CHESTER Racecourse has been confirmed as one of the top 11 courses to visit in England and Wales by LiveTourism.

The rating is part of the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS).

In 2019, the RCA’s QARS was undertaken by LiveTourism for the first time since its inception in 2011.

2019 once again saw all British Racecourses rated as ‘good’ or better, excelling as destinations to enjoy a day of fantastic sporting action and a day out.

Each racecourse is visited by a trained assessor from LiveTourism whose job is to objectively assess the raceday experience. This rigorous assessment encompasses all aspects of the customer raceday journey and also comprises pre and post event information.

LiveTourism, responsible for all assessments in England and Wales, confirmed the top 11 racecourses for raceday experience in 2019 were (alphabetised): Aintree, Ascot, Beverley, Cheltenham, Chester, Newbury, Newmarket (July), Wetherby, Wincanton and York.

Paul Swain, the RCA’s brand and experience manager, said: “The RCA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme provides all racecourses with a recognised kitemark of quality from renowned experts LiveTourism and VisitScotland. The assessments are incredibly thorough and provide detailed feedback on every element of the customer experience. Combined with racegoer feedback, such evidence is invaluable as we strive to ensure racing remains a world class day out."

Richard Thomas, chief executive at Chester Racecourse, said: “We’re thrilled to once again to be in great company, as one of the top 11 racecourses in the county to visit. We set ourselves high standards and the level of detail covered in this assessment really does ensure no aspect of the racegoer experience is left unturned.

“This award encourages us to regularly review and test every part of the Chester race day and is the litmus test in determining whether we’re getting it right. We look forward to the start of another season in May, when we will be able to put further improvements and updates from the close season into practice.”