The Racecourse Association was formed in 1907. We serve the interests of our 59 member racecourses to empower them to be the best venues they can be.
Our aim is to provide leadership to and representation of racecourses across a multitude of areas to empower them to be the best venues they can be and a frontrunner in the governance of the sport.
We are guided by the principles of excellence and innovation across all areas of racecourse administration. The RCA takes pride in sharing best practice, faultless research and a warm welcome to those we work with.
Our members are spread the length and breadth of the country and include some of the world’s most iconic sporting and leisure venues.
As the theatres upon which the drama of our sport is played out, racecourses play a vital role in the overall success of the sport. As businesses, racecourses provide a significant source of employment across the country. As neighbours, racecourses are a beacon to inspire the local community and affect real change.
The RCA’s values have been generated by the Executive team, summing up both their own personal values and those of the organisation:
We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the information we provide. It is our privilege as the representative of racecourses to be trusted to deliver excellence.
We challenge ourselves and racecourses to consider fresh perspectives and source original, quality research to support our arguments and ensure our output remains contemporary.
The RCA is a front-runner in the management of British Horseracing and is part of the tripartite leadership structure. We strive to further the reach of racecourses and the sport across a multitude of areas.
Since 1907, we have served the interests of our member racecourses. We bring together 59 racecourses to speak with one voice and work equally with each. Our events are renowned for their warm welcome and inclusive nature where all voices are heard.
From Perth to Newton Abbot, the 59 members of the Racecourse Association cover the length and breadth of Great Britain. The racecourses take many different shapes and sizes – all part of the charm of racing in Britain.
With 23 National Hunt racecourses providing jump racing, 19 flat racing and 17 dual-purpose racecourses, there is something for everyone across the country, and Britain is home to six all-weather tracks offering flat racing opportunities throughout the winter months.
What brings all British racecourses together is the exceptional raceday experience offered. Home to world-class racing events such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, St Leger and All-Weather Championships, the racecourses of Great Britain carry hundreds of years of heritage and history that can be discovered on every visit.
The ownership structure of the racecourses is equally varied, with Jockey Club Racecourses owning 14 and Arena Racing Company owning 16. The remaining 29 RCA racecourses are owned independently.
The Racecourse Association was formed on 16 May 1907 by eight founders who recognised the need for a collaborative voice amongst British racecourses. The eight founders, from across Great Britain, represented a broad spectrum of racing and professional expertise:
Hwfa Williams
Miles I’Anson
Robert R. Fowler
George H. Verrall
W. Dorning Beckton
W. J. Ford
C. L. Bates
Joseph Bostock
Throughout the 20th century and beyond, the RCA has played a key role in historic racing landmarks such as:
The establishment of the Horserace Totalisator Board (first used at Newmarket’s July Course)
The first ever evening race meeting at Hamilton Park
The first ever photofinish on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile
Introduction of starting stalls, first used at Newmarket’s July Course
Launch of The Racegoers Club
Introduction of racing on All Weather Tracks
The first Sunday race meeting, held at Doncaster
RaceTech purchased by the RCA
Inaugural RCA Showcase & Awards- Doncaster crowned Champion
Goodwood crowned Showcase Champion
Chester crowned Showcase Champion
Ascot crowned Showcase Champion
Signing of the Members’ Agreement
York crowned Showcase Champion
Ascot crowned Showcase Champion, the first racecourse to regain the title
Aintree crowned Showcase Champion
International acclaim for the Showcase & Awards at the European Association Awards
Hamilton Park crowned Showcase Champion, the first Scottish and small independent raccourse to win the title
Pontefract crowned Showcase Champion
Horseracing returns at Newcastle Racecourse on 1st June following the naitional lockdown due to Covid-19
One of inaugural signatories to British racing commitment to diversity & inclusion
Aintree regain Showcase Champion title
RCA one of leading drivers in horseracing governance restructure
Musselburgh crowned Showcase Champion
First Premier Raceday hosted at Cheltenham Racecourse
Wilf was appointed as Chair of the Racecourse Association in October 2021. His other senior positions within racing include directorships at Great British Racing and as Senior Independent Director of The Racing Authority during its formative stage in 2018.
He was previously CEO of Carpetright plc before becoming Chair of the Group business, Nestware Holdings. Prior to that he was Chair of Fortuna Entertainment Group as well as being with the Gala Coral Group for fifteen years as Managing Director and a Non-Executive Director. Wilf graduated in Law at the University of Leeds and is currently a racehorse owner with several horses in training.
David joined the Racecourse Association as Chief Executive in March 2019 after working with Wasps Holdings as Group Chief Executive. David represents the RCA on the BHA Board and Commercial Committee as well as many other industry Boards.
Prior to his time with Wasps, David undertook senior positions with PepsiCo, Compass Group, Diageo and Lonrho, providing a broad overview of global leisure and retail markets.
David has worked with a number of other sports including stints as Chairman of England Netball and Pentathlon GB and Board roles at the World Athletics Championships and Oakwell Sports.
David has enjoyed time as a racehorse owner having had horses in training with William Muir, the most successful of which, Countless Times, enjoyed a double success at Lingfield Park.
The Racecourse Association’s Board of Directors is comprised of senior representatives from British racecourses. Our Board ensures that the voices of all racecourses are heard and that a balanced viewpoint on strategic decisions for the sport is offered.
The Racecourse Association Executive Team, based in Ascot, is available to deal with enquiries across the following areas:
Caroline Davies
Racecourse Services Director
Holly Cook
Racecourse Services Manager
Tabitha Killingbeck
Racecourse Services Executive
Kevin Walsh
Racing Director
Izzie Marshall
Racing Executive
Luke Trewin
Racing & Data Executive
Paul Swain
Head of Raceday Experience & Communications
Matt Jones
Raceday Experience & Communications Executive
David Jeffery
Head of Finance & Business Support
Emma Carter
Executive Assistant
Jackie Tizzard
Finance Administrator