York Racecourse Achieves Triple Crown for Racegoers, Stable Staff and Owners

After the publication of a series of independent assessments, York Racecourse is honoured that it has been ranked Number 1 for the experience of Racegoers, Stable Staff and Owners.

Hailed by the assessors as “a staggering achievement” the team at Stableside reclaimed their position as the best racecourse in Britain for Stable Staff in 2025, with a near-perfect score from the National Association of Racing Staff (Nars). Judged over a wide range of criteria from the quality and variety of the food to the cleanliness of the bedrooms, the team achieved a remarkable 139 out of 140.

On the same day the Racecourse Association (RCA) published the 2025 Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS) results, based on course visits from AA Inspectors. York was again top of the tree, posting well over 90%, across a wide range of customer touchpoints. Whether it was the website, the car parking, the presentation of the venue, the choice of food or the cleanliness of the toilets, the AA were impressed. To cement the achievement York Racecourse was awarded three RCA Excellence Accolades for “Spotless & Sparkling,” “Taste of Racecourses: Food” and “Warmest Welcome”.

Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Media, commented: “It has been a real testament to the racecourses that 2025 saw an increase in the overall quality scores, when the scoring thresholds have been increased across the board, truly highlighting the hard work and commitment.”

Completing the recent reviews of a successful 2025 season, York was confirmed as the leading racecourse in the independent mystery shop and survey completed by owners after they experienced a day of racing. The Knavesmire team posted an impressive 97% score, again over a range of criteria considered by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA).

The assessment also confirms that York Racecourse retains its standing as part of the ROA Gold Standard Award programme.

Speaking about the accolades, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course William Derby said, “It is a huge honour to be ranked as the Number 1 racecourse in the UK by three different independent assessments. There are many important groups on a raceday, so it is particularly pleasing to learn that we are hitting the mark in so many areas. Owners are the biggest investors in the sport bringing their thoroughbred horses to the Knavesmire for us all to enjoy. Looking after the Stable Staff who look after those stars means they can perform to their best for the racegoers who are our most obvious valued customers. It is a great credit to both the York Race Committee and the team involved that the record investment in prize money, the continuous investment in facilities and the welcome offered to all, have each been recognised by these accolades. It is now less than 90 days until racing returns on Wednesday 13 May, so we will be working hard to retain the Triple Crown!”