Stratford named Jump winner at the 2026 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards
Stratford Racecourse has been named the Jump winner at the 2026 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, the racing industry's national awards for excellence in ground management and turf husbandry. Now in their 29th year, the awards are run by the Racecourse Association and sponsored by Agrovista Amenity, DLF Seeds & Science and Duralock.
The independent judging panel recognised Stratford for its outstanding commitment to maintaining the highest standards of turf husbandry through a challenging summer, keeping the turf healthy and in optimum condition to produce consistent ground. The judges also noted that the grounds team is always willing to trial new industry initiatives, embraces innovation, and gives its time and expertise to support the wider industry.
The award is a tribute to Sam Linley and the grounds team, whose early starts and long hours through this summer’s dry spell kept racing going on safe, consistent ground.
Ilona Barnett, Managing Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to receive this Racecourse Groundstaff Award. It is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our entire groundstaff team, who work tirelessly throughout the year, often behind the scenes and in challenging conditions, to deliver the highest standards for racing.
“This award is a real testament to the passion and commitment of everyone involved, and we are extremely grateful to the Racecourse Association, along with sponsors Agrovista Amenity, DLF Seeds and Science and Duralock, for recognising the vital contribution of groundstaff to our sport.”
The awards are judged by an independent panel drawn from the Professional Jockeys Association, the British Horseracing Authority and the National Trainers Federation. Bangor-on-Dee were runners-up in the Jump category, with Goodwood named Flat winner and Newcastle the Dual Purpose winner.
As a category winner, Stratford is now in the running, alongside Goodwood and Newcastle, to be crowned the 2026 Racecourse Groundstaff Champion. The Champion will be confirmed later this year following a site visit from an independent expert agronomist.
Congratulations to Sam and the whole team.
