Ayr Racecourse lands top award

Nov 30 2012 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

They’re a sure bet on the track.

Now Ayr Racecourse have landed a top gong outside the rails.

For bosses at the track are celebrating their top treatment of owners.

The course and its hospitality facilities have landed a top prize at the Racecourse Association awards.

The owners experience award saw an independent judging panel praise the team at Ayr for how they welcome racehorse owners to the track.

RCA Chairman Ian Barlow said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the breadth and depth of excellence and innovation on British racecourses, as highlighted by all of the winners and all those shortlisted.

“Owners are the biggest financial contributors to the sport. Ensuring they have a fantastic time at the racecourse is one of the best ways of rewarding them.

“I am delighted to see Ayr excel in this critical area. Congratulations to the team on such a fantastic job.”

Ayr Racecourse chairman Alan Macdonald was thrilled to land the top award.

He said: “We are naturally delighted to win such a prestigious award and are also very proud to do so.

“We realise how important owners are and to know our efforts are appreciated by our peers is encouraging.

“We look forward to 2013 and to welcoming owners old and new to our track alongside racegoers as we continue to strive to ensure the racing experience at Ayr is among the best in the country.”

The track was also a finalist in the Food and Beverage category.

The awards dinner followed a stream of seminars where racecourses were able to share best practice and ideas in improving the raceday experience.

Ayr’s marketing chief, Lindsey Smith, and PR boss Iain Ferguson took part in the sessions.

Guest speakers included Jamie Aitchison of Channel 4 and Michael Caulfield of Sporting Edge.