been asked? the charts? Why are all wakes organized at the last Tuesday minute? The Reflex - Duran Duran

Name one thing that drives you When you were a child what did you crazy? want to be when you grew up? Being late Civil Engineer – My best friends Dad was one and took us to an exhibition which was all about structures which If you weren’t at work today, what I loved might you be doing instead? Day trip with the children. Probably to the beach or a soft play depending on What’s your guilty pleasure? the weather The Greatest Showman and Les Miserables If you were writing your What makes you tick? autobiography the name of it would Selling. I that feeling of getting be... business across the line From Wales with Love

Which tune is the most played on What do you find most rewarding? your iTunes? Watching my children develop Jack Parkinson Motorcycle Emptiness – Manic Street Preachers What is your most bizarre ? – I can play the didgeridoo What is your favourite racing General Manager memory? winning his 5th King What is something about you that George most people don’t know? I’m a fluent welsh speaker

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

Words by Amanda Prior

Promotion of British-bred Success

September has brought several impressive LOGICIAN (GB) kept his continuing his success down under high-profile wins for British breeders unbeaten record intact with a course when taking the Group 1 Colgate Optic starting with STAR CATCHER (GB) record-breaking victory in the Group White Stakes at Randwick and OLD winning the Qatar Prix Vermeille at 1 St Leger for Juddmonte. Godolphin PERSIAN (GB) who added a second top- Paris-Longchamp for owner breeder enjoyed a Group 1 double across both level contest to his CV when winning Anthony Oppenheimer. The ultra- hemispheres courtesy of AVILIUS (GB) Woodbine’s Stakes.

Logician

Concierge and Events

The team at Doncaster kindly underway with the record breaking aggregate advanced a significant 24% welcomed Luis Costa Baleta, one of Goffs UK Premier Sale at the end of to £1,356,850, the median jumped 14% our Uruguayan clients to the St Leger. August, with a colt consigned to £8,000 and the average made gains GBRI also arranged for him to visit the by Hillword Stud selling to M. V Magnier of 8% to £10,684. The clearance rate Royal Studs and he will return for Qipco for £440,000. The British yearling was an improved 79%. next month. bandwagon continued to Ascot in mid- Looking forward to October sales at GBRI Members have also visited Ayr and September for the third renewal of the including both the yearlings Newmarket this month. Tattersalls Ascot Yearling sale which saw and horses in training sale. with solid growth across the board. The The British yearling season is well

16 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RACING PERSONALITIES SUPPORT THROUGH MASTERCLASS SERIES

Words by Rob Sage

Racing to School is so lucky to be able to call upon support from so many corners of the racing industry - from the racecourses who host our events and give staff time to our programmes; to owners and trainers who donate silks and our donors who recognise the importance of our work with young people. We are delighted that in recent months a number of recognisable racing figures have kindly given up their time to help create unique experiences with our beneficiaries. First up, it was Susannah Gill – Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Together for and World Marathon Challenge record holder. Susannah delivered a motivational talk to a school group in Newmarket as part of the Godolphin Back by popular demand - she is the inspirational theme, Darren told Beacon Project. She recounted her booked in to do a session at a school on students about how he overcame a journey from running to Merseyside in early November. lack of self-confidence, and that if they setting a new world record in running worked hard to develop and had belief In early September, it was the turn of 7 marathons across 7 continents in in their own style, they too could make it equine artist Darren ‘Birdie’ Bird, who 7 days! Her inspiring message is that as an artist. He left a mural on a school gave a group of Year 10 Art students a anyone can be amazing if they work wall, as a small reminder of his visit! hard, research, listen and persevere. cartoonist masterclass. Sticking with BBC sport presenter John Hunt was only too keen to support Racing to School when asked and he kindly delivered a commentary masterclass. This fun and enjoyable session culminated in pupils delivering their own commentaries of a race with John’s expert guidance. We would like to thank Susannah, Darren and John for making these days so special and inspirational. They assured us that they had great fun themselves, and were even initially nervous of the pupil’s reactions, which were 100% positive.

17 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page A YEAR OF RACING HELPING OTHERS

Words by Lucy Gurney

Racing Together is gearing up for the prestigious RCA Showcase & Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse. Celebrating just some of the diverse and activities by the shortlisted racecourses will provide even more momentum to the ever-expanding community engagement going on around the country.

