all you need to know - racecourse association · 2019. 7. 25. · all you need to know partnered by...
TRANSCRIPT
All You Need To Know
Proudly presented byPA RT N E R E D BY
3 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 20192 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
Contents
3 Welcome4 The Showcase Seminar6 The Showcase Awards 8 The 2019 Judging Panel9 Judges Scorecard10 The Awards19 Cheat Sheet What Makes a
Great Submission 20 The Life of a Showcase
Submission20 Showcase Surgery 21 Key Dates22 Terms and Conditions
The Showcase amp Awards in partnership with Moeumlt Hennessy Racing Post and GBR is renowned as the RCArsquos marquee event Those in attendance will hear first-hand best practice from leading racecourses sports and leisure venues and wider industry to inspire exemplary customer experience and celebrate the best of British racecourses
Both the Showcase seminar and awards are guided by our guiding principles of excellence and
Welcome to the 2019 RCA Showcase amp Awards in what is a special landmark tenth year for the event We are thrilled to take the event to our reigning Champion Racecourse Hamilton Park for what is the Showcasersquos first trip to Scotland
innovation which we encourage all racecourses to apply to every element of the raceday experience This guide provides an overview to each element of the Showcase amp Awards Within the following pages you will find testimonials from leading industry personnel on their Showcase experience the individual awards and descriptions how to write the perfect submission and the all-important terms and conditions
There is also an overview of the judging process how your submissions will be scored and who will be doing the scoring Our independent panel is made up of six experts in their own right covering each aspect of the raceday experience The RCA is thankful for their considerable time and expertise in participating in the Showcase Awards Should you require any support throughout the journey to Showcase please feel free to contact the Brand amp Experience Team who will be on hand to help
All at the RCA are excited to bring the tenth annual Showcase amp Awards to life and we look forward to seeing you at Hamilton Park on Thursday 14th November
4 5SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
A fantastic opportunity for British racecourses to gather with contemporaries the Showcase Seminar is the culmination of the RCA Raceday Experience Forumrsquos work throughout the year It brings key industry topics to life in an open and engaging forum that inspires new ideas and promotes the sharing of best practice amongst peers
We are proud to have hosted some of the biggest names in the sporting and leisure industry with speakers from AELTC Wimbledon the O2 Arena Arsenal FC the RampA Two Circles and Center Parcs alongside the most contemporary and successful racecourse teams ensuring our members hear from those at the cutting edge of customer experience
Those attending will gainbull A forum for in-depth and open discussion on key topicsbull An engaging and informative experience for the entire racecourse teambull The opportunity to hear from the industry on future strategybull Clear action points to enhance the customer experience at your racecoursebull The platform to network with like-minded peers in a relaxed environment
The Showcase Seminar
The Seminar Experience
ldquoThroughout the day the presentations were very interesting and insightful It is always good to hear from other sports so it was fantastic to hear from external speakers as well as people from within the industryrdquo Ashley Morton-Hunte Corporate amp Communications Manager Ascot Racecourse
ldquoAll the themes were of interest and completely relevant to the work I do I think itrsquos a fantastic move to have speakers from outside of the industry and to hear from a wide representation of courses large and smallrdquoKate McKee Marketing Manager Beverley Racecourse
ldquoThe 2018 Showcase Seminar provided a good selection of ideas from large and small racecourses and events outside racing there were plenty of take-home actions that could be transferred to MusselburghrdquoSarah Montgomery Senior Operations and Commercial Manager Musselburgh Racecourse
ldquoThe Showcase Seminar had a great mix of speakers from racecourses and others outside the industry It is always very much appreciated receiving a presentation from another sport as it allows us to take away valuable and insightful ideas to implement as part of our own strategiesrdquoSherylan Wade Head of Sales amp Marketing Thirsk Racecourse
6 7SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Awards is the racecourse celebration of the year and provides the opportunity to reflect on and reward the best of British racecourses over the past 12 months For a chance of winning an award racecourses are invited to enter submissions across a variety of categories covering all aspects of the customer experience
The Showcase AwardsBenefits to entering the Showcase Awards include
bull An unrivalled stage to promote the best of your racecourse in the past year
bull Logical and clearly defined mechanism for planning and measuring racecourse initiatives via the Showcase submission
bull Platform to celebrate the yearrsquos successesbull The possibility to document details of your
initiatives allowing measurable KPIs to be written for the racecourse
bull The opportunity to assess the level of operation from other areas of the industry
bull The chance to enter into friendly competition with peers
The Awards Experience
ldquoShowcase 2018 was a wonderful event all the hard work by the RCA and Aintree paid off spectacularly There was plenty of surprise and delight during the evening and the hospitality was exceptional throughoutrdquo Hazel Peplinski Chief Executive Perth Racecourse
ldquoShowcase 2018 provided another tremendous evening that was a pleasure to attend A huge amount of great work is done by racecourses and it is great to see it promoted and sharedrdquo Alan Delmonte Chief Executive Horserace Betting Levy Board
ldquo2018 was my first Showcase amp Awards the event was impressive and the work shared by racecourses was inspirational It was brilliant to be made aware of what other racecourses are doing and to see the passion for the awards throughout the industryrdquo Simon Sherwood General Manager amp Clerk of the Course Ludlow Racecourse
ldquoShowcase 2018 was well organised by the RCA and Aintree were fantastic hosts Both the seminar and evening awards ran smoothly ensuring that the event had a slick and professional feel to itrdquoRichard Hammill Chief Operating Officer amp Clerk of the Course Pontefract Racecourse
8 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The 2019 Judging Panel
The Showcase Judging Panel is comprised of six independent professionals each an expert in their own field covering all aspects of the customer experience at
racecourses
The panel thoroughly reviews each submission to distinguish which are the truly excellent initiatives Each judge has a maximum term of three years to preserve the
integrity of the panel and ensure a fresh perspective
Peter Clare Seven League Consulting Partner
Pip Kirkby ROA Industry Liaison Officer
Pam Foden Pam Foden amp Associates Director
Lee Mottershead Racing Post Senior Writer
George Foster Two Circles Client Services Director
Alan Park Center Parcs Operations Director
THIS YEARrsquoS PANEL ARE
9 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
Judgesrsquo Scorecard
RationaleInsight 0 1 2
Excellence 0 1 2 3
Innovation 0 1 2 3
ValueROI 0 1 2
TOTAL
COMMENTS
Each judge is provided with a simple scoresheet They are asked to score each submission out of ten via the matrix provided In the event of a tie the Judges will be asked to deliberate and come to a majority
decision of which should win
Judges may award Highly Commended accolades if submissions are of such quality
As the central pillars of the Showcase amp Awards Excellence and Innovation remain the two attributes which carry the most weight They account for 60 of the total marks available per submission
Excellence ndash delivery achievement style finesse
Innovation ndash fresh ideas not necessarily unique but uncommon andor original approach
RationaleInsight and ValueROI accounting for 40 encourage racecourses to consider quantitative andor qualitative measurement at both ends of their initiative
RationaleInsight ndash conception customer engagement preparation requirement
ValueROI ndash validity customer feedback significance financial andor experiential return
The scoring system aligns with your submission template which asks for initiatives to be plotted via Objectives Delivery and Results with a further sheet for additional information
All of the above applies to each Showcase Award with the exception of the RCA Outstanding Achievement and Groundstaff Awards
11 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201910 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Awards
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
3 Racing Together Community Award
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
6 Events
7 Food amp Beverage
8 Operational Excellence
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution Award
12 The Love of the Sport
13 Groundstaff Champion
14 Showcase Champion
For 2019 there are eleven Showcase Awards to be won with the overall Showcase Champion and
Groundstaff Champion providing a fitting climax to proceedings
Award Categories
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
Think aboutbull What insight has been used in this campaignbull How are we communicating to our target audiencebull What elements of the campaign were innovativebull Was the delivery truly excellent Demonstrate key
areas to the judgesbull What are the KPIs how were these agreed
Think aboutbull Can this initiative be replicated by other
racecoursesbull Problem solving ability bull Aesthetically pleasing elements and additions to the
racecourse site bull Opportunities to further engage with racegoers bull Educational insights into sportequestrian welfare
Please be aware entries should be physical and not intangible marketing initiatives or digital media campaigns
celebrates excellence in the sphere of marketing increasing the appeal of racing to new audiences and improving the frequency of visits amongst customers
Entries must demonstrate the clear strategy and execution used for the campaign by means of a multi-tiered approach to engage with a target audience
Goodwood claimed the prize in 2018 for the fantastic Magnolia Cup campaign which retold the narrative behind the charity race by putting the competitors and their emotive stories front and centre to create a hugely emotive countdown ahead of the event
The Spotlight Award celebrates stand-alone physical initiatives which enrich the raceday experience for customers This Award has been created to turn the spotlight on thehellip
bull Innovative and novelty ideasbull Day-makersbull Best ideas you canrsquot wait to share
To enter simply email an image of your Spotlight initiative with a brief description There is no limit as to how many initiatives can be submitted to this Award however only three may be put forward to the final gallery before the judges
12 13SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
3 Racing TogetherCommunity Award
Think aboutbull What initiatives have we done Are these linked in
a strategybull What areas of the community are we helping
and whybull Is there a legacy to the initiative(s)bull What partnerships have been developed and how
useful are thesebull How does the community strategy link back to the
business of the racecourse
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
Think aboutbull How have you pushed the boundaries in this
innovative spacebull How have you complemented other key areas of the
business via digitalsocialbull Emphasise the measurement of your initiatives ndash
with digitalsocial itrsquos easy to do
6 Events
Think aboutbull How did you go above and beyond to host an
exceptional eventbull What insight led to the event taking placebull How did you promote return visits to new
customers Was this successful
recognises initiatives relating to the local community environment or charitable causes
Entries must demonstrate how engagement initiatives have been identified enhanced the lives and relationships of their desired targets and should consider partnerships formed with key stakeholders It will be considered favourable to condense these initiatives into a rounded community engagement programme and demonstrate a subsequent positive legacy
Uttoxeterrsquos partnership with their local Lions club set up a screening programme for prostate cancer at the racecourse With 100s of men tested 75 red warnings were flagged which allowed for potentially life-saving preventative treatment
celebrates best in class in the world of digital presence and social media
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has crafted targeted campaigns through these channels in order to improve brand presence customer relations andor commercial gain
