Ground staff at Newcastle and Chepstow Racecourses among the best in Britain

Tue, Feb 2, 2010

The ground staff at Newcastle and Chepstow Racecourses have been officially recognised for producing the best horse racing conditions in Britain in 2009.

Newcastle came top in Britain among those tracks that race both on the Flat and over jumps. Chepstow Racecourse was runner-up.

Both racecourses are owned by Northern Racing.

Newcastle was previously runner-up in the Neil Wyatt Ground staff Awards for both 2006 and 2007.

The awards, now in their 15th year and sponsored by Pitchcare and supported by ALS and Fornells, are organised by the Racecourse Association and are judged by a panel consisting of representatives of the Professional Jockeys Association, National Trainers Federation, and Jockey Club Inspectors.

Newcastle Racecourse receives a cash prize of £2,200 - £1,200 for machinery and £1,000 to be split among the ground staff. There is also a trophy and a plaque that will be presented during a racing fixture.

Newcastle Racecourse's Clerk of the Course James Armstrong said: "We are delighted for all the team on the track who put in such sterling efforts throughout the year and in all weathers. To provide excellent racing conditions means that the racecourse puts itself in as good a position as possible to attract the highest quality horses for our crowds to enjoy.

"It is a testament to the unfailing dedication of the ground staff, and I would like to thank them for all their hard work, which has seen them battling against the elements time and again to ensure that we have the best possible conditions for racing."

The awards are named after Neil Wyatt, former Jockey Club Senior Inspector of Courses, who promoted ground staff training and instigated the existing training programme for racecourse ground staff.

For further information, please contact:
Jim Allen, Head of Racing Development, at Northern Racing on 01283 575818; or James Armstrong, Clerk of the Course, at Newcastle Racecourse, on 0191 236 2020; or Richard Holland, General Manager, at Chepstow Racecourse, on 01291 622260.

22 January 2010

Author:  M Page

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