Going back to school gives Goodwood another national award

The Racecourse Association (RCA) announced Goodwood as the winner of the All About The Horse category at their 2014 showcase and awards at Haydock Park.

The track’s new ‘Sunday School’ fixture in June, when they invited race-goers – particularly young fans – into the racecourse early to see behind the scenes and meet many of the people who make a race meeting tick.

Arena Racing Company, who have Fontwell among the courses they run, won the best campaign award for the all-weather racing championships.

The showcase awards celebrate excellence and innovation at racecourses around Britain, with judges impressed by the Goodwood feature which offered fun for children and adults alike, while offering an insight into what goes on behind the scenes.

Judges were particularly impressed with the way the raceday educated racegoers about different roles in the racing industry and on racecourses as well as the care with which the equine stars of the sport received.

Goodwood were also finalists in the food and beverage category for their Field to Fork catering initiative.

The racecourse has won a number of RCA showcase awards in previous years, and was overrall champion in 2012.
The evening’s award ceremony followed a day of seminars and idea-sharing, with guest speakers from a number of organisations including Great British Racing, Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Coral and Center Parcs.

Goodwood racecourse managing director Adam Waterworth said: “This is the fifth year we have won a showcase award and we are thrilled to get another one to add to the collection.

“Sunday School was new for us in 2014 and we’re so pleased it was a success and that others have seen it that way. We are looking forward to growing the fixture, which will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2015.”

RCA Chairman Ian Barlow said: “Introducing the next generation of racegoers to our wonderful sport and to the horses at its heart is so important. In winning the All About the Horse category, Goodwood continue in a long tradition of innovation and success in these awards.”