Hamilton Racecourse was crowned the ‘Champion Racecourse’ at the RCA Awards on Thursday evening.
It was the first-time Hamilton had claimed top honours at the RCA Showcase, which awards tracks that recognise ‘excellence and innovation’ in racegoer experience.
The Scottish venue also received four nominations across the various other categories, more than any other course in the United Kingdom.
Hamilton also claimed the #TopSpot Award, for their modern, innovative elevators which replicate the starting stalls used on the flat track.
(Credit: Racing Post) Racecourse Association Chairman Maggie Carver said: "I'm absolutely thrilled for the team at Hamilton Park on being crowned Showcase champion.
“This accolade is reserved for a very select number of racecourses who have demonstrated brilliance in providing a fantastic experience for racegoers across the season."
In all, 25 tracks received nominations for the awards, which took place at Aintree racecourse, home to the Grand National.
With 15 awards, they were handed out by special guests such as Aintree Racecourse representative Sam Quek and last year’s Champion Bumper winning jockey – now retired, Katie Walsh.
Cumbria-based Cartmel collected the Racing Post Readers’ Award, the only award to be nominated by racegoers, with the racecourse receiving more than 300 submissions.
It was a good night for the Arena Racing Company group with Bath’s Kids Takeover Racing raceday winning the Events category, the Operational Excellence prize was awarded to Windsor for its iconic Monday night series, before Uttoxeter’s submission around prostate cancer awareness and prevention rewarded them with the Community & Corporate Social Responsibility Award.
The Jockey Club were also among the prizes, with Cheltenham’s new pan-Asian concept restaurant Theatre at The Festival winning the Food & Beverage category.
Sandown won the second running of the Love of the Sport Award, whilst Warwick – where Kalashnikov kicks off his chasing campaign today, were crowned overall Racecourse Groundstaff Champion, beating the likes of Ascot and Yarmouth.
The 2018 Best Campaign Award was won by Goodwood for the supporting campaign behind the Magnolia Cup, whilst Wetherby were crowned winners of the Owners Experience category following voting by Racehorse Owners Association members.
The Digital & Social Media Excellence Award was once again reclaimed by the royal course - Ascot.