About us

Statement of purpose

The Racecourse Association was formed in 1907. We serve the interests of our 57 member racecourses through an array of members’ services.

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.

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.

The Racecourses

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.

Values

Our Values

The RCA’s values have been generated by the Executive team, summing up both their own personal values and those of the organisation:

Excellence

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.

Innovation

We challenge ourselves and racecourses to consider fresh perspectives and source original, quality research to support our arguments and ensure our output remains contemporary.

Leadership

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.

Togetherness

Since 1907, we have served the interests of our member racecourses. We bring together 58 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.

57 Racecourses

From Perth to Newton Abbot, the 57 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 22 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 27 RCA racecourses are owned independently.

View our racecourses

1907 & History

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 – Founding director

Hwfa Williams

Manager, Sandown Park

Miles I’Anson

Clerk of the Course & Stakeholder from Malton

Robert R. Fowler

Clerk of the Course & Club Secretary to Lingfield Racecourse

George H. Verrall

Accountant from Newmarket

W. Dorning Beckton

Solicitor from Manchester

W. J. Ford

Race Official from Nottingham

C. L. Bates

Lieutenant Colonel from Hexham

Joseph Bostock

Solicitor from Derby

Throughout the 20^th century and beyond, the RCA has played a key role in historic racing landmarks such as:

• 1927

  The establishment of the Horserace Totalisator Board (first used at Newmarket’s July Course)

• 1947

  The first ever evening race meeting at Hamilton Park

• 1949

  The first ever photofinish on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile

• 1965

  Introduction of starting stalls, first used at Newmarket’s July Course

• 1968

  Launch of The Racegoers Club

• 1989

  Introduction of racing on All Weather Tracks

• 1992

  The first Sunday race meeting, held at Doncaster

• 1998

  RaceTech purchased by the RCA

• 2011

  Inaugural RCA Showcase & Awards- Doncaster crowned Champion

• 2012

  Goodwood crowned Showcase Champion

• 2013

  Chester crowned Showcase Champion

• 2014

  Ascot crowned Showcase Champion

• 2015

  Signing of the Members’ Agreement

• 2015

  York crowned Showcase Champion

• 2016

  Ascot crowned Showcase Champion, the first racecourse to regain the title

• 2017

  Aintree crowned Showcase Champion

• 2017

  International acclaim for the Showcase & Awards at the European Association Awards

• 2018

  Hamilton Park crowned Showcase Champion, the first Scottish and small independent racecourse to win the title

• 2019

  Pontefract crowned Showcase Champion

• 2020

  Horseracing returns at Newcastle Racecourse on 1st June following the naitional lockdown due to Covid-19

• 2021

  One of inaugural signatories to British racing commitment to diversity & inclusion

• 2022

  Aintree regain Showcase Champion title

• 2022

  RCA one of leading drivers in horseracing governance restructure

• 2023

  Musselburgh crowned Showcase Champion

• 2024

  First Premier Raceday hosted at Cheltenham Racecourse

• 2024

  York regain Showcase Champion title

• 2025

  Inaugural RCA Summer Jumps Championship staged, with finale held on 19th September at Newton Abbot

• 2025

  Ascot win Showcase Champion for third time, the first racecourse to do so