• RCA Announces results of 2015 Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme
• Accredited by Visit England and Visit Scotland
• 16 racecourses awarded RCA Excellence Accolades
• All racecourses accredited as ‘good’ or better
Go Racing In Yorkshire is very proud to announce that 5 of the Yorkshire race courses are in the top 12 of the Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme 2015.
Now in its seventh year, the scheme allows every racecourse to be assessed and rated by VisitEngland and VisitScotland against other attractions in Britain.
The top twelve in England and Wales for 2015 (listed alphabetically) were:
Ascot, Bangor-on-Dee, Beverley, Carlisle, Chester, Doncaster, Goodwood, Haydock Park, Newbury, Redcar, Ripon, York
The national tourism boards provide a rating that takes into account efficiency and friendliness of customer service as well as cleanliness of facilities. Once again all racecourses scored the minimum rating required to be classed as ‘good’. Collaborating with VisitEngland and VisitScotland allows racecourses to benchmark against other attractions, ensuring that standards of customer experience remain high in the face of such competition.
The RCA Excellence Accolades aim to reward those who achieve exceptionally high marks in specific areas of their assessment. There are six categories in total covering all aspects of the racecourse experience. Beverley’s Terrace and Cleverly’s Bar and Goodwood’s 1812 Bar secured an Accolade for bar area. In the Quality Café/Restaurant section Kempton Park’s Panoramic Restaurant and Ripon’s Club Dining Room were deemed Accolade worthy.
The 2015 Accolade Awards are as follows:
Fast Food Outlet – Musselburgh, York
Bar Area – Beverley, Goodwood
Lovely Loos – Ayr, Chelmsford City, Doncaster, Musselburgh, Hamilton Park
Visitor Information & Signage – Ascot, Bangor-on-Dee, Chester, Huntingdon, Uttoxeter
Quality Café/Restaurant – Kempton Park, Ripon, Musselburgh
Staff Customer Service – Newbury
RCA Chief Executive, Stephen Atkin, said: “Once again our racecourses have demonstrated that they stand up well when compared to other attractions across Britain. We are very proud of the service and value for money that all of our racecourses offer and this is backed up by the results from VisitEngland and VisitScotland.
“Our partnership with both tourism boards allows us to offer customers a guarantee of quality whenever they visit a racecourse. The results show that racecourses large and small can all compete on the same level when it comes to quality and that is one of the unique attractions of British racing.”
Pam Foden, Head of Industry Development at VisitEngland said: “Our racecourses are incredibly popular, both for visitors at home and from abroad. The Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme is an excellent way for racegoers to feel confident that a day at the races will be a quality experience that meets, and in many cases exceeds, expectations.
The RCA Excellence Accolades reflect the high standards of quality found at racecourses across the country, recognising the wonderful ways that racecourses are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure racegoers enjoy their day out.”
Emma White, General Manager of Go Racing In Yorkshire, said:
‘This is a huge achievement for so many of the Yorkshire tracks to be recognised for their endless efforts to provide a top class experience.’
ENDS
For more information please contact Will Aitkenhead – will.aitkenhead@racecourseassociation.co.uk or 01344 873536

Notes to editors
The RCA is the trade body representing 58 of Britain’s racecourses.
Criteria for RCA Excellence Accolades:
• Fast Food Outlet – achieve 90% or higher in ‘Retail & Concessions’ (full section), Staff (Retail & Concessions only) and a 5 rating for ‘Retail & Concessions Cleanliness’