Uttoxeter Racecourse's prostate cancer screening programme scooped last year's Community & CSR Award

Community Engagement a Growth Area

At the regular Action Group meetings, to lead the Racing Together work,” said area. The next highlight was Racing Racing Together’s partner group Lucy Gurney. Together Community Day in May; it collaborate on initiatives and share surpassed all expectations, with over “As Community Engagement Manager upcoming activities so that the sport as 60 racing businesses - large and small my first assignment was to attend a whole can move forward. Encouraging - encouraging their staff to volunteer the RCA Awards at Aintree, which each other helps to underline the value for local causes amount to over 1,500 was such a valuable starting point. It of this work – not just for beneficiaries hours volunteered.” was a great chance to connect with young and old but also the image and so many enthusiastic colleagues who The 2020 Racing Together Community commercial future of the sport. want to broaden their community day will be held on 7th May. “My first year has gone with a blur since engagement and see the benefit of I first joined the Racing to School team the sport talking with one voice in this

Awards Season

Don’t miss an opportunity to nominate your colleagues for the Rory MacDonald Community Award at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards. Two racecourse team members were finalists last year for their community engagement activity, with the final award won by Andrea O’Keeffe. Find out more here.

Keep up with racing’s ever-growing community engagement activity via www.racingtogether.co.uk and on social media - send news and events to lucy@ racingtoschool.co.uk Andrea O'Keeffe receiving the Rory MacDonald Community award from Sir AP McCoy

18 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page RECRUITMENT, SKILLS AND RETENTION SURVEY NOW AVAILABLE

Words by Tansy Challis

Findings of the 2019 develop a 5-year strategic plan and have They normally meet four times a Breeding Industry Recruitment, provided funding to its delivery. year. As well as having a keen interest Skills and Retention Survey are now in horseracing and a broad business The full findings and an overview of the available. background we are looking specifically 5-year strategy are available on our for candidates with strong knowledge Earlier this year, the Racing Foundation website. of the Thoroughbred breeding industry and TBA commissioned a survey of We are delighted to announce a new and a legal background. studs looking at recruitment, skills partnership with Writtle University and retention in the breeding industry. For further details on all the above, visit: College in Chelmsford to deliver a This followed up on a baseline survey www.racingfoundation.co.uk/latest- new Level 4 qualification for stud conducted in 2017 to help measure news staff. the impact of a number of activities being delivered as part of our people The Certificate in Thoroughbred Stud development initiative. Operations aims to provide an additional entry point into the breeding industry 161 studs responded to the survey, and widen the variety of qualifications providing invaluable feedback on a range being offered. The comprehensive, of issues. Key findings indicate that bespoke course has been designed recruitment of sufficient and adequately in partnership with a number of well- skilled staff continues to be an issue, known studs. with the stud hand and stud groom roles being the most problematic. We are looking to recruit a new Trustee to join the Board from One outcome of the survey is for the January. breeding industry to consider a more strategic approach to maximise the Our Trustees are responsible for impact of opportunities. As a result, strategy, grant-making and overseeing we have been working with the TBA to our financial affairs and governance.

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

RCA Showcase & Awards 2019

We are delighted to be part of the showcase our latest innovations to We support the event in many ways with RCA Showcase event in November at racecourse executives and demonstrate audio and visual technology as well as Hamilton Park Racecourse. RaceTech some of the new initiatives aimed at sponsoring the Champagne reception representatives will be on-hand to enhancing their customer experience. at the evening awards.

British Champions Day Starting Stalls Demo

British Champions Day is almost upon of flat races. Mark will also demonstrate us and for the second year running, some of the stalls mechanisms and RaceTech will be displaying the share the history of the starting stalls intricacies of the starting stalls near which have evolved somewhat since the pre-parade area at Ascot as part of they were first introduced in this country the BCD behind the scenes tour. Mark in 1965. Wilson RaceTech starting stalls team leader will be on hand to explain the procedure of loading horses at the start

