New benefits at Fontwell racecourse

OWNERS and trainers visiting Fontwell Park and Brighton racecourse are now enjoying new benefits thanks to Arena Racing Company group, which runs both courses - and the benefits apply to 12 others across the country.

Complimentary food, tea and coffee has now been introduced for all owners and trainers with runners on the day, and a complimentary owners annual car park label are now being issued to those with runners to ensure a smooth start to the day – and for those lucky enough to have a winner - a bottle of champagne, a trophy, a DVD and a framed photograph will be awarded to celebrate a good end to the day.

Also complimentary badges are allocated with six being issued to sole owners and eight to partnerships, and all fixtures will be included in the ROA Owners Badge Scheme, which offers qualifying members free entrance to participating racecourses.

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At some courses, additional facilities have been made available. At Fontwell Park the Grade II Listed Fontwell House in the picturesque gardens has been converted to an impressive Owners and Trainers Facility.

Jim Allen, Racing Director at ARC said: “We recognise the importance of the race day experience to owners and we were keen to ensure a consistent standard across all of our racecourses, many of whom were already offering a great deal of benefits to owners.

“We have listened to owners and trainers and we know that this enhanced package will be welcomed by them.

“Wherever possible we are keen to react to feedback from our customer groups and organisations, such as the ROA to help us achieve high levels of customer satisfaction.”

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These improved benefits follow on the recent announcement of prize money increases.

In 2013 total prize money at ARC operated tracks will reach £24.3m, an increase of 18.5 per cent on 2012’s total of £20.5m.

The ARC Group’s executive contribution now totals £9.6m, which amounts to a 166 per cent increase over the last three years, £6.0m more than that which was paid in 2010.

Richard Wayman, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners Association said: “The ROA welcomes ARC’s enhanced offering for owners and their commitment to improving the owners’ raceday experience.

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“It is essential that whenever an owner has a runner, they feel valued by the racecourse and its staff, and ARC deserves credit for increasing its investment in the levels of customer service that it will provide across all of its courses.”

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