BEER and barbecuing have proved a winning combination for Ripon Racecourse as it has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The venue has made the final five in the Racecourse Association's (RCA) Showcase and Awards #TopSpot category which celebrates standalone initiatives that enrich the raceday experience for customers.

Ripon was chosen for its Heck Pop-Up barbecue initiative which has seen the racecourse work with Theakston Brewery and Heck Food to bring together the best of Yorkshire produce with the ‘BBQ n Beer Fest’ season finale.

Erin Boswell, marketing manager at Ripon Racecourse, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in such a competitive category.

"The annual RCA Showcase awards is something all racecourses engage in and we are thrilled to have been shortlisted for the fifth year in a row.

"Both Theakston’s and Heck are big local brands that are at the top of their game and are on our doorstep.

"We offering racegoers a wonderful upgrade option to showcase what amazing produce we have here in Yorkshire.

"It was also a great way to celebrate a successful season and initiative to offer our racegoers some added value to our season finale.”

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony on November 16 at Newbury Racecourse.