AYR Racecourse has for the third year running been voted as a jewel in the crown of British Racing by one of the sport’s leading authorities – the Racehorse Owners’ Association.

Scotland’s premier track has been voted in the top six large racecourses in the country for owners and awarded the Racehorse Owners Association Gold Standard status for 2017.

The six large courses awarded Gold Standard were Ayr, Ascot, Chester, Haydock Park, Cheltenham and York – all six also received the award last year and Ayr has now been awarded the accolade every year since its inception in 2015.

ROA representatives visited every track in Britain at least once to assess all aspects of the raceday experience for owners. In addition, feedback was provided by hundreds of ROA members following their racecourse visits.

David Brown, Ayr Racecourse Managing Director said : “I am proud on behalf of the entire team at Ayr Racecourse to learn we have retained the ROA Gold Standard and remain one of only six large racecourses to be awarded given the accolade.

“This reflects all the hard work and dedication and attention to detail we pride ourselves on reflecting the importance in which we hold racehorse owners.

“Our aim is to deliver the best experience possible for owners and to receive recognition like this is very rewarding.”

Racecourses are divided into two categories – large and small – with their classification decided by a range of factors, including the quality of racing and attendance figures. The six tracks in each category that were considered to provide owners with the best raceday experience will hold the Award for the next 12 months.

One racecourse from each section will be named as their respective category’s ‘Racecourse of the Year’ at the annual ROA Horseracing Awards to be held in London on Thursday, December 7.