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Published by Racecourse Association
Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. Each episode will feature a range of voices from racecourse practitioners at the top of their game on a specific topic to accompany a written article from the RCA’s On Track series. Talk of the Course will also include conversation to get to know the individual, bringing to life the range of professionals working at British racecourses.
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2026 marks the 250th running of the Betfred St Leger, Doncaster Racecourse’s flagship race. Steeped in history and tradition, its story can be traced back to a meeting at the Red Lion Inn in 1776. For four days, Doncaster will take centre stage, showcasing the city and its iconic festival to audiences both at home and around the world. In Episode 12 of Talk of the Course , Paul Swain and Matt Jones are joined by Doncaster’s Executive Director Rachel Harwood and Clerk of the Course David Atwood to delve into what makes the St Leger so special and the various upgrades that have been made to signify this. The 250th running has highlighted the deep connection between the St Leger and the city of Doncaster. The racecourse has been responsible for a number of promotional campaigns to celebrate this milestone anniversary: from a purpose-made film to a city centre exhibition, the build-up to the 2026 Betfred St Leger has been unmistakenly and unapologetically Doncaster . This is embodied by the ‘A Reyt Good Day Out’ campaign, and Rachel gives us the lowdown on how the campaign was created, its KPIs and the definitive pronunciation of its title. This sense of local pride has also been harboured by local MP, Sally Jameson. Sally has used her Parliamentary platform throughout the year to highlight how interconnected the racecourse is with the city and recently hosted a Parliamentary Reception to toast the St Leger’s 250th anniversary. Plenty is happening on track, too. David discusses the introduction of Betfred St Leger Trials Day, improvements around the racecourse and the importance of continued development to the racing surface. With an international feel to this year’s Festival, the team also reveal how Doncaster has worked to widen the international appeal of the race and successfully bring World Pool to the meeting for the first time. David explains the ground management behind each year’s St Leger and how his usual plans have had to adapt. With heatwaves and drought challenging racecourses across the country, he discusses how Doncaster has responded to the changing conditions. #QuickFireFive returns for another scintillating instalment, as the team uncover the best way to continue the party into Doncaster post-racing and a summary of Yorkshire’s finest fish and chip eateries. The St Leger Festival takes place from 10th–13th September and promises to be a “reyt good day out!”. Tickets are available for all four days via Doncaster’s website . Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube , Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: XRICVDJJEPTMINA1
Talk of the Course is on its summer break, but we will be back soon with more action from the RCA membership and British racing. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: BRS4CCXWEK1N1QYQ
The recent launch of the 29th annual Racecourse Groundstaff Awards and 15th annual RCA Showcase heralded the start of awards season at the RCA. This special edition of Talk of the Course features Paul Swain, Tabby Killingbeck and Matt Jones from the RCA Executive team, and takes a deep dive into the two competitions. In the episode, the trio discuss both sets of awards, exploring the wealth of categories on offer, the judging processes and prizes available. They also highlight the importance of the awards in sharing best practice and encouraging the RCA membership to adopt ideas from each other for the benefit of the wider sport. In addition, Matt highlights how the Showcase Awards have aligned to wider industry strategy and introduces the brand-new Best of Beacon award, which looks to champion racecourses that have proactively engaged with the industry’s Project Beacon work. Finally, the team discuss the history of both events, why they matter to the RCA, the membership and racecourse staff, and reveal their favourite prize on offer at the Showcase which has become quite the collectible over the years. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube , Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: CDFFBUHAN6WRSUHS
Steeped in history and set against the stunning backdrop of the Perthshire countryside, a visit to Perth Racecourse should be on the bucket list of every racing fan. For the tenth episode of Talk of the Course, Paul Swain and Matt Jones from the Racecourse Association are joined by Perth Racecourse Marketing Manager, Katy Webster. In the podcast, Katy discusses the racecourse’s new digital content strategy and how they’ve taken the leap to work with an external agency to level up social media output. She explains why they’ve chosen to showcase the personalities at the racecourse and how the content has been guided by both the knowledge of the team and wider, racing industry projects. In addition, we dive into the history of the racecourse and look ahead to the iconic Stone of Destiny Raceday where the winner of the feature race receives a replica of the legendary stone itself. Katy also outlines some of the things the racecourse does to make visitors feel recognised and valued and how the racecourse has taken advantage of wider industry initiatives to elevate the race going experience. Finally, Katy takes on the #QuickFireFive and tells us about her proudest moment at Perth, her favourite horse to visit the racecourse and her hopes for the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube , Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: CZV9GJLGDMIW7JAN, PQI7JOKWIVXTXJWU
