AYR Racecourse has been named as one of the best racecourses in Britain as it is named in the top 15 of the country’s 61 tracks for racehorse owners.

The host of the Scottish Grand National was also one of only six that achieved Gold Standard from the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA).

The accolade, given in a competitive way for the fourth year from the ROA, the body that has represented racehorse owners for over 70 years and currently has more than 8,000 members.

Ayr Racecourse now joins Ascot; Cheltenham; Chester; Haydock Park; and York in contention for their respective category’s ‘Racecourse of the Year’ at the annual ROA Horseracing Awards to be held in London on Thursday, 6th December.

ROA representatives visited every track in Britain at least once to assess all aspects of the raceday experience for owners. In addition, feedback was provided by hundreds of ROA members following their racecourse visits.

Racecourses are divided into two categories – large and small – with their classification decided by a range of factors, including the quality of racing and attendance figures. The top tracks in each category that were considered to provide owners with the best raceday experience will hold the Award for the next 12 months.