Racecourses praised by experts in assessing overall customer experience

RCA reveals Britain's top courses for customer experience

All racecourses in Britain have been accredited as good or better for their racecourse experience in 2019 as part of the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS).

As part of the scheme each racecourse was visited by an assessor from VisitScotland or LiveTourism who considered the overall customer experience, including pre and post-event information.

Ayr was one of three racecourses in Scotland who retained their five-star ratings for customer experienceCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

In Scotland all five courses achieved at least four-star ratings, meaning all were considered excellent or exceptional venues by VisitScotland. Ayr, Hamilton Park and Musselburgh retained their five-star ratings, while LiveTourism, who evaluated racecourses in England Wales, confirmed the top 11 racecourses for raceday experience in 2019 were Aintree, Ascot, Beverley, Cheltenham, Chester, Newbury, Newmarket (July), Wetherby, Wincanton and York.

Paul Swain, the RCA’s brand and experience manager, said: “I’m thrilled to see so many racecourses receive the recognition they deserve and the RCA looks forward to working alongside all racecourses to continue to enhance the raceday experience.

“The assessments are incredibly thorough and provide detailed feedback on every element of the customer experience. Combined with racegoer feedback, such evidence is invaluable as we strive to ensure racing remains a world class day out.”

Johnson appointed as Bath director

Liam Johnson has been named Bath's new executive director.

His appointment follows six years at Jockey Club Racecourses, including four as general manager of Huntingdon.

"I am hugely grateful for my time at Jockey Club Racecourses, where – as the first employee to go through the Group Trainee General Manager scheme – I was able to learn a tremendous amount and gain an excellent understanding of the racing industry," said Johnson, who starts his new role in April.

"I am equally excited to get under way at Bath, with some big events planned for the summer and beyond."

Bath is owned by Arena Racing Company, which has also appointed Mark Spincer as managing director of its racing division.

Spincer, who starts immediately, will be responsible for Arc's 16 racecourses and four greyhound tracks.

He has been Arc's group operations director since 2015.

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