Ascot were crowned the digital amp social winners in 2018 with their mobile-first strategy promoting mobile communications and streamlining content across digital channels for optimised for mobile
celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses Both raceday and non-raceday events are welcome
Entries should demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution along with a clear link to the racecourse brand encouragement of return visits and consideration of environmental factors
Last year the Events Award was won by Bath Racecourse for their incredible reimagination of the raceday for children The Kids takeover saw children running the raceday with key roles including clerk commentator and vet all overseen by children who would never forget their once-in-a-lifetime experience
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
Think aboutbull What research has been carried out to provide
context for the initiativebull How is this initiative breaking down barriers and
opening up the sportbull How has the initiative made an impact on a local or
national levelbull Is there a legacy to the initiative
hellipcelebrates initiatives which open the sport to all and promote racecourses as accessible welcoming venues
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has appealed to diverse audiences and made effective steps to be inclusive to all racegoers andor members of staff
14 15SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
Think aboutbull Could you use promotional artwork from social
media RCTV and racecards
asks Racing Post readers to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse The judges will be asked to pick their favourite from a shortlist selected by the Racing Post and the RCA All public entries will be subject to integrity validation by the RCA
With record numbers of entries in 2018 it would take something special to standout from the crowd Cartmel not only got the most entries (over a quarter of the overall total) but also provided some exemplar examples of customers service The winning entry told the tale of a gentlemanrsquos 65th birthday at the track at which every member of his party of all ages were made to feel like VIPs throughout the day before an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by the restaurant staff
invites ROA members to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the raceday experience of racehorse owners
A shortlist of the best entries decided by the ROA and RCA will be invited to enter a Showcase submission detailing their Ownersrsquo Experience programme
Wetherbyrsquos winning initiative was built on the foundations of the new ownersrsquo facilities at the Yorkshire racecourse which was made using the feedback from those who use it regularly Superb trackside viewing a state-of-the-art reception and of course a warm Yorkshire welcome were extremely popular with owners and our judges alike
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
Think aboutbull Pre- and post-raceday communication with owners bull Ownersrsquo entrance bull Ownersrsquo facilities bull Food amp beverage bull Winning and placed connections bull Racecourse Ownersrsquo Liaison Officer bull Most-improved experience based on customer
feedback
7 Food amp Beverage
Think aboutbull What is innovative in this crowded marketplacebull How have we reacted to customer demandbull Clearly demonstrate the results of the initiative to
the judges
8 Operational Excellence
Think aboutbull What is exceptional about our behind-the-scenes
work to enhance the customer experiencebull What is innovative about unseen initiatives
which have made a difference to the business and customer experience
bull What have the results been on the business and customer experience Highlight key numbers to the judges
identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service
Entries should reflect both the food and drink choices from conception to plate as well as the level of service underpinning the operation Consideration should be given to provenance and environmental impact
Cheltenham Racecoursersquos Theatre The Festival wowed the judges in 2018 The pan-Asian cuisine was a first in British racing and offered racegoers the chance to dine in a beautifully themed restaurant with great oriental tastes overlooking world-class jump racing
recognises exceptional service delivery which improves the operational performance (including environmental impact) and customer service at racecourses This award is a great opportunity to provide unseen behind-the-scenes initiatives with a platform to be rightly acclaimed
Royal Windsorrsquos Monday night series has long been established in racing so to reimagine the series and build upon this success was a huge challenge for the team This was achieved and then some with new raceday themes bringing in record crowds to the Berkshire track and making new converts to the Monday night club along the way
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
3 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 20192 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
Contents
3 Welcome4 The Showcase Seminar6 The Showcase Awards 8 The 2019 Judging Panel9 Judges Scorecard10 The Awards19 Cheat Sheet What Makes a
Great Submission 20 The Life of a Showcase
Submission20 Showcase Surgery 21 Key Dates22 Terms and Conditions
The Showcase amp Awards in partnership with Moeumlt Hennessy Racing Post and GBR is renowned as the RCArsquos marquee event Those in attendance will hear first-hand best practice from leading racecourses sports and leisure venues and wider industry to inspire exemplary customer experience and celebrate the best of British racecourses
Both the Showcase seminar and awards are guided by our guiding principles of excellence and
Welcome to the 2019 RCA Showcase amp Awards in what is a special landmark tenth year for the event We are thrilled to take the event to our reigning Champion Racecourse Hamilton Park for what is the Showcasersquos first trip to Scotland
innovation which we encourage all racecourses to apply to every element of the raceday experience This guide provides an overview to each element of the Showcase amp Awards Within the following pages you will find testimonials from leading industry personnel on their Showcase experience the individual awards and descriptions how to write the perfect submission and the all-important terms and conditions
There is also an overview of the judging process how your submissions will be scored and who will be doing the scoring Our independent panel is made up of six experts in their own right covering each aspect of the raceday experience The RCA is thankful for their considerable time and expertise in participating in the Showcase Awards Should you require any support throughout the journey to Showcase please feel free to contact the Brand amp Experience Team who will be on hand to help
All at the RCA are excited to bring the tenth annual Showcase amp Awards to life and we look forward to seeing you at Hamilton Park on Thursday 14th November
4 5SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
A fantastic opportunity for British racecourses to gather with contemporaries the Showcase Seminar is the culmination of the RCA Raceday Experience Forumrsquos work throughout the year It brings key industry topics to life in an open and engaging forum that inspires new ideas and promotes the sharing of best practice amongst peers
We are proud to have hosted some of the biggest names in the sporting and leisure industry with speakers from AELTC Wimbledon the O2 Arena Arsenal FC the RampA Two Circles and Center Parcs alongside the most contemporary and successful racecourse teams ensuring our members hear from those at the cutting edge of customer experience
Those attending will gainbull A forum for in-depth and open discussion on key topicsbull An engaging and informative experience for the entire racecourse teambull The opportunity to hear from the industry on future strategybull Clear action points to enhance the customer experience at your racecoursebull The platform to network with like-minded peers in a relaxed environment
The Showcase Seminar
The Seminar Experience
ldquoThroughout the day the presentations were very interesting and insightful It is always good to hear from other sports so it was fantastic to hear from external speakers as well as people from within the industryrdquo Ashley Morton-Hunte Corporate amp Communications Manager Ascot Racecourse
ldquoAll the themes were of interest and completely relevant to the work I do I think itrsquos a fantastic move to have speakers from outside of the industry and to hear from a wide representation of courses large and smallrdquoKate McKee Marketing Manager Beverley Racecourse
ldquoThe 2018 Showcase Seminar provided a good selection of ideas from large and small racecourses and events outside racing there were plenty of take-home actions that could be transferred to MusselburghrdquoSarah Montgomery Senior Operations and Commercial Manager Musselburgh Racecourse
ldquoThe Showcase Seminar had a great mix of speakers from racecourses and others outside the industry It is always very much appreciated receiving a presentation from another sport as it allows us to take away valuable and insightful ideas to implement as part of our own strategiesrdquoSherylan Wade Head of Sales amp Marketing Thirsk Racecourse
6 7SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Awards is the racecourse celebration of the year and provides the opportunity to reflect on and reward the best of British racecourses over the past 12 months For a chance of winning an award racecourses are invited to enter submissions across a variety of categories covering all aspects of the customer experience
The Showcase AwardsBenefits to entering the Showcase Awards include
bull An unrivalled stage to promote the best of your racecourse in the past year
bull Logical and clearly defined mechanism for planning and measuring racecourse initiatives via the Showcase submission
bull Platform to celebrate the yearrsquos successesbull The possibility to document details of your
initiatives allowing measurable KPIs to be written for the racecourse
bull The opportunity to assess the level of operation from other areas of the industry
bull The chance to enter into friendly competition with peers
The Awards Experience
ldquoShowcase 2018 was a wonderful event all the hard work by the RCA and Aintree paid off spectacularly There was plenty of surprise and delight during the evening and the hospitality was exceptional throughoutrdquo Hazel Peplinski Chief Executive Perth Racecourse
ldquoShowcase 2018 provided another tremendous evening that was a pleasure to attend A huge amount of great work is done by racecourses and it is great to see it promoted and sharedrdquo Alan Delmonte Chief Executive Horserace Betting Levy Board
ldquo2018 was my first Showcase amp Awards the event was impressive and the work shared by racecourses was inspirational It was brilliant to be made aware of what other racecourses are doing and to see the passion for the awards throughout the industryrdquo Simon Sherwood General Manager amp Clerk of the Course Ludlow Racecourse
ldquoShowcase 2018 was well organised by the RCA and Aintree were fantastic hosts Both the seminar and evening awards ran smoothly ensuring that the event had a slick and professional feel to itrdquoRichard Hammill Chief Operating Officer amp Clerk of the Course Pontefract Racecourse
8 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The 2019 Judging Panel
The Showcase Judging Panel is comprised of six independent professionals each an expert in their own field covering all aspects of the customer experience at
racecourses
The panel thoroughly reviews each submission to distinguish which are the truly excellent initiatives Each judge has a maximum term of three years to preserve the
integrity of the panel and ensure a fresh perspective
Peter Clare Seven League Consulting Partner
Pip Kirkby ROA Industry Liaison Officer
Pam Foden Pam Foden amp Associates Director
Lee Mottershead Racing Post Senior Writer
George Foster Two Circles Client Services Director
Alan Park Center Parcs Operations Director
THIS YEARrsquoS PANEL ARE
9 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
Judgesrsquo Scorecard
RationaleInsight 0 1 2
Excellence 0 1 2 3
Innovation 0 1 2 3
ValueROI 0 1 2
TOTAL
COMMENTS
Each judge is provided with a simple scoresheet They are asked to score each submission out of ten via the matrix provided In the event of a tie the Judges will be asked to deliberate and come to a majority
decision of which should win
Judges may award Highly Commended accolades if submissions are of such quality
As the central pillars of the Showcase amp Awards Excellence and Innovation remain the two attributes which carry the most weight They account for 60 of the total marks available per submission
Excellence ndash delivery achievement style finesse
Innovation ndash fresh ideas not necessarily unique but uncommon andor original approach
RationaleInsight and ValueROI accounting for 40 encourage racecourses to consider quantitative andor qualitative measurement at both ends of their initiative
