Hamilton Park Racecourse Hosts Prestigious British Racing Awards
Sodexo, catering and events partner at Hamilton Park Racecourse, has successfully delivered the tenth Racecourse Association (RCA) Showcase & Awards; the first time the event has been held North of the Border. This annual occasion in British racing saw over 250 guests attend from across the UK.
Working with the team at the RCA, Sodexo and Hamilton Park Racecourse created a bespoke setup for the event which included a daytime seminar followed by a gala awards dinner. With a respected reputation for high quality catering and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Sodexo served up a showstopping Scottish feast throughout the event created by Divisional Executive Chef, Stephen Frost. Stephen’s bespoke menu featured an array of dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients.
For the first time in the venue’s history, a unique structure was created and attached to the main grandstand to deliver a luxurious suite capable of hosting such a prestigious event, whilst allowing full use of the extensive facilities already on offer at the Lanarkshire resort.
With spectacular views over the racecourse’s immaculate lawns and parade ring, the Parade View Suite was transformed from a seminar space into a glittering awards venue for the spectacular evening celebrations. Guests were treated to Moet & Chandon champagne on arrival accompanied by a selection of canapés including Eyemouth crab on brioche, Inverawe smoked salmon on wheat pancakes and Hornigs haggis bonbons. Once settled for the ceremony, attendees enjoyed pan fried fillet of Buccleuch Scotch Beef, creamed potato with Knockraich Farm crème fraiche and an Edinburgh Ale jus. For dessert, a Dundee orange marmalade soufflé was served and as a final Scottish flourish, Irn Bru pulled pork sliders were provided at the end of the evening.
During the ceremony, 13 awards were handed out by Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Employee of the Year, Catriona Bissett and ITV Racing’s Chris Hughes. The Operational Excellence award was presented to the hosts for its business-change project to include an onsite hotel which has transformed Hamilton Park from a racecourse to a resort.
Claire McPike, Sales Manager for Sodexo at Hamilton Park, said: “It was a huge honour to work alongside the RCA to host the awards not just at Hamilton Park, but also in Scotland. We wanted to create a memorable event to wow visitors and showcase the very best in Scottish hospitality - the feedback we have received has been phenomenal and we’re thrilled that everyone enjoyed our menu with a Scottish twist.
“We would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners from the evening and are especially proud of the Hamilton Park team for receiving the Operational Excellence award on the night.”
The RCA Showcase & Awards celebrate excellence and innovation amongst British Racecourses and is run in partnership with Moët Hennessy, Great British Racing and Racing Post.