Photofinish deciders for Pony Races

Pony racing, charity races, even by a nose as you can just see in the official photo which involved jockeys Zac mascot races come under the scrutiny official photo image. Kent (winner) and Lucas Murphy was of the official photofinish cameras widely published. Elliot Pace one of our Newmarket’s Shetland Pony Grand and recently we’ve had a couple of newly qualified Multi-Skilled Operators National at the meeting competitive heats from the younger (MSO) was on hand to capture the was equally exciting with two of the generation of pony race jockeys. official image. little terrors fighting out the finish. The The 138cm Pony Race at Musselburgh on 29th September caused a sensation when the two runners, and there were only two, crossed the line together in a very close Photofinish. RaceTech Photofinish operator Rick Romeo captured the image which went to the Judge. The outcome was Push The Button ridden by Mark Bradburne 12 (son of ex-jockeys Mark and Gee) won

Careers at RaceTech

RaceTech is proud to provide OB Guarantee Engineer who would south. If you know anyone who might many interesting career options have overall responsibility for ensuring be interested, or would like to find out in broadcasting and technology, all technical facilities are delivered on more, please them to call our HR particularly for those interested in time to the highest possible standards department at Raynes Park. More detail Outside Broadcast for Sport. on location. We also have positions can be found on our website www. for Trainee OB Engineers based in the racetech.co.uk . We currently have vacancies for an

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

Words by Pip Kirkby

Industry Ownership Strategy

As well as ongoing development work focused on the their “Gold Season”. This role provides an added welcome to Raceday Experience, a key focus of the Industry Ownership Owners, and supports the Racecourse Owners and Trainers’ Strategy is also currently directed towards the provision team. A Raceday Ownership Liaison Officer will also be made for syndicate members. The pilot Raceday Syndicate present at to support the Owners & Facility scheme has been in operation at Kempton Park Trainers’ Team and raceday experience. Racecourse, and it is to be extended to other fixtures. This The Industry Ownership Racedays continue to be well provides an alternative raceday facility for syndicates, which received: attracting interest from existing and potential allows additional syndicate members to come racing with a owners. runner. Our thanks go to Kempton Park for their support of this initiative. If other courses are interested in extending this The remaining 2019 racedays are scheduled as follows: initiative, please contact me. In addition, the process to develop the Syndicate Manager Accreditation initiative is well underway. This will provide comfort to Syndicate Members that Syndicate Managers have November Hereford 12/11/19 Tuesday passed “fit and proper” tests. November Wetherby 27/11/19 Wednesday The Raceday Ownership Liaison Officer presence will continue at selected fixtures at throughout

21 | 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 on Wednesday 18th December, upon following racecourses for their support 15th November presentation of a valid TBA membership in offering badges to TBA members. card. The race day with feature the If you would further information on Cheltenham Racecourse has kindly TBA-sponsored Listed Mares’ Novices’ badges offers for our members then offered members free admission to Chase which has been previously won please contact the TBA office on info@ the Countryside Day on Friday 15th by Ms Parfois and Magic of Light, who thetba.co.uk November 2019. Members can obtain was runner up in the Grade 1 Randox up to two tickets per membership, Health . The offer Nottingham Racecourse, 16th October following presentation of a valid TBA entitles members to one badge only TBA members will also have the membership card at the owners and and to purchase additional badges opportunity to attend Nottingham trainers’ desks, at either Hall of Fame or please contact the ticket office at the Racecourse on Wednesday 16th North Entrance of the racecourse. racecourse. October. Members will be granted These offers are for TBA members access on presentation of a valid TBA 18th December only. If you would further information membership card on the day. Please on badges offers for our members then ensure you have your membership card Newbury Racecourse has kindly please contact the TBA office on info@ or you will not be granted entry. offered TBA member free entry to thetba.co.uk the December Afternoon Raceday

THE THOROUGHBRED CLUB

The Thoroughbred Club is pleased to sponsored race on Wednesday 16 Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday announce a number of exciting tickets October. Members will be granted at for half-price. The offers for its members and would like access on presentation of a valid TTC day will feature the £100,000 Sodexo to thank the participating racecourses. membership card on the day. Please Gold Cup and off the track there will be For further information of badge offers ensure you have your membership card fairground rides and a fireworks display for our members, please contact info@ or you will not be granted entry. after racing. Half-priced tickets can thethoroughbredclub.co.uk be purchased on the day from Ticket Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday Office East following presentation of a Nottingham Racecourse Ascot Racecourse valid TTC membership card. Wednesday 16th October Saturday 2th November

