Sandown Park Racecourse has been named one of Britain’s leading racecourses after achieving an excellence rating in the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) 2025 Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS).

The Surrey venue was one of just 14 racecourses nationwide to score 90% or higher in independent raceday assessments carried out by the AA, the UK’s leading provider of professional hospitality accreditation. The national average raceday experience score increased to 85.7% in 2025, making Sandown Park’s result a standout achievement.

Racecourses achieving excellence status are recognised for delivering consistently high standards across all aspects of the raceday experience, including welcome, customer service, catering provision, cleanliness and overall atmosphere. Benchmarks are deliberately set high to celebrate the very best practice across British racing.

Assessments take place through unannounced visits, with inspectors reviewing every aspect of the raceday journey, from arrival and welcome to post-event experience.

Sarah Drabwell, General Manager at Sandown Park Racecourse, said: “Our team is continually focused on delivering an exceptional experience for every racegoer who comes through our gates.

“Achieving an excellence rating of over 90% reflects the dedication, professionalism and attention to detail shown by colleagues across the racecourse.

“We are proud to be recognised among the very best venues in British racing and remain committed to continually raising the bar for our customers.”

The 2025 results underline continued investment in raceday experience across British racing, with Jockey Club Racecourses accounting for half of the 14 venues nationwide to achieve excellence status.

For more information about upcoming racedays and events at Sandown Park, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown.