News A trio of winners
Kelso, Chester and Leicester named top Jump, Flat and Dual Purpose courses at the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards
THE Racecourse Association (RCA), in association with Pitchcare, ALS and Watt Fences, has announced the top racecourses in each category of the 2013 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards. The annual awards celebrate the hard work of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country who maintain and develop the racing surface.
Racecourses were judged in three categories; Jump, Flat and Dual Purpose, with Kelso, Chester and Leicester coming out on top in their respective categories.
For the first time this year, the announcement of the
Groundstaff Champion, issued to a single racecourse team, will take place at the RCA Showcase & Awards at Lingfield Park Racecourse on 14th November, where excellence and innovation across all areas of racecourse life is celebrated.
Musselburgh Racecourse was awarded a discretionary Merit Award by the sponsors - Pitchcare, ALS and Watt Fences - following the manner in which
the groundstaff team supported each other in dealing with a tragic accident that took place at the course earlier this year.
The judging panel consisted of representatives from the RCA, British Horseracing Authority, National Trainers Federation and Professional Jockey’s Association.
Caroline Davies, RCA Racecourse Services Director, commented; “we are delighted to announce Kelso, Chester and Leicester as the winners of the 2013 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards and look forward to the announcement of the overall Champion at the RCA Showcase & Awards. By linking with the Award ceremonies for the first time this year, we are able to promote the good work of these teams even further within the overall celebration of excellence and innovation on British racecourses.”
The Groundstaff teams at each of the winning racecourses worked, often in difficult weather conditions, to overcome a number of issues, such as
Chester covering the entire track for a period over the winter; modernising the design of the fences and producing additional fresh ground at Kelso; and Leicester re-cambering four of the bends on their flat and hurdle course, all of which were appreciated by trainers, jockeys and the BHA.
PJA Industry Liaison Officer Dale Gibson stated; “racecourses and their hard working staff battle consistently against the elements to produce a quality racing surface that professionals and horses require. Weather forecasts aren’t always accurate, meaning groundstaff need to use local knowledge, experience and dedication to carry out their role. Once again, the standard was extremely high from all those who submitted applications. The PJA applaud all who work on racecourse ground, not just the winners.”
Richard Linley, Senior Inspector of Courses at BHA, said; “again it was an extremely difficult task to select the winners of the
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Kelso Racecourse - best jump course
Groundstaff Awards. The knowledge and expertise in preparing racecourses again demonstrates the dedication of the groundstaff to their working lives.”
On behalf of the sponsors, John Richards of Pitchcare added; “as always, the judges faced the unenviable task of selecting just one winner for each of the categories. This year, we had a record number of entries and I know the Flat category, in particular, resulted in much discussion and deliberation because of the large number of high quality contenders. My congratulations to all the winners, and also my thanks to the judges for their thoroughness and fairness in making these difficult decisions.”
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