DONCASTER RACECOURSE IS FIRST PAST THE WINNING POST AT DONCASTER CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS

Doncaster Racecourse and Exhibition Centre is celebrating being first past the winning post again with another success at the Doncaster Chamber Business Awards.

At the awards ceremony last night (Thursday 15 December), the team at the racecourse took away the award for Business of the Year (£3m turnover and over), celebrating the successes and achievements of businesses in and around Doncaster over the past 12 months. For the first time ever the event took place at Doncaster Racecourse itself and was attended by over 600 guests from the regional business community.

Judges deemed the Racecourse, also a purpose built state-of-the-art conference and exhibition venue, owned by Arena Leisure, as the worthy winner based on a number of factors. The racecourse team was praised for reinventing the much loved sporting venue as an entertainment centre that can compete with the best in the UK. Judges were particularly impressed with the relationships developed with the local hotel industry and other entertainment venues, showing a concern not only for their own success but for that of the local economy as a whole.

Last year the venue took away the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Doncaster Economy.

Commenting on the award win, Mark Spincer, managing director at Doncaster Racecourse, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised in this way by the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce for a second year running, particularly as the venue was hosting the event. The award pays testament to the hard work of the team and our partners during what has been a hugely successful year for the venue, having catered for almost 1000 guests at the White Rose Awards and now having the chance to showcase our fantastic facilities to over 600 guests at these auspicious awards hosted by the Chamber."

This is one of three major awards for the racecourse this year having been crowned National Showcase Champion at the RCA Showcase Awards and also taking away the Award for Best Free Race Day, for the Royal Wedding Race Day at the same event.

For more information or to book tickets contact Doncaster Racecourse on 01302 304 200 or go to www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/2012.