Wincanton wins special award for its raceday in honour of Keagan Kirkby

Wincanton has won the Racecourse Association (RCA) Judges' Choice award for its raceday staged in honour of Keagan Kirkby, while the finalists for this year's Showcase Awards have been announced.

The Somerset track scooped the award, which is reserved for submissions that resonate with the RCA panel above all, for the Keagan Kirkby raceday, which raised funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare. Kirkby died after a point-to-point fall in February last year aged 25.

Wincanton's general manager Blaithin Murphy said: "We're absolutely thrilled to receive the Judges’ Choice award for our Keagan Kirkby Raceday. This day holds a special place in our hearts as a tribute to Keagan. 

"The success of the event reflects the incredible person Keagan was, and the substantial funds raised for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare are thanks to the unwavering support of the racing community, along with Keagan’s family and friends, who helped us celebrate his legacy and put on a day we hope he'd be proud of."

Ayr and Newbury have four finalist nominations each across the ten categories, while Ascot received three nominations. A total of 34 racecourses or organisations are represented among the finalists.

Other racecourses and organisations to have received multiple nominations from the judges and public were Arena Racing Company, Chelmsford, Chester, Musselburgh, Ripon and York.

Paul Swain, the RCA's head of raceday experience and communications, said: "We're thrilled to announce the finalists for this year’s Showcase Awards. 

"The major increase in submissions from racecourses, combined with the record levels of engagement in the popular vote, suggests a genuine competitiveness to demonstrate best practice from across the RCA membership and a commitment from racecourses to craft both excellent and innovative customer experiences."

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony held at York on November 13.

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