With nine racecourses, some of Britain’s most successful trainers, Jack Berry House and the National Horseracing College, Yorkshire is a key hub of racing in Britain. In today’s episode of Talk of the Course, Paul Swain and Matt Jones from the Racecourse Association are joined by Go Racing in Yorkshire (GRIY) General Manager, Charlotte Russell to discuss what they are doing to promote the region’s racing and how the workstreams tie in with the industry’s Project Beacon, the most in-depth piece of customer research ever undertaken by the sport. In the podcast, Charlotte discusses GRIY’s new digital content strategy and how they’ve embraced collaboration to enhance their online output. She also highlights the importance of showcasing the range of options available to racegoers visiting Yorkshire whether their motivations to attend be racing, social or both. In addition, we look ahead to the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival, explore GRIY’s role in putting the week together. We also discuss SkyBet’s long-term support of the week, the charitable elements of the festival and the bonuses on offer for members of the thoroughbred group. The episode also sees the debut of a new game where we explore Charlotte’s background in sheep farming and ask the all-important question, “are ewe pulling the wool over my eyes?” Finally, the #QuickFireFive returns as we discover which equine icon Charlotte once mucked out, her take on this year’s Cock of the North competition and try to find the definitive correct term for a bread roll. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube , Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms. VQCMEJQWV45O75QW, RQ2TJY21EENU9C7A, ZQLPDO0HNBLXFASH
Racing Welfare, British Horseracing’s charity to support the entirety of its workforce, are special guests on episode 8 of Talk of the Course to reflect on work undertaken across the sport during Mental Health Awareness Week and to discuss the charity’s welfare provision more widely as a bedrock to current and retired staff. Lucy Miller, Director of Welfare Programmes, and Gail Burton-Pye, Welfare Officer, join Paul Swain and Tabby Killingbeck to discuss why mental health support in British horseracing goes beyond individual campaigns, and how Racing Welfare is rising to the challenge of growing demand in this vital space. Gail shares details of a new initiative run in collaboration with groundstaff teams at ARC racecourses to facilitate an open environment for discussion about, and support of, mental health, and how Racing Welfare is available to all racecourses in a forum that best suits. In addition, Lucy shares how Welfare Officers at Racing Welfare are stationed across Britain, and particularly in key racing areas, to act as frontline support for racing’s workforce, plus details of how anyone can access Racing Welfare’s broad range of services, including the charity’s 24/7 support line (contactable on 0800 6300 443). #QuickFireFive returns, and we learn what is the best breakfast to aid a good wellbeing chat, which of the Racing Welfare team has raised the bar in ‘the best racehorse seen in your career’ stakes and the eclectic playlists which power Racing Welfare in their travels up and down the motorways of Great Britain. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube , Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms.
In the first of two episodes to reflect on Mental Health Awareness Week, episode 7 of Talk of the Course features Jon Mullin, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at Pontefract Racecourse. Jon discusses the Yorkshire racecourse’s work to combat loneliness as part of the BHA-led industry pilot programme on this subject, amongst other initiatives designed to promote positive mental health. Jon explains why the team at Pontefract got involved with the work, the challenges they are trying to address and what has happened so far as part of the pilot. From horses in Holbeck to soup kitchens at the racecourse and events with local care homes, the pilot has seen Pontefract engage with a wide range of local community members, and has helped cement its status as a community focussed racecourse. Finally, Jon explains why it’s so important for racecourses to get involved with projects like this and why sometimes, commercial returns shouldn’t be top of the priority list. The episode culminates in the #QuickFireFive where we learn about the multitude of racecourse dogs in the Pontefract office, Jon’s favourite venue for customer experience beyond Yorkshire and the question on everyone’s lips regarding Pontefract Racecourse’s sweet neighbour, Haribo. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube , Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms.
Today's episode of Talk of the Course focuses on Mental Health Awareness Week and the Richard Layton Charity Raceday at Hereford Racecourse. The Richard Layton Charity Raceday won the Racing Together Community Award at the 14th annual RCA Showcase Awards. This podcast and accompanying video, tells the story of an initiative created in memory of Richard Layton, a much-loved local farmer and member of the Herefordshire community who tragically lost his life to suicide in 2023, and the Hereford Racecourse team's commitment to making mental health the front runner. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team.