RationaleInsight ndash conception customer engagement preparation requirement
ValueROI ndash validity customer feedback significance financial andor experiential return
The scoring system aligns with your submission template which asks for initiatives to be plotted via Objectives Delivery and Results with a further sheet for additional information
All of the above applies to each Showcase Award with the exception of the RCA Outstanding Achievement and Groundstaff Awards
11 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201910 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Awards
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
3 Racing Together Community Award
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
6 Events
7 Food amp Beverage
8 Operational Excellence
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution Award
12 The Love of the Sport
13 Groundstaff Champion
14 Showcase Champion
For 2019 there are eleven Showcase Awards to be won with the overall Showcase Champion and
Groundstaff Champion providing a fitting climax to proceedings
Award Categories
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
Think aboutbull What insight has been used in this campaignbull How are we communicating to our target audiencebull What elements of the campaign were innovativebull Was the delivery truly excellent Demonstrate key
areas to the judgesbull What are the KPIs how were these agreed
Think aboutbull Can this initiative be replicated by other
racecoursesbull Problem solving ability bull Aesthetically pleasing elements and additions to the
racecourse site bull Opportunities to further engage with racegoers bull Educational insights into sportequestrian welfare
Please be aware entries should be physical and not intangible marketing initiatives or digital media campaigns
celebrates excellence in the sphere of marketing increasing the appeal of racing to new audiences and improving the frequency of visits amongst customers
Entries must demonstrate the clear strategy and execution used for the campaign by means of a multi-tiered approach to engage with a target audience
Goodwood claimed the prize in 2018 for the fantastic Magnolia Cup campaign which retold the narrative behind the charity race by putting the competitors and their emotive stories front and centre to create a hugely emotive countdown ahead of the event
The Spotlight Award celebrates stand-alone physical initiatives which enrich the raceday experience for customers This Award has been created to turn the spotlight on thehellip
bull Innovative and novelty ideasbull Day-makersbull Best ideas you canrsquot wait to share
To enter simply email an image of your Spotlight initiative with a brief description There is no limit as to how many initiatives can be submitted to this Award however only three may be put forward to the final gallery before the judges
12 13SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
3 Racing TogetherCommunity Award
Think aboutbull What initiatives have we done Are these linked in
a strategybull What areas of the community are we helping
and whybull Is there a legacy to the initiative(s)bull What partnerships have been developed and how
useful are thesebull How does the community strategy link back to the
business of the racecourse
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
Think aboutbull How have you pushed the boundaries in this
innovative spacebull How have you complemented other key areas of the
business via digitalsocialbull Emphasise the measurement of your initiatives ndash
with digitalsocial itrsquos easy to do
6 Events
Think aboutbull How did you go above and beyond to host an
exceptional eventbull What insight led to the event taking placebull How did you promote return visits to new
customers Was this successful
recognises initiatives relating to the local community environment or charitable causes
Entries must demonstrate how engagement initiatives have been identified enhanced the lives and relationships of their desired targets and should consider partnerships formed with key stakeholders It will be considered favourable to condense these initiatives into a rounded community engagement programme and demonstrate a subsequent positive legacy
Uttoxeterrsquos partnership with their local Lions club set up a screening programme for prostate cancer at the racecourse With 100s of men tested 75 red warnings were flagged which allowed for potentially life-saving preventative treatment
celebrates best in class in the world of digital presence and social media
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has crafted targeted campaigns through these channels in order to improve brand presence customer relations andor commercial gain
Ascot were crowned the digital amp social winners in 2018 with their mobile-first strategy promoting mobile communications and streamlining content across digital channels for optimised for mobile
celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses Both raceday and non-raceday events are welcome
Entries should demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution along with a clear link to the racecourse brand encouragement of return visits and consideration of environmental factors
Last year the Events Award was won by Bath Racecourse for their incredible reimagination of the raceday for children The Kids takeover saw children running the raceday with key roles including clerk commentator and vet all overseen by children who would never forget their once-in-a-lifetime experience
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
Think aboutbull What research has been carried out to provide
context for the initiativebull How is this initiative breaking down barriers and
opening up the sportbull How has the initiative made an impact on a local or
national levelbull Is there a legacy to the initiative
hellipcelebrates initiatives which open the sport to all and promote racecourses as accessible welcoming venues
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has appealed to diverse audiences and made effective steps to be inclusive to all racegoers andor members of staff
14 15SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
Think aboutbull Could you use promotional artwork from social
media RCTV and racecards
asks Racing Post readers to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse The judges will be asked to pick their favourite from a shortlist selected by the Racing Post and the RCA All public entries will be subject to integrity validation by the RCA
With record numbers of entries in 2018 it would take something special to standout from the crowd Cartmel not only got the most entries (over a quarter of the overall total) but also provided some exemplar examples of customers service The winning entry told the tale of a gentlemanrsquos 65th birthday at the track at which every member of his party of all ages were made to feel like VIPs throughout the day before an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by the restaurant staff
invites ROA members to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the raceday experience of racehorse owners
A shortlist of the best entries decided by the ROA and RCA will be invited to enter a Showcase submission detailing their Ownersrsquo Experience programme
Wetherbyrsquos winning initiative was built on the foundations of the new ownersrsquo facilities at the Yorkshire racecourse which was made using the feedback from those who use it regularly Superb trackside viewing a state-of-the-art reception and of course a warm Yorkshire welcome were extremely popular with owners and our judges alike
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
Think aboutbull Pre- and post-raceday communication with owners bull Ownersrsquo entrance bull Ownersrsquo facilities bull Food amp beverage bull Winning and placed connections bull Racecourse Ownersrsquo Liaison Officer bull Most-improved experience based on customer
feedback
7 Food amp Beverage
Think aboutbull What is innovative in this crowded marketplacebull How have we reacted to customer demandbull Clearly demonstrate the results of the initiative to
the judges
8 Operational Excellence
Think aboutbull What is exceptional about our behind-the-scenes
work to enhance the customer experiencebull What is innovative about unseen initiatives
which have made a difference to the business and customer experience
bull What have the results been on the business and customer experience Highlight key numbers to the judges
identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service
Entries should reflect both the food and drink choices from conception to plate as well as the level of service underpinning the operation Consideration should be given to provenance and environmental impact
Cheltenham Racecoursersquos Theatre The Festival wowed the judges in 2018 The pan-Asian cuisine was a first in British racing and offered racegoers the chance to dine in a beautifully themed restaurant with great oriental tastes overlooking world-class jump racing
recognises exceptional service delivery which improves the operational performance (including environmental impact) and customer service at racecourses This award is a great opportunity to provide unseen behind-the-scenes initiatives with a platform to be rightly acclaimed
Royal Windsorrsquos Monday night series has long been established in racing so to reimagine the series and build upon this success was a huge challenge for the team This was achieved and then some with new raceday themes bringing in record crowds to the Berkshire track and making new converts to the Monday night club along the way
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
4 5SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
A fantastic opportunity for British racecourses to gather with contemporaries the Showcase Seminar is the culmination of the RCA Raceday Experience Forumrsquos work throughout the year It brings key industry topics to life in an open and engaging forum that inspires new ideas and promotes the sharing of best practice amongst peers
We are proud to have hosted some of the biggest names in the sporting and leisure industry with speakers from AELTC Wimbledon the O2 Arena Arsenal FC the RampA Two Circles and Center Parcs alongside the most contemporary and successful racecourse teams ensuring our members hear from those at the cutting edge of customer experience
Those attending will gainbull A forum for in-depth and open discussion on key topicsbull An engaging and informative experience for the entire racecourse teambull The opportunity to hear from the industry on future strategybull Clear action points to enhance the customer experience at your racecoursebull The platform to network with like-minded peers in a relaxed environment
The Showcase Seminar
The Seminar Experience
ldquoThroughout the day the presentations were very interesting and insightful It is always good to hear from other sports so it was fantastic to hear from external speakers as well as people from within the industryrdquo Ashley Morton-Hunte Corporate amp Communications Manager Ascot Racecourse
ldquoAll the themes were of interest and completely relevant to the work I do I think itrsquos a fantastic move to have speakers from outside of the industry and to hear from a wide representation of courses large and smallrdquoKate McKee Marketing Manager Beverley Racecourse
ldquoThe 2018 Showcase Seminar provided a good selection of ideas from large and small racecourses and events outside racing there were plenty of take-home actions that could be transferred to MusselburghrdquoSarah Montgomery Senior Operations and Commercial Manager Musselburgh Racecourse
ldquoThe Showcase Seminar had a great mix of speakers from racecourses and others outside the industry It is always very much appreciated receiving a presentation from another sport as it allows us to take away valuable and insightful ideas to implement as part of our own strategiesrdquoSherylan Wade Head of Sales amp Marketing Thirsk Racecourse
6 7SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Awards is the racecourse celebration of the year and provides the opportunity to reflect on and reward the best of British racecourses over the past 12 months For a chance of winning an award racecourses are invited to enter submissions across a variety of categories covering all aspects of the customer experience
The Showcase AwardsBenefits to entering the Showcase Awards include
bull An unrivalled stage to promote the best of your racecourse in the past year
bull Logical and clearly defined mechanism for planning and measuring racecourse initiatives via the Showcase submission
bull Platform to celebrate the yearrsquos successesbull The possibility to document details of your
initiatives allowing measurable KPIs to be written for the racecourse
bull The opportunity to assess the level of operation from other areas of the industry
bull The chance to enter into friendly competition with peers
The Awards Experience
ldquoShowcase 2018 was a wonderful event all the hard work by the RCA and Aintree paid off spectacularly There was plenty of surprise and delight during the evening and the hospitality was exceptional throughoutrdquo Hazel Peplinski Chief Executive Perth Racecourse
