A COUNTY Durham racecourse has been listed among the finalists for a prestigious award.

Sedgefield Racecourse has been nominated in the Owners’ Experience category by the Racecourse Association ahead of its annual Showcase and Awards on November 17.

It impressed the independent judging panel to become one of five finalists and is hoping to be crowned winner at the ceremony at Doncaster Racecourse.

Jill Williamson, racecourse executive director, said: “The team and I are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Owners’ Experience category of the RCA Showcase and Awards. All departments have contributed towards boosting the Owner’s Experience over the past 12 months and we are extremely proud to be nominated and are excited to be a contender at this year’s awards ceremony.”

For the Owners’ Experience Award, Racehorse Owners Association members were invited to demonstrate where racecourses have met and exceeded expectations relating to the race day experience of racehorse owners.

Sedgefield Racecourse’s initiative was to boost the value of the Owners’ Experience by offering a better service right from entering the racecourse until they leave including improved dining options.

Racecourse Association chairman Maggie Carver said: “It is an amazing achievement to be named as a finalist and inspiring to see such a wide range of racecourses on the lists. I am delighted for the team at Sedgefield Racecourse and it is testament to the hard work they put in all year round.”