Arena Racing Company (ARC) is proud to announce that four of its racecourses and members of its groundstaff teams have been recognised at the annual Racecourse Association (RCA) Groundstaff Awards.
Newcastle Racecourse was named the dual-purpose Course winner, with fellow ARC track Ffos Las finishing as runner-up.
There was also individual success for ARC, with Brighton Head Groundsperson Richard Langley receiving the Special Merit Award, while Southwell Estates Manager Simon Davis was presented with the Neil Wyatt Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ffos Las groundstaff member Morgan Hughes was also recognised, receiving the Richard Linley Award.
NEWCASTLE – DUAL PURPOSE COURSE WINNER
The groundstaff team at Newcastle, led by Mark Ryan, were praised for preparing both the Turf and All-Weather courses “immaculately” throughout the year.
RICHARD LANGLEY – BRIGHTON HEAD GROUNDSPERSON
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD
Richard Langley has gone above and beyond over the past year, demonstrating extraordinary determination and commitment both on and off the racecourse.
Alongside his work at Brighton, Richard set a world record for running the fastest 100 miles with a stoma bag fitted, completing the challenge in 29 hours, 6 minutes and 32 seconds and raising thousands of pounds for bowel cancer and stoma awareness.
In doing so, Richard represented the racing community with tremendous grit and determination.
He also worked tirelessly to ensure preparations for the Brighton Festival were completed ahead of his surgery.
NEIL WYATT LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
There is no more deserving a winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award than Simon Davis.
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Simon has consistently demonstrated a quiet pride in getting things done – and done well.
Unflappable under pressure and totally dependable, Simon has worked more than his fair share of early mornings and late nights at Southwell, including leading and encouraging his team from the front and regularly working through the night during the days of the old Fibresand All-Weather surface.
Simon’s wealth of experience and knowledge has seen him prepare the Turf and All-Weather tracks for approximately 2,000 racedays at Southwell, working through droughts, floods and everything in between.
On every occasion, the tracks have been prepared to a high standard, with Simon demonstrating the utmost dedication to his role.
Christmas days have been “lost” to ensure racing has been kept on the road, and it is no surprise that Simon has been described as “the crucial part of the Southwell machine”.
MORGAN HUGHES – FFOS LAS GROUNDSTAFF
RICHARD LINLEY AWARD
Morgan “Mogs” Hughes has really embraced his apprenticeship at Ffos Las and consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic.
He picks up new tasks very quickly, is sharp-minded and has rapidly developed his skills.
All in all, Morgan has made an excellent impression and is expected to continue developing throughout his career.