Members of the Thoroughbred Club Members of the Thoroughbred Club are invited to join the TBA for their have the opportunity to attend the

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

Words by Michelle Douglas

National Apprenticeship Show held at Cheltenham Racecourse

We kicked off our Autumn recruitment campaign at Cheltenham Racecourse on 1st and 2nd October for the National Apprenticeship Show. Over the two-day event we were showcasing the different roles you can pursue in the horseracing industry, along with the courses and training options available. The show in Cheltenham also saw us launch our brand-new recruitment stand which includes a touch screen TV and bright, new infographics. Students, teachers and passers-by can watch and listen to various short case studies from people working in the industry including a Racing Groom and Racecourse Manager. The new stand also features a full-length map of the racecourses in Great Britain and a selection of other jobs you can do in the industry. The stand is complete with artificial grass and our ever-present mechanical horse where the students enjoyed testing their riding skills. We were joined by our training provider colleagues from the National Horseracing College and British Racing School, who had their new Virtual Reality headset. This gave you a 360-degree view of yourself riding in a real race! We will be at the National Apprenticeship Show at on Wednesday 6th November 9:30am – 3.00pm and 4.00pm – 6.00pm and Thursday 7th November 9:30am – 12.00pm. Be sure to come and see the new stand if you’re in the North East area!

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

A word from partners of the RCA : Duralock, TRIC and an Overview of the remaining British Racing Date

24 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page DURALOCK

Boundaries Without Limits

KEEP EVERYONE SAFE ON RACEDAY

Duralock Crowd Barrier is designed to guide and protect. We produce a wide range of crowd barriers for different applications. All of our PVCu fencing systems meet high safety standards and are backed by a 15 year guarantee.

Contact us today: www.duralock.com 01608 678238 [email protected]

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 £1,300 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 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 r an in rs sars an th • 19 November 2019 – Newbury Racecourse crs content” Hosted by: Mick Fitzgerald “Thank rn in a g a a rn I’m ci r r Do you want to develop your career in horseracing or perhaps you carr in racing” are new to the industry and would like to expand your knowledge of the sport? Get a jump start with this seminar, delivered by the “Absolutely anasic a c National Horseracing College on behalf of the British Horseracing cains Bran ng Authority (BHA). It offers a friendly and fascinating introduction to an inrs in industry” the world of racing. “Overall a gra inrcin Briis You will learn how the various organisations involved in racing work together to deliver a compelling and highly popular sport. You will Racing cangs i is acing an have the unique opportunity to ask questions of and discuss issues ran stakeholders” with some of racing’s most experienced people, as well as network with other delegates from around the industry. “Whole a s inrai recommend” A packed covers many aspects of this complex sport. Subjects covered include: “Great a gra n an as • The British Horseracing Authority; g a gain rr insig in • Racing’s Finances: insr” • Racecourses; • Breeding and the stud industry; • Horse welfare • The rules of racing; A • The betting industry and the media; R A • The Racehorse Owners Association • Racing Administration (): • Racing Welfare. Whether you are new to the industry, are planning a career in the industry or simply want to learn more, this seminar is for you. This as cnac aina seminar will link to industry qualifications and will provide an excellent platform for the BHA’S two qualifications: Level 1 Award in Hrsracing g n An Introduction to the Horseracing Industry; and Level 2 Certificate r in The Structure of the Horseracing Industry. For further information inHc visit www.careersinracing.com

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

Wednesday 16 October Horserace Betting Levy Board Meeting Saturday 19 October QIPCO Champions Day - Ascot Tuesday 22 October RCA Members Forum - Newbury Wednesday 23 October RCA Members Forum - York Tuesday 29 October RaceTech Board Tuesday 29 October BHA Board

CONTRIBUTORS

Tansy Challis 07709 954620 [email protected] Michelle Douglas 020 7152 0020 [email protected] Lucy Gurney 07387 260980 [email protected] Kate Hills 07813947201 [email protected] Pip Kirkby 0207 152 0200 [email protected] Amanda Prior 0207 152 0103 [email protected] Rob Sage 07798 655427 [email protected] Alice Thurtle 01638 661321 [email protected]

RCA STAFF CONTACT LIST

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

EDITOR: Carol Walker The Racecourse Association Ltd

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

28 | RCA Update Newsletter 2019 Back to content page