Racecourse Groundstaff Award winners for 2025 announced

The Racecourse Association (RCA) is delighted to announce the winners of the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards for 2025.

Sponsored by Agrovista Amenity, DLF Seeds & Science and Duralock the award winners were decided by an industry panel comprised of representatives from the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and National Trainers Federation (NTF).

The winners and runners up across the three racecourse categories are as follows:

 

Flat winner— Newmarket Racecourse

Jump winner—Kelso Racecourse

Dual purpose winner— Newbury Racecourse

 

Flat runner-up—Goodwood Racecourse

Jump runners-up—Market Rasen Racecourse and Newton Abbot Racecourse

Dual purpose-runner up—Musselburgh Racecourse

 

Consequently, Newmarket, Kelso and Newbury will all be in the running to be crowned the 2025 Racecourse Groundstaff Champion. The announcement will be made at the fourteenth annual RCA Showcase Awards held at York Racecourse on Thursday 13 November.

The winners and runners-up are deemed to have demonstrated the highest levels of commitment, innovation and excellence across the year to racecourse groundsmanship and turf husbandry. The racecourses all showed impressive dedication to sustainable turf management practices, equine welfare, innovation, data-led decisions and training.

Andrew Morris, Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course, at Newmarket said: “It’s fantastic that Newmarket has been awarded best flat course in the 2025 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards. Alan Hatherley along with the other members of our Estates Team have done a tremendous job in balancing the demands of both the Rowley Mile and July Course during an incredibly dry summer. The Estates Team’s commitment to the renovation of the July Course racing surface and embracing new technology been impressive and gives us a great platform for further improvements. Thank you to the judging panel for making this decision.”

Jonathan Garratt, Managing Director, at Kelso, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the Groundstaff team here at Kelso. The award recognises their commitment to the important role that they play. It was particularly gratifying to receive so many plaudits from jockeys and trainers - the team, led by Head Groundsman Connor Armstrong, cares very deeply about the track’s reputation with those that participate in the races.

“In addition to Connor, members of the team include: Davie Greer, Logan Knox, Mark Nicholson and Chad Patterson.”

George Hill, Racing Director and Clerk of the Course, at Newbury said: “The team at Newbury, full time and part time are very proud to receive this award. We have had a busy 12 months with racing every month and different projects completed between racing, but the team are always looking for ways to improve and provide the best racing surface for each race meeting. I am incredibly proud that they have been recognised in this way, and I would also like to pass on my thanks to the sponsors and judges of these awards for their support to this great industry.”

In addition to this, three further awards were given:

• The Richard Linley Award to Daniel Hayes from Huntingdon Racecourse, in recognition of his passion, enthusiasm and hard work. Daniel joined the team in June 2024, following a 10-year career in His Majesty’s Forces, and in this time has completed the Level 2 and Level 3 Racecourse Turf Management Courses plus other local courses to improve his skills.
• The Neil Wyatt Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Andrew Malam of Bangor on Dee and Chester Racecourses in recognition of his 40+ years of dedication and hard work at the racecourses. Andrew has been instrumental in producing two excellent racing surfaces. 
• The Special Merit Award was given to Karl Coghlin of Haydock Park Racecourse for his progress at the racecourse and bringing stability to the team during challenging times. Karl is innovative, open minded, a natural leader and is always striving for the best.

The BHA Inspectors of Courses said: “As in previous years, this is a very competitive and high standard competition to judge, with many racecourses getting accolades and high praise from the panel. All courses deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work especially in a year which has been very challenging from an agronomy point of view. A hearty well done to all the winners.”

Dale Gibson, Racing Director at the PJA, said: “Every year, without fail countless groundstaff work tirelessly to produce a safe and effective racing surface for horses and jockeys. We witnessed an extended period of drought in most areas of the country over several weeks earlier this year which meant many staff were challenged even more than usual. Maintaining a consistent racing surface is of paramount importance for all stakeholders. Everyone who was nominated deserves extra recognition with additional congratulations to the winning teams. The PJA and our safety officers continue to regularly work with all racecourses and their groundstaff on every aspect of track management.”

George Noad, Racing Industry Manager at the NTF, said: “This year groundstaff have set an incredibly high standard, often working through challenging conditions to deliver exceptional racing surfaces. Choosing the winners this year was not an easy task. The awards honour teams who not only maintain excellent tracks but consistently push for improvement. The commitment and hard work by groundstaff is vital, ensuring quality racing and safeguarding the welfare of the sport’s participants.”