The Racecourse Groundstaff Awards Shortlist Announced

Racecourse Associationin Equestrian

MusselburghThe Racecourse Association (RCA) has revealed the shortlist for the 2012 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, in association with Pitchcare, ALS and Watt Fences, the only Racing Industry award to recognise groundstaff.

Celebrating the achievements of Groundstaff Teams at racecourses across the country, the Awards will be split between three categories, Flat, Jump and Dual Purpose. A total of 29 entries have been received and shortlisted, and include 7 Flat, 13 Jump and 9 Dual Purpose racecourses. The entries will be reviewed by the judging panel, comprising representatives of the trainers, jockeys and BHA, when they meet in January 2013, prior to the winners being announced.

In addition to the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, the Neil Wyatt Lifetime Achievement Award has been introduced for 2012 to recognise an individual who has given exceptional service over the years to a particular racecourse or the Racing Industry. Nominations for this award have also been received and will also be reviewed by the judging panel.

RCA Racecourse Services Director Caroline Davies commented, '2012 has been a testing year for Racecourse Groundstaff across the country and the entries received from racecourses reflect the hard work and dedication of their teams to provide the best possible racing surface.'

On behalf of the sponsors, John Richards of Pitchcare commented. 'Groundstaff at racecourses are highly regarded in the sports turf industry, their work is critical to the safety of the horses and jockeys and, as such, the ongoing success of the sport. On behalf of the sponsors we look forward to reviewing the entries and seeing further details of the great work that racecourse teams have been doing in 2012.`

Image: Presentation to the Groundstaff Team at Musselburgh Racecourse, winners of the 2011 Dual Purpose Racecourse Award

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