ldquoShowcase 2018 provided another tremendous evening that was a pleasure to attend A huge amount of great work is done by racecourses and it is great to see it promoted and sharedrdquo Alan Delmonte Chief Executive Horserace Betting Levy Board
ldquo2018 was my first Showcase amp Awards the event was impressive and the work shared by racecourses was inspirational It was brilliant to be made aware of what other racecourses are doing and to see the passion for the awards throughout the industryrdquo Simon Sherwood General Manager amp Clerk of the Course Ludlow Racecourse
ldquoShowcase 2018 was well organised by the RCA and Aintree were fantastic hosts Both the seminar and evening awards ran smoothly ensuring that the event had a slick and professional feel to itrdquoRichard Hammill Chief Operating Officer amp Clerk of the Course Pontefract Racecourse
8 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The 2019 Judging Panel
The Showcase Judging Panel is comprised of six independent professionals each an expert in their own field covering all aspects of the customer experience at
racecourses
The panel thoroughly reviews each submission to distinguish which are the truly excellent initiatives Each judge has a maximum term of three years to preserve the
integrity of the panel and ensure a fresh perspective
Peter Clare Seven League Consulting Partner
Pip Kirkby ROA Industry Liaison Officer
Pam Foden Pam Foden amp Associates Director
Lee Mottershead Racing Post Senior Writer
George Foster Two Circles Client Services Director
Alan Park Center Parcs Operations Director
THIS YEARrsquoS PANEL ARE
9 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
Judgesrsquo Scorecard
RationaleInsight 0 1 2
Excellence 0 1 2 3
Innovation 0 1 2 3
ValueROI 0 1 2
TOTAL
COMMENTS
Each judge is provided with a simple scoresheet They are asked to score each submission out of ten via the matrix provided In the event of a tie the Judges will be asked to deliberate and come to a majority
decision of which should win
Judges may award Highly Commended accolades if submissions are of such quality
As the central pillars of the Showcase amp Awards Excellence and Innovation remain the two attributes which carry the most weight They account for 60 of the total marks available per submission
Excellence ndash delivery achievement style finesse
Innovation ndash fresh ideas not necessarily unique but uncommon andor original approach
RationaleInsight and ValueROI accounting for 40 encourage racecourses to consider quantitative andor qualitative measurement at both ends of their initiative
RationaleInsight ndash conception customer engagement preparation requirement
ValueROI ndash validity customer feedback significance financial andor experiential return
The scoring system aligns with your submission template which asks for initiatives to be plotted via Objectives Delivery and Results with a further sheet for additional information
All of the above applies to each Showcase Award with the exception of the RCA Outstanding Achievement and Groundstaff Awards
11 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201910 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Awards
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
3 Racing Together Community Award
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
6 Events
7 Food amp Beverage
8 Operational Excellence
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution Award
12 The Love of the Sport
13 Groundstaff Champion
14 Showcase Champion
For 2019 there are eleven Showcase Awards to be won with the overall Showcase Champion and
Groundstaff Champion providing a fitting climax to proceedings
Award Categories
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
Think aboutbull What insight has been used in this campaignbull How are we communicating to our target audiencebull What elements of the campaign were innovativebull Was the delivery truly excellent Demonstrate key
areas to the judgesbull What are the KPIs how were these agreed
Think aboutbull Can this initiative be replicated by other
racecoursesbull Problem solving ability bull Aesthetically pleasing elements and additions to the
racecourse site bull Opportunities to further engage with racegoers bull Educational insights into sportequestrian welfare
Please be aware entries should be physical and not intangible marketing initiatives or digital media campaigns
celebrates excellence in the sphere of marketing increasing the appeal of racing to new audiences and improving the frequency of visits amongst customers
Entries must demonstrate the clear strategy and execution used for the campaign by means of a multi-tiered approach to engage with a target audience
Goodwood claimed the prize in 2018 for the fantastic Magnolia Cup campaign which retold the narrative behind the charity race by putting the competitors and their emotive stories front and centre to create a hugely emotive countdown ahead of the event
The Spotlight Award celebrates stand-alone physical initiatives which enrich the raceday experience for customers This Award has been created to turn the spotlight on thehellip
bull Innovative and novelty ideasbull Day-makersbull Best ideas you canrsquot wait to share
To enter simply email an image of your Spotlight initiative with a brief description There is no limit as to how many initiatives can be submitted to this Award however only three may be put forward to the final gallery before the judges
12 13SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
3 Racing TogetherCommunity Award
Think aboutbull What initiatives have we done Are these linked in
a strategybull What areas of the community are we helping
and whybull Is there a legacy to the initiative(s)bull What partnerships have been developed and how
useful are thesebull How does the community strategy link back to the
business of the racecourse
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
Think aboutbull How have you pushed the boundaries in this
innovative spacebull How have you complemented other key areas of the
business via digitalsocialbull Emphasise the measurement of your initiatives ndash
with digitalsocial itrsquos easy to do
6 Events
Think aboutbull How did you go above and beyond to host an
exceptional eventbull What insight led to the event taking placebull How did you promote return visits to new
customers Was this successful
recognises initiatives relating to the local community environment or charitable causes
Entries must demonstrate how engagement initiatives have been identified enhanced the lives and relationships of their desired targets and should consider partnerships formed with key stakeholders It will be considered favourable to condense these initiatives into a rounded community engagement programme and demonstrate a subsequent positive legacy
Uttoxeterrsquos partnership with their local Lions club set up a screening programme for prostate cancer at the racecourse With 100s of men tested 75 red warnings were flagged which allowed for potentially life-saving preventative treatment
celebrates best in class in the world of digital presence and social media
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has crafted targeted campaigns through these channels in order to improve brand presence customer relations andor commercial gain
Ascot were crowned the digital amp social winners in 2018 with their mobile-first strategy promoting mobile communications and streamlining content across digital channels for optimised for mobile
celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses Both raceday and non-raceday events are welcome
Entries should demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution along with a clear link to the racecourse brand encouragement of return visits and consideration of environmental factors
Last year the Events Award was won by Bath Racecourse for their incredible reimagination of the raceday for children The Kids takeover saw children running the raceday with key roles including clerk commentator and vet all overseen by children who would never forget their once-in-a-lifetime experience
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
Think aboutbull What research has been carried out to provide
context for the initiativebull How is this initiative breaking down barriers and
opening up the sportbull How has the initiative made an impact on a local or
national levelbull Is there a legacy to the initiative
hellipcelebrates initiatives which open the sport to all and promote racecourses as accessible welcoming venues
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has appealed to diverse audiences and made effective steps to be inclusive to all racegoers andor members of staff
14 15SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
Think aboutbull Could you use promotional artwork from social
media RCTV and racecards
asks Racing Post readers to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse The judges will be asked to pick their favourite from a shortlist selected by the Racing Post and the RCA All public entries will be subject to integrity validation by the RCA
With record numbers of entries in 2018 it would take something special to standout from the crowd Cartmel not only got the most entries (over a quarter of the overall total) but also provided some exemplar examples of customers service The winning entry told the tale of a gentlemanrsquos 65th birthday at the track at which every member of his party of all ages were made to feel like VIPs throughout the day before an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by the restaurant staff
invites ROA members to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the raceday experience of racehorse owners
A shortlist of the best entries decided by the ROA and RCA will be invited to enter a Showcase submission detailing their Ownersrsquo Experience programme
Wetherbyrsquos winning initiative was built on the foundations of the new ownersrsquo facilities at the Yorkshire racecourse which was made using the feedback from those who use it regularly Superb trackside viewing a state-of-the-art reception and of course a warm Yorkshire welcome were extremely popular with owners and our judges alike
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
Think aboutbull Pre- and post-raceday communication with owners bull Ownersrsquo entrance bull Ownersrsquo facilities bull Food amp beverage bull Winning and placed connections bull Racecourse Ownersrsquo Liaison Officer bull Most-improved experience based on customer
feedback
7 Food amp Beverage
Think aboutbull What is innovative in this crowded marketplacebull How have we reacted to customer demandbull Clearly demonstrate the results of the initiative to
the judges
8 Operational Excellence
Think aboutbull What is exceptional about our behind-the-scenes
work to enhance the customer experiencebull What is innovative about unseen initiatives
which have made a difference to the business and customer experience
bull What have the results been on the business and customer experience Highlight key numbers to the judges
identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service
Entries should reflect both the food and drink choices from conception to plate as well as the level of service underpinning the operation Consideration should be given to provenance and environmental impact
Cheltenham Racecoursersquos Theatre The Festival wowed the judges in 2018 The pan-Asian cuisine was a first in British racing and offered racegoers the chance to dine in a beautifully themed restaurant with great oriental tastes overlooking world-class jump racing
recognises exceptional service delivery which improves the operational performance (including environmental impact) and customer service at racecourses This award is a great opportunity to provide unseen behind-the-scenes initiatives with a platform to be rightly acclaimed
Royal Windsorrsquos Monday night series has long been established in racing so to reimagine the series and build upon this success was a huge challenge for the team This was achieved and then some with new raceday themes bringing in record crowds to the Berkshire track and making new converts to the Monday night club along the way
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
6 7SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Awards is the racecourse celebration of the year and provides the opportunity to reflect on and reward the best of British racecourses over the past 12 months For a chance of winning an award racecourses are invited to enter submissions across a variety of categories covering all aspects of the customer experience
The Showcase AwardsBenefits to entering the Showcase Awards include
bull An unrivalled stage to promote the best of your racecourse in the past year
bull Logical and clearly defined mechanism for planning and measuring racecourse initiatives via the Showcase submission
bull Platform to celebrate the yearrsquos successesbull The possibility to document details of your
initiatives allowing measurable KPIs to be written for the racecourse
