How about a top 10 of racecourses in Germany? A survey among racecourse visitors could make perfect sense. They could name their favourites from their own experience and then list the plus points, but also the weak points of individual hippodromes. If the umbrella organisation were to initiate something like that, it would certainly be helpful to see what adjustments need to be made to improve service and facilities as well as the feel-good experience.
Such a survey has taken place in England, and not for the first time, and we don`t want to deprive you of the results published by the Racing Post.
The top ten racecourses in England and Wales for a race day experience are:- Aintree
- Ascot
- Beverley
- Cheltenham
- Chester
- Doncaster
- Haydock
- Newbury
- Newmarket JulyKurs
- York
Beverley has climbed into the top ten racecourses in England and Wales judged on the experience they offer on race day. Following the announcement of the 2022 Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme results, Beverley has joined top racecourses such as Aintree, Ascot and York in taking a place in the top league.
In Scotland, Ayr, Hamilton and Musselburgh retained their five-star ratings for visitor attractions, meaning they are considered `exceptional` venues.
Under the scheme, which was introduced in 2013 but was in limbo during the pandemic, trained assessors from LiveTourism or VisitScotland visited each racecourse to make an objective assessment of the overall customer experience they offer.
Beverley`s Managing Director, Sally Iggulden, said, "To be the only small racecourse in the top ten of this highly respected independent assessment is fantastic news and testament to the culture we have at Beverley - our customer is key! Our size enables us to offer a friendly, personal welcome and welcoming environment, and venues of our type attract many new racegoers every year."
It goes on to say, "As one of the smallest racecourse teams in the country, we are justifiably proud to be recognised for our commitment and continued investment in facilities. If we`re not already on your to-do list for 2023, make sure you add us!"
Cheltenham, Chester, Doncaster, Haydock, Newbury and the July course at Newmarket completed the top ten in England and Wales, and LiveTourism chief executive Mandy Lane paid tribute to the racecourses for their efforts in the wake of the pandemic and its aftermath. "The LiveTourism team was delighted to see that in 2022, despite the challenges, quality experiences and innovation are thriving," she said.
VisitScotland quality assurance manager Angie Fowler praised the three tracks, which were awarded five stars, saying, "The commitment to quality is evident at these tracks and in particular their commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors is helping to inspire other attractions across Scotland. They know that quality and value for money are important to consumers, especially in tough economic times, and that experiences that meet and exceed visitor expectations are crucial to making Scotland a must-visit and return destination.
Worthy of emulation for Germany, thinks
The Racecourse Spy
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