ROA Forum
The special section for ROA members
Guidance for racing behind closed doors
72 THE OWNER BREEDER
GEORGE SELWYN
M
uch has been reported about the raceday experience for owners with racing behind closed doors and rightly so. It’s such a vital part of the ownership experience. Since owners returned to the racecourse in July, the ROA has been gathering feedback from hundreds of owners on the experience of having a runner. We have been working closely with racecourses through the Racecourse Association and BHA to review various areas currently under British racing’s protocols. These include attendance/badge allocation, overall on-course experience and the facilities available to owners as well as any regional guidance. As any updates are made, these are being communicated through our eBulletins and news pages. The ROA has supported hundreds of owners looking for guidance around Covid-19 protocols, assisting owners and trainers with the steps required in advance of racing. We’ve created easy, step-by-step guidance for owners with a runner behind closed doors and the ROA website now lists details of the number of badges that racecourses are allocating to owners, and any news and updates from the course. You can also find details on how to watch a race live, contact details of the racecourse photographer on the raceday and also where to watch a replay of the race if you are unable to attend. See our updated Racing Behind Closed Doors guidance at roa.co.uk/ raceday/racing. Owners with a runner receive an email via the RCA PASS system at entry stage, and again after declaration. Emails are sent after 2pm on both days and owners can arrange their badges via the PASS website at www.rcapass.com by 4pm the day before the race. Please note: you will need to have the same email address listed on Racing Admin (www2.racingadmin.co.uk) as well as PASS (rcapass.com) to receive emails after entry and declaration. The ROA website includes a guide to filming at racecourses for syndicate managers and trainers so you can bring the vital post-race debriefing to your
Owners have contacted the ROA regarding their racecourse experiences during Covid
owners in the best possible way. ROA members on our eBulletin service have been receiving a dedicated message each morning with news, racecards and links to owner resources including the Racing Calendar. If you haven’t received your memento following your horse winning, we suggest checking with your trainer first and if they don’t have the memento, we suggest owners email the racecourse with details of the horse name and date of fixture to enable the course to send any items direct. Contact details can be found at roa.co.uk. It is great to have owners back on the course – please continue to share any feedback on your experience with us via email info@roa.co.uk or by completing the relevant feedback form on the racecourse page. Member Paul Proctor attended Huntingdon recent and commented: “I would like the ROA to know how well as an owner we were looked after by the team at Huntingdon throughout the day, being personally welcomed on arrival by Huntingdon’s Chairman Julian Taylor supported by Malcolm Wallace. Indeed all the staff on course were exemplary in all respects and the catering for owners was first class. “Racecourses can come in for a lot of criticism but I have nothing but praise for how Huntingdon managed everything for owners in today’s difficult circumstances. I have attended many racecourses over the years and during this pandemic Southwell, Newmarket, Stratford, Uttoxeter and Huntingdon all behind closed doors. Yesterday was the best experience of all in the current climate and a model for what can be done to make owners appreciated and welcome. Needless to say it was a totally safe environment to boot.”
Julie Fowler reported on a visit to Lingfield Park and said: “Lingfield was well organised, with a nice room, serving drinks and food with direct access out into the stands very close to the winning line. There was also access out to the parade ring and pre-parade ring, lots of room for owners including raised stands so plenty of room. “The staff were excellent, very friendly and made every effort to accommodate any requests. Although there wasn’t access to the winner’s enclosure, which was at the far end of the parade ring, Lingfield had moved the first-placed post to the owners’ end of the parade ring, therefore if your horse won it was walked right in front of the owners’ area allowing pictures to be taken even though you were on the other side of the railings. I thought this was an excellent initiative, cost very little to erect a post but gave winners owners the enjoyment of seeing their horse come back in. Surely this is something all racecourses could take on board.”
Course news
Ascot has increased its offering to owners of six badges and six lunches. This increase was made from British Champions Day and will apply for the NH season. Wincanton have advised that hot food and a bar will be available in the Kingwell Suite (the regular Owners’ & Trainers’ facility) and Chasers Restaurant. Additional facilities of Hatherleigh, on the 2nd Floor, the Stalbridge Bar and the Gallery Suite will also be made available for owners if demand requires. Each facility will provide a cold food offer and a bar. A debrief area for owners and trainers will be provided adjacent to the parade ring.