bull The opportunity to assess the level of operation from other areas of the industry
bull The chance to enter into friendly competition with peers
The Awards Experience
ldquoShowcase 2018 was a wonderful event all the hard work by the RCA and Aintree paid off spectacularly There was plenty of surprise and delight during the evening and the hospitality was exceptional throughoutrdquo Hazel Peplinski Chief Executive Perth Racecourse
ldquoShowcase 2018 provided another tremendous evening that was a pleasure to attend A huge amount of great work is done by racecourses and it is great to see it promoted and sharedrdquo Alan Delmonte Chief Executive Horserace Betting Levy Board
ldquo2018 was my first Showcase amp Awards the event was impressive and the work shared by racecourses was inspirational It was brilliant to be made aware of what other racecourses are doing and to see the passion for the awards throughout the industryrdquo Simon Sherwood General Manager amp Clerk of the Course Ludlow Racecourse
ldquoShowcase 2018 was well organised by the RCA and Aintree were fantastic hosts Both the seminar and evening awards ran smoothly ensuring that the event had a slick and professional feel to itrdquoRichard Hammill Chief Operating Officer amp Clerk of the Course Pontefract Racecourse
8 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The 2019 Judging Panel
The Showcase Judging Panel is comprised of six independent professionals each an expert in their own field covering all aspects of the customer experience at
racecourses
The panel thoroughly reviews each submission to distinguish which are the truly excellent initiatives Each judge has a maximum term of three years to preserve the
integrity of the panel and ensure a fresh perspective
Peter Clare Seven League Consulting Partner
Pip Kirkby ROA Industry Liaison Officer
Pam Foden Pam Foden amp Associates Director
Lee Mottershead Racing Post Senior Writer
George Foster Two Circles Client Services Director
Alan Park Center Parcs Operations Director
THIS YEARrsquoS PANEL ARE
9 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
Judgesrsquo Scorecard
RationaleInsight 0 1 2
Excellence 0 1 2 3
Innovation 0 1 2 3
ValueROI 0 1 2
TOTAL
COMMENTS
Each judge is provided with a simple scoresheet They are asked to score each submission out of ten via the matrix provided In the event of a tie the Judges will be asked to deliberate and come to a majority
decision of which should win
Judges may award Highly Commended accolades if submissions are of such quality
As the central pillars of the Showcase amp Awards Excellence and Innovation remain the two attributes which carry the most weight They account for 60 of the total marks available per submission
Excellence ndash delivery achievement style finesse
Innovation ndash fresh ideas not necessarily unique but uncommon andor original approach
RationaleInsight and ValueROI accounting for 40 encourage racecourses to consider quantitative andor qualitative measurement at both ends of their initiative
RationaleInsight ndash conception customer engagement preparation requirement
ValueROI ndash validity customer feedback significance financial andor experiential return
The scoring system aligns with your submission template which asks for initiatives to be plotted via Objectives Delivery and Results with a further sheet for additional information
All of the above applies to each Showcase Award with the exception of the RCA Outstanding Achievement and Groundstaff Awards
11 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201910 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Awards
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
3 Racing Together Community Award
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
6 Events
7 Food amp Beverage
8 Operational Excellence
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution Award
12 The Love of the Sport
13 Groundstaff Champion
14 Showcase Champion
For 2019 there are eleven Showcase Awards to be won with the overall Showcase Champion and
Groundstaff Champion providing a fitting climax to proceedings
Award Categories
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
Think aboutbull What insight has been used in this campaignbull How are we communicating to our target audiencebull What elements of the campaign were innovativebull Was the delivery truly excellent Demonstrate key
areas to the judgesbull What are the KPIs how were these agreed
Think aboutbull Can this initiative be replicated by other
racecoursesbull Problem solving ability bull Aesthetically pleasing elements and additions to the
racecourse site bull Opportunities to further engage with racegoers bull Educational insights into sportequestrian welfare
Please be aware entries should be physical and not intangible marketing initiatives or digital media campaigns
celebrates excellence in the sphere of marketing increasing the appeal of racing to new audiences and improving the frequency of visits amongst customers
Entries must demonstrate the clear strategy and execution used for the campaign by means of a multi-tiered approach to engage with a target audience
Goodwood claimed the prize in 2018 for the fantastic Magnolia Cup campaign which retold the narrative behind the charity race by putting the competitors and their emotive stories front and centre to create a hugely emotive countdown ahead of the event
The Spotlight Award celebrates stand-alone physical initiatives which enrich the raceday experience for customers This Award has been created to turn the spotlight on thehellip
bull Innovative and novelty ideasbull Day-makersbull Best ideas you canrsquot wait to share
To enter simply email an image of your Spotlight initiative with a brief description There is no limit as to how many initiatives can be submitted to this Award however only three may be put forward to the final gallery before the judges
12 13SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
3 Racing TogetherCommunity Award
Think aboutbull What initiatives have we done Are these linked in
a strategybull What areas of the community are we helping
and whybull Is there a legacy to the initiative(s)bull What partnerships have been developed and how
useful are thesebull How does the community strategy link back to the
business of the racecourse
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
Think aboutbull How have you pushed the boundaries in this
innovative spacebull How have you complemented other key areas of the
business via digitalsocialbull Emphasise the measurement of your initiatives ndash
with digitalsocial itrsquos easy to do
6 Events
Think aboutbull How did you go above and beyond to host an
exceptional eventbull What insight led to the event taking placebull How did you promote return visits to new
customers Was this successful
recognises initiatives relating to the local community environment or charitable causes
Entries must demonstrate how engagement initiatives have been identified enhanced the lives and relationships of their desired targets and should consider partnerships formed with key stakeholders It will be considered favourable to condense these initiatives into a rounded community engagement programme and demonstrate a subsequent positive legacy
Uttoxeterrsquos partnership with their local Lions club set up a screening programme for prostate cancer at the racecourse With 100s of men tested 75 red warnings were flagged which allowed for potentially life-saving preventative treatment
celebrates best in class in the world of digital presence and social media
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has crafted targeted campaigns through these channels in order to improve brand presence customer relations andor commercial gain
Ascot were crowned the digital amp social winners in 2018 with their mobile-first strategy promoting mobile communications and streamlining content across digital channels for optimised for mobile
celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses Both raceday and non-raceday events are welcome
Entries should demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution along with a clear link to the racecourse brand encouragement of return visits and consideration of environmental factors
Last year the Events Award was won by Bath Racecourse for their incredible reimagination of the raceday for children The Kids takeover saw children running the raceday with key roles including clerk commentator and vet all overseen by children who would never forget their once-in-a-lifetime experience
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
Think aboutbull What research has been carried out to provide
context for the initiativebull How is this initiative breaking down barriers and
opening up the sportbull How has the initiative made an impact on a local or
national levelbull Is there a legacy to the initiative
hellipcelebrates initiatives which open the sport to all and promote racecourses as accessible welcoming venues
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has appealed to diverse audiences and made effective steps to be inclusive to all racegoers andor members of staff
14 15SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
Think aboutbull Could you use promotional artwork from social
media RCTV and racecards
asks Racing Post readers to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse The judges will be asked to pick their favourite from a shortlist selected by the Racing Post and the RCA All public entries will be subject to integrity validation by the RCA
With record numbers of entries in 2018 it would take something special to standout from the crowd Cartmel not only got the most entries (over a quarter of the overall total) but also provided some exemplar examples of customers service The winning entry told the tale of a gentlemanrsquos 65th birthday at the track at which every member of his party of all ages were made to feel like VIPs throughout the day before an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by the restaurant staff
invites ROA members to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the raceday experience of racehorse owners
A shortlist of the best entries decided by the ROA and RCA will be invited to enter a Showcase submission detailing their Ownersrsquo Experience programme
Wetherbyrsquos winning initiative was built on the foundations of the new ownersrsquo facilities at the Yorkshire racecourse which was made using the feedback from those who use it regularly Superb trackside viewing a state-of-the-art reception and of course a warm Yorkshire welcome were extremely popular with owners and our judges alike
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
Think aboutbull Pre- and post-raceday communication with owners bull Ownersrsquo entrance bull Ownersrsquo facilities bull Food amp beverage bull Winning and placed connections bull Racecourse Ownersrsquo Liaison Officer bull Most-improved experience based on customer
feedback
7 Food amp Beverage
Think aboutbull What is innovative in this crowded marketplacebull How have we reacted to customer demandbull Clearly demonstrate the results of the initiative to
the judges
8 Operational Excellence
Think aboutbull What is exceptional about our behind-the-scenes
work to enhance the customer experiencebull What is innovative about unseen initiatives
which have made a difference to the business and customer experience
bull What have the results been on the business and customer experience Highlight key numbers to the judges
identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service
Entries should reflect both the food and drink choices from conception to plate as well as the level of service underpinning the operation Consideration should be given to provenance and environmental impact
Cheltenham Racecoursersquos Theatre The Festival wowed the judges in 2018 The pan-Asian cuisine was a first in British racing and offered racegoers the chance to dine in a beautifully themed restaurant with great oriental tastes overlooking world-class jump racing
recognises exceptional service delivery which improves the operational performance (including environmental impact) and customer service at racecourses This award is a great opportunity to provide unseen behind-the-scenes initiatives with a platform to be rightly acclaimed
Royal Windsorrsquos Monday night series has long been established in racing so to reimagine the series and build upon this success was a huge challenge for the team This was achieved and then some with new raceday themes bringing in record crowds to the Berkshire track and making new converts to the Monday night club along the way
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
8 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The 2019 Judging Panel
The Showcase Judging Panel is comprised of six independent professionals each an expert in their own field covering all aspects of the customer experience at
racecourses
The panel thoroughly reviews each submission to distinguish which are the truly excellent initiatives Each judge has a maximum term of three years to preserve the
integrity of the panel and ensure a fresh perspective
Peter Clare Seven League Consulting Partner
