Newbury rated the best racecourse for stable staff - but another Group 1 track labelled 'shameful' as Nars reveal rankings

Newbury has been rated the best racecourse for stable staff, the first time the rankings compiled by the National Association of Racing Staff (Nars) have not been topped by Ascot or York since their inception in 2018.

However, Newmarket was labelled “shameful” by Nars after the home of the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas ranked fourth-bottom overall, with low scores for cleanliness and overnight accommodation.

Racecourses were rated throughout 2024 by stable staff and Nars inspectors in four main categories: overnight accommodation, day facilities, canteen and stable yard. Points were tallied and an overall score produced as a guide for racecourses and staff.

In 2023, 23 racecourses achieved the maximum five-star rating, with this dropping to eight last year. However, Nars said its scoring system had changed, as five stars had been “too achievable” and should instead be a result of tracks being “outstanding” and “aspirational”.

Newbury topped the rankings, with clerk of the course George Hill mentioned for special recognition. York finished second, with Lingfield third, while Ascot, Carlisle, Doncaster, Hamilton and Ayr were also rated five-star venues for stable staff. 

Ayr and Huntingdon achieved the joint greatest rise in the rankings, having each climbed 48 places. Huntingdon achieved four stars and was ranked ninth overall.

The lowest-rated course overall was Kelso, which was one of only three tracks, alongside Hexham and Cartmel, to be awarded one star.

However, Newmarket’s ranking and two-star rating drew the strongest rebuke from Nars, which contrasted the quality of racing with the poor scores given by stable staff and inspectors.

Newmarket: seeking to redress the issues raised by stable staff in 2024Credit: Edward Whitaker

A spokesperson for Newmarket said: “We want everyone who visits the Rowley Mile and the July course, whether a racegoer, participant or member of stable staff, to have the best experience with us. 

“We recognise that more needs to be done for stable staff, without whom we are unable to stage racing throughout the year, and are committed to improving facilities for them. Some changes have already been made in time for the start of our season next month, and representatives from Newmarket racecourses met with George McGrath, chief executive of Nars, on site last week to agree on an action plan for further improvements throughout 2025.”

Nars also ramped up pressure on racecourses that still have shared overnight accommodation and those which do not provide staff with a complimentary meal.

McGrath said: “From 2024 onwards, the Nars executives have instructed inspectors to allocate a score of zero [in that category] for any racecourse that allocates shared overnight rooms. Six courses still did in 2024. 

“This is to further our drive to see all staff who are staying overnight at their employer’s direction have single en-suite accommodation. It is a minimum standard that Nars expects on behalf of its members.

“There are still seven racecourses that do not provide a complimentary meal for racing staff – Beverley, Catterick, Redcar, Ripon, Thirsk, Wetherby and Musselburgh. I have asked the BHA to look into this with a view to the provision of a complimentary meal becoming a BHA general instruction.”

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