Cartmel crowned Racecourse Groundstaff Champions

Cartmel Racecourse was crowned Racecourse Groundstaff Champions at the annual Racecourse Association Showcase & Awards event.

The RCA Showcase & Awards, partnered for the first time in 2016 by Moët Hennessy and held at Doncaster Racecourse, celebrates excellence and innovation across the raceday experience.

Having already been named top Jump Racecourse, the Groundstaff team at Cartmel were crowned overall champions ahead of Flat winners Brighton and Dual Purpose winners Ascot.

The Groundstaff Awards, in association with Pitchcare, Watt Fences and Fornells, were decided by a judging panel that consisted of the representatives from the BHA Course Inspectors, National Trainers Federation, Professional Jockeys Association and the three sponsors.

The Groundstaff team at Cartmel Racecourse were singled out by the judges for their work to widen the course, improve drainage and irrigation as well as development to other areas of the racecourse that have benefited horses, participants and racegoers.

Cartmel Racecourse was also named as Finalists for the Events Award with their Glastonbury of Racing Event.

Maggie Carver, Racecourse Association Chairman, said: "All of the winners tonight have shown an exceptional commitment to providing outstanding customer experiences at their racecourse. It's really pleasing to see such a wide range of racecourses winning awards, highlighting the huge variety of raceday experiences available across our sport.

"Engagement levels with the event have increased again this year, which is testament to the ambitious and aspiring nature of our racecourses and I'd like to thank all those who entered. The Finalists can be very proud of making the shortlist.

"Well done to the winners and I'm very pleased for the Groundstaff team at Cartmel Racecourse who have clearly shown the very best in excellence and innovation throughout the year."

Jonathan Garratt, Managing Director at Cartmel Racecourse, commented; "We are very proud of Gary Sharp and his team, who have shown a huge amount of dedication over recent seasons to bring about some significant improvements to the track at Cartmel. Our objective is to provide the best racing surface possible and it is great to receive positive affirmation that we are succeeding."

"At the same time, having finished runner up in the Jumps category last year, we know what it feels like to get close to winning an award without quite lifting the trophy - so we all feel for the teams at Ascot and Brighton who have also clearly excelled in the past year."