Pip Kirkby ROA Industry Liaison Officer
Pam Foden Pam Foden amp Associates Director
Lee Mottershead Racing Post Senior Writer
George Foster Two Circles Client Services Director
Alan Park Center Parcs Operations Director
THIS YEARrsquoS PANEL ARE
9 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
Judgesrsquo Scorecard
RationaleInsight 0 1 2
Excellence 0 1 2 3
Innovation 0 1 2 3
ValueROI 0 1 2
TOTAL
COMMENTS
Each judge is provided with a simple scoresheet They are asked to score each submission out of ten via the matrix provided In the event of a tie the Judges will be asked to deliberate and come to a majority
decision of which should win
Judges may award Highly Commended accolades if submissions are of such quality
As the central pillars of the Showcase amp Awards Excellence and Innovation remain the two attributes which carry the most weight They account for 60 of the total marks available per submission
Excellence ndash delivery achievement style finesse
Innovation ndash fresh ideas not necessarily unique but uncommon andor original approach
RationaleInsight and ValueROI accounting for 40 encourage racecourses to consider quantitative andor qualitative measurement at both ends of their initiative
RationaleInsight ndash conception customer engagement preparation requirement
ValueROI ndash validity customer feedback significance financial andor experiential return
The scoring system aligns with your submission template which asks for initiatives to be plotted via Objectives Delivery and Results with a further sheet for additional information
All of the above applies to each Showcase Award with the exception of the RCA Outstanding Achievement and Groundstaff Awards
11 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201910 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Awards
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
3 Racing Together Community Award
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
6 Events
7 Food amp Beverage
8 Operational Excellence
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution Award
12 The Love of the Sport
13 Groundstaff Champion
14 Showcase Champion
For 2019 there are eleven Showcase Awards to be won with the overall Showcase Champion and
Groundstaff Champion providing a fitting climax to proceedings
Award Categories
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
Think aboutbull What insight has been used in this campaignbull How are we communicating to our target audiencebull What elements of the campaign were innovativebull Was the delivery truly excellent Demonstrate key
areas to the judgesbull What are the KPIs how were these agreed
Think aboutbull Can this initiative be replicated by other
racecoursesbull Problem solving ability bull Aesthetically pleasing elements and additions to the
racecourse site bull Opportunities to further engage with racegoers bull Educational insights into sportequestrian welfare
Please be aware entries should be physical and not intangible marketing initiatives or digital media campaigns
celebrates excellence in the sphere of marketing increasing the appeal of racing to new audiences and improving the frequency of visits amongst customers
Entries must demonstrate the clear strategy and execution used for the campaign by means of a multi-tiered approach to engage with a target audience
Goodwood claimed the prize in 2018 for the fantastic Magnolia Cup campaign which retold the narrative behind the charity race by putting the competitors and their emotive stories front and centre to create a hugely emotive countdown ahead of the event
The Spotlight Award celebrates stand-alone physical initiatives which enrich the raceday experience for customers This Award has been created to turn the spotlight on thehellip
bull Innovative and novelty ideasbull Day-makersbull Best ideas you canrsquot wait to share
To enter simply email an image of your Spotlight initiative with a brief description There is no limit as to how many initiatives can be submitted to this Award however only three may be put forward to the final gallery before the judges
12 13SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
3 Racing TogetherCommunity Award
Think aboutbull What initiatives have we done Are these linked in
a strategybull What areas of the community are we helping
and whybull Is there a legacy to the initiative(s)bull What partnerships have been developed and how
useful are thesebull How does the community strategy link back to the
business of the racecourse
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
Think aboutbull How have you pushed the boundaries in this
innovative spacebull How have you complemented other key areas of the
business via digitalsocialbull Emphasise the measurement of your initiatives ndash
with digitalsocial itrsquos easy to do
6 Events
Think aboutbull How did you go above and beyond to host an
exceptional eventbull What insight led to the event taking placebull How did you promote return visits to new
customers Was this successful
recognises initiatives relating to the local community environment or charitable causes
Entries must demonstrate how engagement initiatives have been identified enhanced the lives and relationships of their desired targets and should consider partnerships formed with key stakeholders It will be considered favourable to condense these initiatives into a rounded community engagement programme and demonstrate a subsequent positive legacy
Uttoxeterrsquos partnership with their local Lions club set up a screening programme for prostate cancer at the racecourse With 100s of men tested 75 red warnings were flagged which allowed for potentially life-saving preventative treatment
celebrates best in class in the world of digital presence and social media
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has crafted targeted campaigns through these channels in order to improve brand presence customer relations andor commercial gain
Ascot were crowned the digital amp social winners in 2018 with their mobile-first strategy promoting mobile communications and streamlining content across digital channels for optimised for mobile
celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses Both raceday and non-raceday events are welcome
Entries should demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution along with a clear link to the racecourse brand encouragement of return visits and consideration of environmental factors
Last year the Events Award was won by Bath Racecourse for their incredible reimagination of the raceday for children The Kids takeover saw children running the raceday with key roles including clerk commentator and vet all overseen by children who would never forget their once-in-a-lifetime experience
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
Think aboutbull What research has been carried out to provide
context for the initiativebull How is this initiative breaking down barriers and
opening up the sportbull How has the initiative made an impact on a local or
national levelbull Is there a legacy to the initiative
hellipcelebrates initiatives which open the sport to all and promote racecourses as accessible welcoming venues
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has appealed to diverse audiences and made effective steps to be inclusive to all racegoers andor members of staff
14 15SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
Think aboutbull Could you use promotional artwork from social
media RCTV and racecards
asks Racing Post readers to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse The judges will be asked to pick their favourite from a shortlist selected by the Racing Post and the RCA All public entries will be subject to integrity validation by the RCA
With record numbers of entries in 2018 it would take something special to standout from the crowd Cartmel not only got the most entries (over a quarter of the overall total) but also provided some exemplar examples of customers service The winning entry told the tale of a gentlemanrsquos 65th birthday at the track at which every member of his party of all ages were made to feel like VIPs throughout the day before an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by the restaurant staff
invites ROA members to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the raceday experience of racehorse owners
A shortlist of the best entries decided by the ROA and RCA will be invited to enter a Showcase submission detailing their Ownersrsquo Experience programme
Wetherbyrsquos winning initiative was built on the foundations of the new ownersrsquo facilities at the Yorkshire racecourse which was made using the feedback from those who use it regularly Superb trackside viewing a state-of-the-art reception and of course a warm Yorkshire welcome were extremely popular with owners and our judges alike
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
Think aboutbull Pre- and post-raceday communication with owners bull Ownersrsquo entrance bull Ownersrsquo facilities bull Food amp beverage bull Winning and placed connections bull Racecourse Ownersrsquo Liaison Officer bull Most-improved experience based on customer
feedback
7 Food amp Beverage
Think aboutbull What is innovative in this crowded marketplacebull How have we reacted to customer demandbull Clearly demonstrate the results of the initiative to
the judges
8 Operational Excellence
Think aboutbull What is exceptional about our behind-the-scenes
work to enhance the customer experiencebull What is innovative about unseen initiatives
which have made a difference to the business and customer experience
bull What have the results been on the business and customer experience Highlight key numbers to the judges
identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service
Entries should reflect both the food and drink choices from conception to plate as well as the level of service underpinning the operation Consideration should be given to provenance and environmental impact
Cheltenham Racecoursersquos Theatre The Festival wowed the judges in 2018 The pan-Asian cuisine was a first in British racing and offered racegoers the chance to dine in a beautifully themed restaurant with great oriental tastes overlooking world-class jump racing
recognises exceptional service delivery which improves the operational performance (including environmental impact) and customer service at racecourses This award is a great opportunity to provide unseen behind-the-scenes initiatives with a platform to be rightly acclaimed
Royal Windsorrsquos Monday night series has long been established in racing so to reimagine the series and build upon this success was a huge challenge for the team This was achieved and then some with new raceday themes bringing in record crowds to the Berkshire track and making new converts to the Monday night club along the way
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
11 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201910 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Awards
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
3 Racing Together Community Award
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
6 Events
7 Food amp Beverage
8 Operational Excellence
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution Award
12 The Love of the Sport
13 Groundstaff Champion
14 Showcase Champion
For 2019 there are eleven Showcase Awards to be won with the overall Showcase Champion and
Groundstaff Champion providing a fitting climax to proceedings
Award Categories
1 Spotlight Award
2 Best Campaign
Think aboutbull What insight has been used in this campaignbull How are we communicating to our target audiencebull What elements of the campaign were innovativebull Was the delivery truly excellent Demonstrate key
areas to the judgesbull What are the KPIs how were these agreed
Think aboutbull Can this initiative be replicated by other
racecoursesbull Problem solving ability bull Aesthetically pleasing elements and additions to the
racecourse site bull Opportunities to further engage with racegoers bull Educational insights into sportequestrian welfare
Please be aware entries should be physical and not intangible marketing initiatives or digital media campaigns
celebrates excellence in the sphere of marketing increasing the appeal of racing to new audiences and improving the frequency of visits amongst customers
Entries must demonstrate the clear strategy and execution used for the campaign by means of a multi-tiered approach to engage with a target audience
Goodwood claimed the prize in 2018 for the fantastic Magnolia Cup campaign which retold the narrative behind the charity race by putting the competitors and their emotive stories front and centre to create a hugely emotive countdown ahead of the event
The Spotlight Award celebrates stand-alone physical initiatives which enrich the raceday experience for customers This Award has been created to turn the spotlight on thehellip
bull Innovative and novelty ideasbull Day-makersbull Best ideas you canrsquot wait to share
To enter simply email an image of your Spotlight initiative with a brief description There is no limit as to how many initiatives can be submitted to this Award however only three may be put forward to the final gallery before the judges
