Racecourse Accreditation criteria overhauled after review

In February we announced the 2024 ROA Racecourse Accreditation and Gold Standard Award results, as well as our plans for the year ahead.  Following extensive collaboration with owners, racecourses, ROA Board members and our Accreditation assessors the AA, the criteria for the racecourses was given a complete overhaul.  It was streamlined from 62 to 38 core questions, with greater emphasis being placed on the areas that you – our members – have told us you value the most; car parking facilities and space with no queues; for the Owners and Trainers facility to provide seating and comfort for owners in attendance across the day; the ambience; the quality and presentation of the complimentary food; and for the winners experience to be truly memorable.

We are now over halfway through the year, with 11 of the 60 racecourses (both Newmarket courses being assessed separately) having received their finalised report at the time of writing.  We are delighted to see racecourses rising to the challenges we have set, with Newmarket Rowley Mile currently leading the way with a tremendous score. 

Any racecourse scoring a minimum of 70% will be receiving Accreditation status for 2025, whilst those that score a minimum of 85% (increased from 80% last year) will also be eligible for consideration for a 2025 Gold Standard Award.  This coveted accolade highlights those courses that go above and beyond for owners, providing an aspirational experience throughout the day, without losing their own individuality and uniqueness.

So far, 5 racecourses have scored above 85%, but they, and those still to be assessed, need your help.  The score is only part of the picture, as Gold Standard racecourses must also collect a minimum of 40 pieces of owner feedback across the year, with an average score from owners of at least 4 (out of 5).  As well as helping racecourses hit these targets, your feedback also allows the assessment criteria to continue to evolve, as well as assisting racecourses in understanding how their provision is experienced by owners.

In 2024 we received well over 2,000 pieces of feedback from owners regarding their experience on the day – whether it was good, bad or indifferent – and we are on course to beat that total this year, with over 1,200 forms already completed.  Thank you to all those who have got involved so far.  However, to ensure that those racecourses who really do go the extra mile receive the plaudits they deserve, and to also highlight those racecourses that have room for improvement please do visit roa.co.uk/feedback each and every time you go racing with a runner.  Your opinions really do count.