Record scores for Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme
The Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS) in 2018 once again saw all British racecourses accredited as ‘good’ or better as average scores increase to 83%. This score is the highest on record for this scheme, demonstrating the continued investment in raceday experience by British Racecourses.
Each racecourse is visited by a trained assessor from VisitEngland or VisitScotland whose job is to objectively assesses the raceday experience. This assessment includes all customer touchpoints from the raceday and also comprises pre and post event information.
There’s so much to do at the races, whatever the weather! (image credit York Racecourse)
VisitEngland, responsible for all assessments in England and Wales, confirmed the top 11 racecourses for raceday experience in 2018 were (alphabetised): Aintree, Ascot, Beverley, Cheltenham, Chester, Newbury, Newmarket (July), Ripon, Uttoxeter, Wincanton and York. The benchmark score to be included in this prestigious company was 88%.
In Scotland, all five Scottish Racecourses were assessed by VisitScotland and Hamilton Park celebrated a wonderful 2018 by adding a five-star rating to their Showcase Champion win. Ayr and Musselburgh retained their five-star ratings, demonstrating a long-standing offering of excellence to racegoers.
Racegoers enjoy Ladies Day at Hamilton Park (image credit Hamilton Park Racecourse)
RCA Excellence Accolades were presented to racecourses that achieved exemplary scores in specific areas of the assessments. These accolades were presented to racecourses at the 2018 Showcase & Awards at Aintree Racecourse in November.
Paul Swain, RCA Brand & Experience Manager, commented “the Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme is a much-valued offering from the RCA in that it provides an expert, objective assessment of the raceday experience. More importantly, the feedback and evidence generated help racecourses to improve this year on year which I am delighted to say has been reflected in the scores.
“Congratulations to the top 11 for 2018 in England and Wales and to the three racecourses in Scotland which have secured the top rating of five stars.”
Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland Director, said “Our research shows that people want to visit our globally renowned racecourses with their historical pedigree and atmospheric race-day experience. The RCA Excellence accolades reinforce what people already know, that a day at the races in England and Wales is a world-class day out.
“And with racecourses dotted around England and Wales more visitors are travelling to experience all that a race-day has to offer, boosting the local economy throughout the year.”
Riddell Graham, Director of Industry and Destination Development at VisitScotland, said: “I am delighted that these racecourses rated so highly in terms of the information they provided to racegoers and at every point where they came in contact with racecourse staff, as this assures our visitors of a total high-quality experience.
“Customers are always looking for quality and value-for-money and delivering an experience that meets and exceeds visitor expectations is crucial in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.”
Racegoers at Chepstow were in patriotic spirit at the Coral Welsh Grand National (image credit Chepstow Racecourse)
