STRATFORD is the latest racecourse to receive the Gold Standard Award from the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA).
The Gold Standard Award is the pinnacle achievement for racecourses in the area of the owners’ raceday experience. Recipients must fulfil stringent criteria and are assessed annually to ensure that standards are being upheld, both within the racecourse itself and when compared to racecourses of a similar standing.
Paul Duffy, ROA Council member and Raceday Committee liaison to Stratford, said: “We are delighted to award the ROA Gold Standard to Stratford Racecourse. We have been particularly impressed by the improvements to the owners’ facilities.
“The directors and management team have worked closely with the ROA over the last two seasons to reach Gold Standard level. The feedback from our members has been very positive – so thank you Stratford.”
Owners now receive a minimum of six badges per runner, regardless of ownership set-up, and Stratford tries to fulfil any reasonable request for additional badges, particularly in the case of syndicates.
The food offering has also been much-improved, with owners being offered the choice of a complimentary carvery meal in the Chaser Room, a £5 voucher that can be used at any food outlet or a 20 per cent discount off main meals in the Gallery restaurant.
Additional improvements include a new Owners’ and Trainers’ Bar area, increased staffing in owners’ areas and the inclusion of all fixtures under the ROA Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners.
The Operations Manager and Owner Liaison at Stratford Racecourse, Ilona Barnett, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the ROA Gold Standard and will continue to look at all conceivable ways of giving owners the best possible experience now and in the future.”
Stratford becomes the 20th current holder of the long-established ROA award. The other recipients are: Ascot, Ayr, Chester, Doncaster, Epsom Downs, Fakenham, Goodwood, Hamilton Park, Haydock Park, Musselburgh, Newbury, Newmarket July Course, Newmarket Rowley Mile, Newton Abbot, Perth, Pontefract, Sandown Park, Wincanton and York.