12 13SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
3 Racing TogetherCommunity Award
Think aboutbull What initiatives have we done Are these linked in
a strategybull What areas of the community are we helping
and whybull Is there a legacy to the initiative(s)bull What partnerships have been developed and how
useful are thesebull How does the community strategy link back to the
business of the racecourse
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
Think aboutbull How have you pushed the boundaries in this
innovative spacebull How have you complemented other key areas of the
business via digitalsocialbull Emphasise the measurement of your initiatives ndash
with digitalsocial itrsquos easy to do
6 Events
Think aboutbull How did you go above and beyond to host an
exceptional eventbull What insight led to the event taking placebull How did you promote return visits to new
customers Was this successful
recognises initiatives relating to the local community environment or charitable causes
Entries must demonstrate how engagement initiatives have been identified enhanced the lives and relationships of their desired targets and should consider partnerships formed with key stakeholders It will be considered favourable to condense these initiatives into a rounded community engagement programme and demonstrate a subsequent positive legacy
Uttoxeterrsquos partnership with their local Lions club set up a screening programme for prostate cancer at the racecourse With 100s of men tested 75 red warnings were flagged which allowed for potentially life-saving preventative treatment
celebrates best in class in the world of digital presence and social media
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has crafted targeted campaigns through these channels in order to improve brand presence customer relations andor commercial gain
Ascot were crowned the digital amp social winners in 2018 with their mobile-first strategy promoting mobile communications and streamlining content across digital channels for optimised for mobile
celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses Both raceday and non-raceday events are welcome
Entries should demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution along with a clear link to the racecourse brand encouragement of return visits and consideration of environmental factors
Last year the Events Award was won by Bath Racecourse for their incredible reimagination of the raceday for children The Kids takeover saw children running the raceday with key roles including clerk commentator and vet all overseen by children who would never forget their once-in-a-lifetime experience
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
Think aboutbull What research has been carried out to provide
context for the initiativebull How is this initiative breaking down barriers and
opening up the sportbull How has the initiative made an impact on a local or
national levelbull Is there a legacy to the initiative
hellipcelebrates initiatives which open the sport to all and promote racecourses as accessible welcoming venues
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has appealed to diverse audiences and made effective steps to be inclusive to all racegoers andor members of staff
14 15SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
Think aboutbull Could you use promotional artwork from social
media RCTV and racecards
asks Racing Post readers to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse The judges will be asked to pick their favourite from a shortlist selected by the Racing Post and the RCA All public entries will be subject to integrity validation by the RCA
With record numbers of entries in 2018 it would take something special to standout from the crowd Cartmel not only got the most entries (over a quarter of the overall total) but also provided some exemplar examples of customers service The winning entry told the tale of a gentlemanrsquos 65th birthday at the track at which every member of his party of all ages were made to feel like VIPs throughout the day before an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by the restaurant staff
invites ROA members to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the raceday experience of racehorse owners
A shortlist of the best entries decided by the ROA and RCA will be invited to enter a Showcase submission detailing their Ownersrsquo Experience programme
Wetherbyrsquos winning initiative was built on the foundations of the new ownersrsquo facilities at the Yorkshire racecourse which was made using the feedback from those who use it regularly Superb trackside viewing a state-of-the-art reception and of course a warm Yorkshire welcome were extremely popular with owners and our judges alike
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
Think aboutbull Pre- and post-raceday communication with owners bull Ownersrsquo entrance bull Ownersrsquo facilities bull Food amp beverage bull Winning and placed connections bull Racecourse Ownersrsquo Liaison Officer bull Most-improved experience based on customer
feedback
7 Food amp Beverage
Think aboutbull What is innovative in this crowded marketplacebull How have we reacted to customer demandbull Clearly demonstrate the results of the initiative to
the judges
8 Operational Excellence
Think aboutbull What is exceptional about our behind-the-scenes
work to enhance the customer experiencebull What is innovative about unseen initiatives
which have made a difference to the business and customer experience
bull What have the results been on the business and customer experience Highlight key numbers to the judges
identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service
Entries should reflect both the food and drink choices from conception to plate as well as the level of service underpinning the operation Consideration should be given to provenance and environmental impact
Cheltenham Racecoursersquos Theatre The Festival wowed the judges in 2018 The pan-Asian cuisine was a first in British racing and offered racegoers the chance to dine in a beautifully themed restaurant with great oriental tastes overlooking world-class jump racing
recognises exceptional service delivery which improves the operational performance (including environmental impact) and customer service at racecourses This award is a great opportunity to provide unseen behind-the-scenes initiatives with a platform to be rightly acclaimed
Royal Windsorrsquos Monday night series has long been established in racing so to reimagine the series and build upon this success was a huge challenge for the team This was achieved and then some with new raceday themes bringing in record crowds to the Berkshire track and making new converts to the Monday night club along the way
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
12 13SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
3 Racing TogetherCommunity Award
Think aboutbull What initiatives have we done Are these linked in
a strategybull What areas of the community are we helping
and whybull Is there a legacy to the initiative(s)bull What partnerships have been developed and how
useful are thesebull How does the community strategy link back to the
business of the racecourse
4 Digital amp Social Media Excellence
Think aboutbull How have you pushed the boundaries in this
innovative spacebull How have you complemented other key areas of the
business via digitalsocialbull Emphasise the measurement of your initiatives ndash
with digitalsocial itrsquos easy to do
6 Events
Think aboutbull How did you go above and beyond to host an
exceptional eventbull What insight led to the event taking placebull How did you promote return visits to new
customers Was this successful
recognises initiatives relating to the local community environment or charitable causes
Entries must demonstrate how engagement initiatives have been identified enhanced the lives and relationships of their desired targets and should consider partnerships formed with key stakeholders It will be considered favourable to condense these initiatives into a rounded community engagement programme and demonstrate a subsequent positive legacy
Uttoxeterrsquos partnership with their local Lions club set up a screening programme for prostate cancer at the racecourse With 100s of men tested 75 red warnings were flagged which allowed for potentially life-saving preventative treatment
celebrates best in class in the world of digital presence and social media
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has crafted targeted campaigns through these channels in order to improve brand presence customer relations andor commercial gain
Ascot were crowned the digital amp social winners in 2018 with their mobile-first strategy promoting mobile communications and streamlining content across digital channels for optimised for mobile
celebrates superb events that provide memorable days out and attract new customers to racecourses Both raceday and non-raceday events are welcome
Entries should demonstrate a defined strategy and excellence in execution along with a clear link to the racecourse brand encouragement of return visits and consideration of environmental factors
Last year the Events Award was won by Bath Racecourse for their incredible reimagination of the raceday for children The Kids takeover saw children running the raceday with key roles including clerk commentator and vet all overseen by children who would never forget their once-in-a-lifetime experience
5 Diversity amp Inclusion
Think aboutbull What research has been carried out to provide
context for the initiativebull How is this initiative breaking down barriers and
opening up the sportbull How has the initiative made an impact on a local or
national levelbull Is there a legacy to the initiative
hellipcelebrates initiatives which open the sport to all and promote racecourses as accessible welcoming venues
Entries must demonstrate how the racecourse has appealed to diverse audiences and made effective steps to be inclusive to all racegoers andor members of staff
14 15SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
Think aboutbull Could you use promotional artwork from social
media RCTV and racecards
asks Racing Post readers to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse The judges will be asked to pick their favourite from a shortlist selected by the Racing Post and the RCA All public entries will be subject to integrity validation by the RCA
With record numbers of entries in 2018 it would take something special to standout from the crowd Cartmel not only got the most entries (over a quarter of the overall total) but also provided some exemplar examples of customers service The winning entry told the tale of a gentlemanrsquos 65th birthday at the track at which every member of his party of all ages were made to feel like VIPs throughout the day before an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by the restaurant staff
invites ROA members to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the raceday experience of racehorse owners
A shortlist of the best entries decided by the ROA and RCA will be invited to enter a Showcase submission detailing their Ownersrsquo Experience programme
Wetherbyrsquos winning initiative was built on the foundations of the new ownersrsquo facilities at the Yorkshire racecourse which was made using the feedback from those who use it regularly Superb trackside viewing a state-of-the-art reception and of course a warm Yorkshire welcome were extremely popular with owners and our judges alike
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
Think aboutbull Pre- and post-raceday communication with owners bull Ownersrsquo entrance bull Ownersrsquo facilities bull Food amp beverage bull Winning and placed connections bull Racecourse Ownersrsquo Liaison Officer bull Most-improved experience based on customer
feedback
7 Food amp Beverage
Think aboutbull What is innovative in this crowded marketplacebull How have we reacted to customer demandbull Clearly demonstrate the results of the initiative to
the judges
8 Operational Excellence
Think aboutbull What is exceptional about our behind-the-scenes
work to enhance the customer experiencebull What is innovative about unseen initiatives
which have made a difference to the business and customer experience
bull What have the results been on the business and customer experience Highlight key numbers to the judges
identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service
Entries should reflect both the food and drink choices from conception to plate as well as the level of service underpinning the operation Consideration should be given to provenance and environmental impact
Cheltenham Racecoursersquos Theatre The Festival wowed the judges in 2018 The pan-Asian cuisine was a first in British racing and offered racegoers the chance to dine in a beautifully themed restaurant with great oriental tastes overlooking world-class jump racing
