Groundstaff receive recognition in national awards
Friday 22nd January, 2010
THE excellence of Newmarket Racecourses’ groundstaff has been officially recognised as they were placed joint second in the Neil Wyatt Racecourse Awards, 2009.
Newmarket shared second spot with Goodwood behind the overall Flat Racecourse winners York.
The award, which Newmarket won in 2007 and were also placed second in 2005, reflects the continuing high standards set by Clerk of the Course Michael Prosser and his team.
Prosser said: "The consistently good work of Newmarket’s groundstaff was noted by owners and trainers alike last year and now it has been recognised with the runners-up spot in the Neil Wyatt Racecourse Awards.
"It reflects not only their race-day excellence and the quality of the racing surface that they produce, but also is representative of a wider picture that takes into consideration individuals’ training and development – including personal qualifications – over the past 12 months.
"On a general note, this award gives me an opportunity to thank the groundstaff for all their diligence and hard graft in 2009. Without their efforts, Newmarket Racecourses would not be held in such high regard worldwide.
"Let’s hope that at this stage next year, I will once again be paying a tribute to them – but after winning the award rather than finishing second!
"That said, I must also congratulate all at York for their victory on this occasion."