Goodwood Racecourse last night scooped two major horse racing awards, including the top honours for best racecourse, at the 2012 Racecourse Association Showcase and Awards - the pinnacle of achievement within the racing industry.

Goodwood was one of only two racecourses nominated for an impressive three awards on the night, up against the country’s best.

Judged by an independent panel it triumphed in the Marketing category, for the successful campaign surrounding the August Bank Holiday Weekend fixture.

To top off the evening, Goodwood then won the ‘Showcase Champion’ award, the highest accolade possible.

The West Sussex racecourse was also nominated in Corporate and Social Responsibility – for the Magnolia Cup Ladies Race which raised over £200,000 for charity at Glorious Goodwood last year, and in the Food & Beverage category, for the major refurbishment and re-launch of the ‘1812 Bar’ in the Richmond Enclosure.

Ian Barlow, Racecourse Association Chairman, said: “Special congratulations must go to Goodwood Racecourse as they have consistently shown over the different entries made to these Awards, what an excellent job they have been doing in improving the raceday experience for guests and visitors. These Awards are very competitive, so many congratulations to Adam Waterworth and his team on such a fantastic job.”

Adam Waterworth, Goodwood Racecourse Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised in this way by the Racecourse Association. “The awards really are the gold standard within the industry and to be nominated in three categories was a fantastic achievement in itself.

“Winning the Marketing award and then being crowned Showcase Champion is a huge endorsement of what we work so hard for.

“Visitors are at the heart of everything we do and the win makes us even more enthused about what lies ahead in 2013.”

Tickets for the 2013 season will go on-sale on 1st December, and it’s set to be another sell-out year, so early purchasing is advised.

Tickets will be available to buy in person at the Goodwood Ticket Office, online at www.goodwood.com/horseracing or by telephoning: 01243 755055.