Golden days at Musselburgh Racecourse

Musselburgh Racecourse has reinforced its position as one of the UK’s leading courses with the award of Gold Standard status by the Racehorse Owners Association.

The East Lothian track is one of only 15 British racing venues out of more than 60 which has attained Gold Standard and it has held this since 2011.

The Racehorse Owners Association, (ROA) is the body that has represented racehorse owners for over 70 years and has more than 8000 members. ROA representatives visited every track in Britain at least once to assess all aspects of the raceday experience for owners, in addition to assessing feedback provided by hundreds of ROA members following their racecourse visit

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We have made significant investment in recent years in improving the raceday experience of racehorse owners, who are the lifeblood of the industry.

“Happy owners will continue making the trip to Musselburgh and trainers will continue to enter the best from their stables to compete here, instead of sending their horses elsewhere. I am delighted the ROA has recognised our commitment by awarding us Gold Standard for the eighth year in succession.”

Alan Pickering, Chairman of the ROA’s Raceday Committee, said: “When deciding upon the Gold Standard Award winners we almost needed the photo finish equipment. Decisions were difficult as there has been a wonderful enhancement to the owners’ experience at so many of our racecourses.

“At the heart of the Gold Standard scheme is continuous improvement. It is heartening, therefore, to see those racecourses which have made most improvement in their respective categories during 2018. Let’s hope that it will be onwards and upward in the years to come.”

Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the ROA, said: “The number of racecourses rising to the challenge of the competitive Gold Standard Award process has continued to impress the committee, although more work is still to be done in ensuring a minimum standards across all racecourses.”