Five of the racecourses under the Jockey Club Venues moniker have been shortlisted in the ‘Events’, ‘Food and Beverage’ and ‘Operational Excellence’ categories in The Racecourse Association (RCA) 2012 Showcase Awards. The winners of each category will be announced at the awards evening at York Racecourse on Thursday 22nd November 2012.
Cheltenham, Kempton Park, Sandown Park, Market Rasen and Newmarket Racecourses have all been shortlisted in at least one of the three categories recognising distinction in C&E for the third annual Showcase Awards, which celebrate the innovation and excellence of British racecourses over the past year.
In total, 11 out of 35 shortlisted venues for the seven awards categories were Jockey Club Racecourses; Aintree and Sandown Park Racecourses were also shortlisted for the award in the ‘All about the horse’ category.
Reindeer racing Christmas party nights at Kempton Park have been shortlisted in the ‘Events’ category, and will be up against The Jessie J Music Night Sponsored by The Slug and Lettuce at Sandown Park and The Olympic Torch Evening Celebration on 23rd May 2012, which took place at Cheltenham Racecourse.
The three racecourses have also made it to the final stages in the ‘Operational Excellence’ category; an independent panel of judges selected Operational Excellence at Kempton Park, LOCOG’s presence at Sandown Park during the London Olympics and a joint venture by Cheltenham and York Racecourses for the 2012 Management Exchange Programme as finalists.
In the ‘Food and Beverage’ category, Market Rasen Racecourse has received recognition for creating a mid-range brand catering option, Mama J’s Italian Kitchen, in association with Jockey Club Catering and Levy Restaurants. Newmarket Racecourse has likewise been shortlisted for the revitalisation of the former Dive Bar on The Rowley Mile Racecourse in partnership with Adnams and Jockey Club Catering.
Paul Fisher, Group Managing Director at Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “We are delighted to have received recognition for our events and catering offering at such a high level in the industry. Being shortlisted for these awards is testament to the hard work and dedication of the racecourses’ teams and the significant investments we have made in our facilities.”
