Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year
From paddocks to furlong - this award highlights the very best sports turf management, keeping the going ‘good’ to ‘good to firm’, achieving the optimum racing surface for thoroughbreds at horse racing venues across the UK.
Deadline - 16 October 2026
Please remember to save your form if you are unable to finish it right now by clicking the save button at the bottom of the application form.
Entry Criteria
Who can enter?
This category is open to all grounds teams at venues that host events with paying spectators. In-house teams, local authority, and contractors can enter/be nominated.
Entry / Nomination Criteria
Teams can enter or be nominated by an employer or manager. The award is judged taking into account the 12 months prior to the award category application submission date.
Judging Criteria
The judges will be looking for evidence to support your entry in the following areas: 1) Evidence of utilising modern-day practice to achieve the best possible surface. 2) Evidence of development and Innovation - how this has been applied and had an impact on the playing surface, team and/or project. 3) Evidence of use of modern technologies and equipment. 4) Entrants/Nominees must demonstrate strong technical ability. 5) Evidence of best practice and implementation. 6) Evidence of incorporating any relevant research development for improving the surface. 7) Evidence of best use of machinery available when tending to surface. 8) Evidence of continual development, learning and implementation for staff (including training and mental health & wellbeing).
1. Contact Information
Full name of facility contact
*
First Name
Last Name
Phone number of facility contact
*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: 00000000000.
Email address of facility contact
*
Confirmation Email
2. Facility Details
Place of work
*
Facility Postal Address
*
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
County
Postcode
Number of grounds staff employed
*
Full-time, part-time, volunteer etc.
Approximate size of site
*
Please upload your company or club logo:
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3. Achievements over the past 12 months [10 marks]
Highlight any achievements from within the last 12 months. This should include any developments within your facilities.
*
0/500
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4. Resources and responsibilities [10 marks]
What are your main responsibilities? What resources do you have to help carry out your duties?
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0/300
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5. Utilisation of equipment, including IT [10 marks]
Describe the range of machinery, tools, equipment, and IT systems used on site or in your role. How are these maintained and stored, and what procedures are in place to ensure they are safe, clean, and fit for purpose? How are sustainability and environmental considerations factored into this?
*
0/300
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Please provide evidence.
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6. Presentation and housekeeping [10 marks]
Describe the preparation involved in maintaining the presentation of your facilities. Please also describe how you monitor and utilise any information or records that you keep in order to deliver the end product.
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0/300
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Provide photographic evidence to demonstrate the presentation of pitches (if possible please include the date that the photo was taken). Do you keep records up to date? Please provide evidence.
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7. Management and development of resources [10 marks]
How do you work/communicate with management/other members of staff? Recruitment and management of staff (this includes appraisals/development). How do you deal with complaints and if relevant, the media?
*
0/300
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8. Usage levels and other uses [10 marks]
Provide an annual outline of the use of your facility.
*
0/300
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Please provide evidence such as a games schedule, events etc.
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9. Training, education, health and safety [10 marks]
Provide an outline of relevant training and education the team has undertaken and please demonstrate your responsibilities for health and safety and confirm if you have any of the following in place: H&S policy; risk assessments; safe systems of work; training and inductions; suitable PPE? Provide examples and evidence.
*
0/300
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Please provide copies of certificates/results and evidence of H&S responsibilities where possible.
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If you require assistance with filling in this application form, please contact industryawards@thegma.org.uk
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