This episode of Talk of the Course welcomes Carrie Gillam, Executive Director at Uttoxeter Racecourse, to share details on the racecourse’s fantastic 2025 which saw it named the co-most improved racecourse in terms of customer experience in the RCA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme. In the podcast, Carrie explains the changes that were put in place across the racecourse to improve experience, from site presentation and signage, to a reimagination of the food offering that puts quality over quantity. We also discuss the affordability of racing as a day out and Carrie outlines some of the cost-effective options available for customers heading to Uttoxeter this year, the range of experiences and days out on offer. To finish, we ask Carrie the #QuickFireFive and learn which venues inspire Carrie and her team to continue their drive for excellence, the official Uttoxeter racecourse dog and put to bed the age-old question on the definitive pronunciation of Uttoxeter. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube , Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms.
The latest episode of Talk of the Course shines a light on York Racecourse and features an interview with William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course. York Racecourse had an outstanding 2025, being ranked number one in the RCA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme for racegoer experience and topping the table in assessment schemes for owners and stable staff. Throughout the podcast, William explains how his team approach delivering the best experience, their desire for continuous improvement and the importance to being open to a range of different voices and opinions. He also discusses the RCA Showcase, what it means to the team at York and how the event encourages betterment amongst all the racecourses across Britain. Finally, we look ahead to the upcoming season on the Knavesmire, the improvements that have been made across the site and what racegoers have to look forward to. To close, we ask William the #QuickFireFive and discover the best raceday breakfast in York, his dream Knavesmire match race and his go-to Taylor Swift song. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube , Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms.
This episode is the first of three focussing on the RCA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS) and raceday experience. The QARS is the RCA’s long running assessment scheme for raceday experience and see’s every RCA member racecourse receive a raceday audit from an expert, independent third-party assessor. This episode of Talk of the Course features an interview with Sarah Drabwell, General Manager at Sandown Park Racecourse. Sandown Park was one of just 14 racecourses in Britain to score in excess of 90% in its 2025 assessment, and was also named joint most improved racecourse after an 8 percentage point increase in score year-on-year. Sarah joins us to explain the racecourse’s mindset towards experience, how the team encourage and utilise customer feedback, and how the racecourse is putting the horse and local community at the heart of what it does. Finally, the episode concludes with the #QuickFireFive, with Sarah discussing his all-time favourite racehorse to appear at Sandown Park and what she does to celebrate a successful raceday. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team.
Continuing the promotion of the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) #GroundsWeek campaign, this episode of Talk of the Course features an interview with George Hill, Racing Director and Clerk of the Course at Newbury Racecourse. Newbury Racecourse was crowned Champion Groundstaff team at the 2025 RCA Showcase Awards, and George discusses some of the initiatives which led to this grand accolade, key training and development prospects for the Newbury team plus details of the racecourse’s fulfilling strategy to utilise the land-based opportunities on offer to secure Newbury Racecourse’s place as a must-attend sports and leisure destination. As ever, the episode concludes with #Quickfire5, with George discussing his all-time favourite racehorse and unique breakfast sandwich which is only available on racedays via the staff canteen. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team.
The debut episode of Talk of the Course spotlights the Grounds Management Association’s #GroundsWeek, running from 23-29 March - a celebration of the people and expertise behind some of the UK’s finest sporting surfaces. We’re joined by special guest Andrew Morris, Director of Racing at Newmarket Racecourse, for an inside look at the exceptional work carried out by his team at both Newmarket and the Jockey Club. From day-to-day course management to forward-thinking innovations, Andrew shares how modern techniques are shaping the future of racecourse grounds. The episode also includes the first edition of the RCA's #quick-fire-five, which helps listeners learn more about our guests and the personalities behind British racing. To find out more about GMA’s #GroundsWeek, follow the link here. For information about upcoming race fixtures at Newmarket Racecourse, follow the link here. To understand more of what the RCA does to supports #GroundsWeek, following the link here.
Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across thecountry, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. Each episode will feature a range of voices from racecourse practitioners at the top of their game on a specific topic to accompany a written article from the RCA’s On Track series. Talk of the Course will also include conversation to get toknow the individual, bringing to life the range of professionals working at British racecourses.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 19, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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