ROA Racecourse Accreditation results
The 2024 Racehorse Owners Association Gold Standard Award has set a new benchmark, with a record 46 racecourses achieving the accolade - up from 31 in 2023. The racecourses receiving the award this year are:
Aintree, Ascot, Ayr Bangor-on-Dee, Bath, Brighton, Carlisle, Catterick Bridge, Cheltenham, Chepstow, Chester, Doncaster, Epsom Downs, Ffos Las, Fontwell Park, Goodwood, Hamilton Park, Haydock Park, Hereford, Huntingdon, Kempton Park, Leicester, Lingfield Park, Market Rasen, Musselburgh, Newbury, Newcastle, Newmarket (July course), Newmarket (Rowley Mile course), Nottingham, Perth, Redcar, Ripon, Sandown Park, Sedgefield, Southwell, Stratford-On-Avon, Thirsk, Uttoxeter, Wetherby, Wincanton, Windsor, Wolverhampton, Worcester, Yarmouth and York.
These results showcase significant strides in racecourse standards, with an average accreditation score of 85% and an average owner feedback rating of 4.4 out of 5. The growing engagement from owners is evident, with eight racecourses collecting over 100 pieces of feedback and with Kempton Park receiving an impressive 210 responses.
Since 2006, the ROA Gold Standard has recognised racecourse excellence for owners, with the Accreditation Scheme, introduced in 2019 and assessed by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, ensuring consistent benchmarking. The record number of Gold Standard Awards for 2024 highlights racecourse improvements in pre-raceday communication, owner facilities on raceday and post-race day engagement.
To ensure we continue driving racecourse standards around the owner experience forward some changes to the assessment process will be made for 2025. The assessment will be streamlined from 62 to 38 core questions, with greater emphasis on the factors most valued by owners, such as seating availability, food quality, and the experience following a race where owners have a runner. Additionally, the threshold for achieving the ROA Gold Standard will be raised, requiring racecourses to achieve at least 85% in their overall assessment, maintain an average owner feedback score of 4 or higher, and collect a minimum of 40 pieces of owner feedback annually.
We sincerely thank all ROA members who contributed their feedback in 2024 - please visit roa.co.uk/feedback to get involved for 2025
Louise Norman, Chief Executive of the ROA commented:
"The ROA is delighted to recognise a record number of Gold Standard racecourse awards for 2024. This is a testament to the commitment of racecourses to ensure owners enjoy a premium experience at the races, and we extend our congratulations.
Excellence is an ever-moving target and by refining the criteria for 2025, we will ensure it remains a mark of distinction, driving further innovation and improvement for the benefit of racehorse owners in recognition of the consistent and loyal support the provide. We look forward to working on behalf of owners to continue raising the bar and providing the highest-quality experience”.
Simon Numphud, Managing Director, AA Media, said:
“Our assessments on behalf of the ROA, highlighted an excellent performance overall, which is recognised with a record number of Gold Standard racecourse awards in 2024.
As the ROA recognise, now is the time to truly refine the criteria for 2025 to further drive excellence across the board.
We look forward to working with the ROA and the racecourses again in 2025”
For more information on the ROA Racecourse Accreditation Scheme and Gold Standard Award, visit www.roa.co.uk/gs