recognises exceptional service delivery which improves the operational performance (including environmental impact) and customer service at racecourses This award is a great opportunity to provide unseen behind-the-scenes initiatives with a platform to be rightly acclaimed
Royal Windsorrsquos Monday night series has long been established in racing so to reimagine the series and build upon this success was a huge challenge for the team This was achieved and then some with new raceday themes bringing in record crowds to the Berkshire track and making new converts to the Monday night club along the way
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
14 15SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
10 Racing Post Readersrsquo Award
Think aboutbull Could you use promotional artwork from social
media RCTV and racecards
asks Racing Post readers to nominate their best examples of customer service at a British racecourse The judges will be asked to pick their favourite from a shortlist selected by the Racing Post and the RCA All public entries will be subject to integrity validation by the RCA
With record numbers of entries in 2018 it would take something special to standout from the crowd Cartmel not only got the most entries (over a quarter of the overall total) but also provided some exemplar examples of customers service The winning entry told the tale of a gentlemanrsquos 65th birthday at the track at which every member of his party of all ages were made to feel like VIPs throughout the day before an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by the restaurant staff
invites ROA members to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the raceday experience of racehorse owners
A shortlist of the best entries decided by the ROA and RCA will be invited to enter a Showcase submission detailing their Ownersrsquo Experience programme
Wetherbyrsquos winning initiative was built on the foundations of the new ownersrsquo facilities at the Yorkshire racecourse which was made using the feedback from those who use it regularly Superb trackside viewing a state-of-the-art reception and of course a warm Yorkshire welcome were extremely popular with owners and our judges alike
9 Ownersrsquo Experience
Think aboutbull Pre- and post-raceday communication with owners bull Ownersrsquo entrance bull Ownersrsquo facilities bull Food amp beverage bull Winning and placed connections bull Racecourse Ownersrsquo Liaison Officer bull Most-improved experience based on customer
feedback
7 Food amp Beverage
Think aboutbull What is innovative in this crowded marketplacebull How have we reacted to customer demandbull Clearly demonstrate the results of the initiative to
the judges
8 Operational Excellence
Think aboutbull What is exceptional about our behind-the-scenes
work to enhance the customer experiencebull What is innovative about unseen initiatives
which have made a difference to the business and customer experience
bull What have the results been on the business and customer experience Highlight key numbers to the judges
identifies excellence and innovation in racecourse food and drink quality and service
Entries should reflect both the food and drink choices from conception to plate as well as the level of service underpinning the operation Consideration should be given to provenance and environmental impact
Cheltenham Racecoursersquos Theatre The Festival wowed the judges in 2018 The pan-Asian cuisine was a first in British racing and offered racegoers the chance to dine in a beautifully themed restaurant with great oriental tastes overlooking world-class jump racing
recognises exceptional service delivery which improves the operational performance (including environmental impact) and customer service at racecourses This award is a great opportunity to provide unseen behind-the-scenes initiatives with a platform to be rightly acclaimed
Royal Windsorrsquos Monday night series has long been established in racing so to reimagine the series and build upon this success was a huge challenge for the team This was achieved and then some with new raceday themes bringing in record crowds to the Berkshire track and making new converts to the Monday night club along the way
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
16 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
11 RCA Outstanding Contribution
12 The Love of the Sport
Think aboutbull How have you brought the unseen care and
attention given to competitors to lifebull How have you conveyed information about the sport
to customers in an innovative fashionbull Have you targeted a specific customer group Was
this successfulbull Have you linked horse racing with another subject to
make it more accessible
Think aboutbull Who remember this award is open to all
racecourse staffbull Impact has this person left a lasting impression
on the racecourse customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
To nominate a member of your racecourse teamDetail in no more than 300 words how the nominee has given exceptional service to a racecourse(s) over the years Particular emphasis should be given to significant change or notable success in this period as a result of this individual
Nominations will be considered by the RCA Chairman Chief Executive and Board
helliprecognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to racecourses throughout their careers This Award is open to all racecourse staff who you feel have made a significant impact on your racecourse the customer experience andor the sport of horseracing
The second winner of the RCA Outstanding Achievement Award was Trudi Moulton of Fakenham Racecourse In Trudirsquos tenure lasting over 40 years and counting she has taken up almost every role at the racecourse with no fuss Trudi is renowned amongst the local horsemen and racegoers alike for her warm welcome to the racecourse and many commented that racing at Fakenham simply would not be the same without her
hellipcelebrates initiatives that enrich extend and further the reach of the sport to customers Initiatives should demonstrate the passion enthusiasm knowledge and skill of those who work tirelessly in the sport enhancing both customer enjoyment and education of horseracing
Sandown Parkrsquos innovative idea to bring the Becher Chase at Haydock Park into their own Tingle Creek day impressed the judges by allowing customers to take in both feature races as part of one collaborative race card thus continuing the season narrative whether you were in Esher or Lancashire
17
13 Groundstaff Champion
The Groundstaff Awards in association with Pitchcare Watt Fences and Fornells celebrate the excellence and dedication of racecourse groundstaff teams across the country
Racecourses are invited to enter a submission based on their code of racing flat jumps and dual purpose Whilst the winners of these individual awards are announced pre-Showcase the overall Champion is not announced until the night of the event
Applications for the Groundstaff Awards run separately from all other Showcase Awards and will be distributed under separate cover
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
19 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 201918 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Showcase Champion Award honours the racecourse of the year by celebrating excellence and innovation across a multitude of key areas thus leading the way in providing an exemplary customer raceday experience
All racecourses are eligible to enter for Showcase Champion however submissions will only be validated once a racecourse has been listed as a Finalist in TWO OR MORE individual categories
How to be Showcase Champion Racecourses should provide a testimonial of no more than 300 words on how they have provided a memorable raceday experience for customers in 2017 adhering to the Showcase pillars of excellence and innovation A maximum of three pieces of supporting information may accompany the submission There are no restrictions as to what the supporting information may be All areas of the business should be considered
with the best submissions demonstrating how the racecourse team(s) have come together to offer a seamless experience and to progress the racecourse over a period of time Objective measures such as the VisitEnglandScotland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme should be considered
The judges will be looking for examples ofbull Outstanding customer servicebull Initiatives that would be considered both
excellent and innovativebull Inspirational leadership setting an example for
other racecoursesbull Teamwork pride and passion of the racecourse
teambull Exceptional feedback from customers andor
third parties
14 Showcase Champion Cheat Sheet What Makes a Great Submission
Objectivesbull Provide clear objectives as to what you hope to
achievebull Demonstrate why the initiative is necessary ndash
what intelligenceinsight has led to the ideabull Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) of
the initiative to monitor performance
Deliverybull Describe how your initiative was delivered with
reference to any resources usedbull Clearly define the role of the racecourse within
the initiativebull Point out the initiativersquos innovative features ndash
what sets you apartbull Highlight challenges faced and how they were
overcome
Resultsbull Provide results aligned to your objectives with
evidence of measurementbull Demonstrate the value of your initiative ndash was
the financial outlay aligned to the impact on customer experience
bull Prove beyond doubt the validity of the initiative and why it was an excellent project for your racecourse
Supporting InformationInclude any additional information that you believesupports your submission such asbull Links to outside mediabull Detailed feedback from customers andor
relevant stakeholdersbull Financial information not for general inclusion
ldquoGreat work can originate anywhere Big ideas donrsquot necessarily require a big budget What matters is the quality of thinking itrsquos soundness from insight the thoroughness of
the execution and the ultimate outcomerdquo
TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
20 21SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
The Life of a Showcase Submission
Submission draft (Racecourse)
Judges receive all submissions
Finalists announced
Showcase surgery (RCA)
Judges pre-read (Personal time)
Pre-awards build-up
Final copy(Racecourse)
Judges deliberate (London)
Winners announced
Showcase Surgery
The RCA will run the Showcase Surgery throughout the summer to provide support with drafting and objective critique
of submissions
The Surgery ensures that submissions are in the best state possible prior to the Judging session All advice is objective and designed to enhance the information provided by the
racecourse
In 2018 seven of the eventual winners of the Showcase Awards had made use of this resource
To get started send your submission to Paul Swain
Key Dates
All submissions are eligible to go through the Showcase Surgery where the RCA will provide
feedback ahead of the independent judging panel as required
The final deadline for all submissions is
6pm on Friday 27th September
The Showcase Judging Day will take place
Thursday 10th October
The Showcase Finalists will be announced
Tuesday 15th October
The tenth annual RCA Showcase amp Awards at Hamilton Park Racecourse
Thursday 14th November
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions
Contact usThe Racecourse Association Ltd
Winkfield Road Ascot
Berkshire SL5 7HX
paulswainracecourseassociationcouk matthewjonesracecourseassociationcouk
01344 873536 RCAShowcase
racecourseassociationcouk
22 SHOWCASE SUBMISSION GUIDE 2019
1 Submissions may be sent to the RCA from Tuesday 9th July 2019 until 6pm on Friday 27th September 2019 No submissions will be considered outside of this window
2 All content within the submission must be
to the best of the authorrsquos knowledge true correct and original content
3 Racecourses must be listed as a Finalist in two or more categories to qualify for a Champion Racecourse application
4 Racecourses are limited to one submission per category and no more than three submissions overall (unless nominated for Owners Experience in which case four submissions will be accepted) Submissions for Champion Racecourse Outstanding Achievement Spotlight and Groundstaff Champion are not included in this limit
5 Submissions for all awards with the exception of Spotlight Outstanding Achievement Groundstaff Champion and Champion Racecourse must be made using the PowerPoint template supplied by the RCA and sent electronically to paulswainracecourseassociationcouk
6 Submissions must not exceed one slide per section of the entry template
7 The RCA reserves the right to alter the category of any submission following consultation with the author
8 The RCA will provide written confirmation of receipt for all submissions If this is not received within 48 hours please contact the RCA office on 01344 873536
9 Failure to comply with these terms and conditions could result in the submission being declared void
10 The RCA reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of the Showcase amp Awards at any time with given notice
Racecourse Submissions Terms and Conditions