Meet The Showcase Finalists: Racing Connection & Racing Together Community Award

With this year’s RCA Showcase less than a month away it’s time to meet the Finalists. The Finalists, carefully selected by an expert, independent judging panel demonstrate best practice from British racecourses and will be in with the chance of being crowned category winners at the RCA Showcase Awards on Thursday 13th November at York Racecourse.

Today’s piece will look at the Racing Connection and Racing Together Community Awards.

Racing Connection

Arena Racing Company – Hearing it From the Horse’s Mouth – Making the Voices of Stablestaff Heard

Working with the National Association of Racing Staff, ARC developed a short survey to encourage live, constructive feedback which could be actioned immediately by the racecourse.

Since implementation, raised issues have been resolved quickly, feedback scores have improved and the quarterly prize draw ensures regular input from this vital group.

Ayr – Ayr Racing Club

The Ayr Racing Club creates winners in more ways than one.

The affordable racing club was developed as an accessible entry to ownership that could educate and engage new people with the sport, and with all proceeds going directly to Ayrshire Cancer Support the local community benefited too.

With nearly 10% of members entirely new to the sport and 81% new to ownership, the Club has created new, engaged fans with a genuine stake in Ayr Racecourse and indeed, British racing.

Ludlow – Behind the Scenes Raceday

Not ones to miss a trend, the team at Ludlow Racecourse developed a behind-the-scenes raceday to educate new audiences, attract families and strengthen the bond between the community and the sport.

The day was a hit with fantastic feedback, a record number of course walkers and new relationships with local schools and organisations that will last long into the future.

Pontefract – Chairman’s Challenge

Pontefract’s Chairman’s Challenge offered additional financial bonuses to all participants along with sponsorship and private hospitality for Trainers who saw their horse win three or more races.

The efforts paid dividends with an increase in repeat runners year-on-year, glowing feedback from Thoroughbred Group members and a Challenge winner in Captain Potter, who worked his magic for Brain Ellison and connections.

Southwell – Working with Coolmore

Carpe diem! That was the cry from Southwell Racecourse when it was confirmed that classic-winner City of Troy would be visiting Nottinghamshire for a racecourse gallop ahead of the Breeder’s Cup.

The Southwell team capitalised on this exciting event by hosting a magical experience for all who attended. Meet-and-greets with the Ballydoyle team, a global broadcast plan and branded City of Troy merch meant Aidan and his team left with the best possible prep for his stateside run, and the best combined wishes of the 1,800 in attendance.

Racing Together Community Award

Chelmsford City – 10 Years of Community

Chelmsford City Racecourse’s 10^th anniversary called for a suitable celebration.

Cue 10 Years of Community; 10 charitable relationships highlighted for their efforts in supporting the racecourse and the local area. Fundraising, awareness drives, local ticketing offers and a charity gala lunch gave all connected with Chelmsford City the perfect chance to raise a toast to the big 1-0.

Cheltenham – A Partnership Through Time – Cotswold Riding for the Disabled

A partnership 40 years in the making and still going strong—Cheltenham and the Cotswold Riding for the Disabled is the definition of a deep and meaningful long-term partnership.

To this day, the racecourse maintains its core support to the charity and has included numerous new initiatives, including a sensory garden for guests and hosting a special afternoon tea with ponies for dementia patients and their carers.

Hereford – Richard Layton Charity Raceday: Making Mental Health the Front Runner

Hereford’s geographic location means that a significant part of the racecourse community are also part of the farming fraternity. The tragic death of local farmer Richard Layton affected many.

Hereford Racecourse took the mantle in hosting a mental health awareness raceday in Richard’s memory. The raceday was also an inspiration to others involved in both horseracing and farming, reminding them that they were not alone, and a safe space would always be theirs at the racecourse.

Jockey Club Racecourses – 100,000 Opportunities for Young People to Experience Our Sport

The Jockey Club’s ambitious pledge to create 100,000 opportunities for young people to experience the thrill of horseracing is the sort of statement which creates a genuine buzz.

At Aintree, the chance to meet Grand National legend Daryl Jacob, access to the hallowed winner’s enclosure and getting hands on with The Chair were just some of the elements of this magical event.

Sandown Park – Community Fund for Elmbridge

Sandown Park’s 150^th anniversary saw the racecourse team take on the challenge of 150 laps of the track in just five days (and by the way, there was a heatwave!).

Each day welcomed different elements of the Sandown Park community, and the amazing £20k raised was placed into a local community fund. The Sandown Park management then worked with the Mayor of Elmbridge and Community Fund for Surrey to oversee applications for grants, all in aid of local causes.

Discover more about the RCA Showcase Awards via the Showcase Hub.