THEY had record attendances, the best racehorse in the world strutting his stuff on the turf – and now York Racecourse will remember 2009 for an equally impressive achievement.

The Knavesmire-based course has been voted Racecourse of the Year 2009 by members of the Racehorse Owners Association and received the gong at a glittering awards dinner at London’s Park Lane Hilton last night.

It’s the first time since 2003 that York have won the prestigious prize, which is handed out by the organisation protecting the interests of racehorse owners in Britain.

It has more than 7,500 members and aims to enhance the quality of the sport and improve facilities for owners, horses and stable staff at racecourses.

Michael Harris, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners Association, said: “It comes as no surprise that our members have chosen York as their racecourse of the year for 2009, and we offer everyone on Knavesmire our hearty congratulations.

“York is a superb racecourse and is one that provides outstanding prize money and excellent facilities for racehorse owners.

“York is held in high regard across the whole horse racing industry and has already been given the ROA Gold Standard, which is an award that recognises overall excellence in the raceday experience not only for owners, but also for their horses and the stable staff of their trainers.”

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course at York, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to be voted Racecourse of the Year 2009 by members of the Racehorse Owners Association. “Racehorse owners are the single biggest investors in British racing and we are hugely appreciative of their enthusiasm and commitment to the sport and racing at York. “We have been privileged to see some of the best flat horses in Europe compete on Knavesmire and will continue to invest in prize money, facilities and the raceday experience to attract the very best horses to run at York.

“It gives us special pleasure to win the award in the season that has seen the benefits of the £2.5 million investment in the racing surface, as well as a record level of prize money exceeding £4.7 million.

“During this winter, with the support of the Levy Board, we are investing further in our facilities for owners with a runner at York by increasing the size of our Owners’ Lounge and making it lighter and brighter. We very much value and appreciate the work of the ROA Executive and Council in working with us to help deliver the best of experiences for owners and their horses visiting York.

“I would like to thank and pay tribute to the whole team at York who, like others in racing, work so hard to deliver successful and enjoyable racedays. I also feel a great admiration and respect for the team at Newbury who have won this award for five consecutive years – a truly remarkable feat.”

And York weren’t the only locals celebrating ROA success. While Sea The Stars, the Juddmonte International winner at York in August, was named horse of the year, Cowthorpe trainer Robin Bastiman’s Borderlescott was named outstanding sprinter following his Nunthorpe Stakes defence at the Ebor Festival.

One Man stands above all others

ONE of the best steeplechasers of modern times will be remembered at Wetherby Racecourse tomorrow.

The £12,000 One Man Novices’ Chase, over the extended two-and-a-half miles, commemorates the imposing grey who won 20 of his 35 races – including The Queen Mother Champion Chase, The King George VI Chase (twice) and The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup.

The horse, who also won Wetherby’s feature Charlie Hall Chase twice in 1996 and 1997, ran in the colours of John Hales and his family sponsor the race and provide a challenge trophy for the successful owner.

Equine stars who have been owned by Hales since One Man include 2004 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Azertyuiop, and dual fourth-place Cheltenham Gold Cup finisher Neptune Collonges – winner of the Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Wetherby three years ago.