Twelve of Britain’s 60 racecourses – including Newton Abbot – were this week named as the best in the country for owners, and awarded Gold Standard status for 2015.

The accolade, given in a competitive way for the first time this year, comes from the Racehorse Owners Association, the body that has represented racehorse owners for 70 years and currently has more than 7,300 members.

ROA representatives visited every track in Britain at least once between January and early October to assess every aspect of the owners’ raceday experience.

In addition, feedback was provided by hundreds of ROA members following their racecourse visits.

Racecourses were divided into two categories – large and smaller – with their classification decided by a range of factors, including the quality of racing and attendance figures.

The six tracks in each category that were considered to provide owners with the best raceday experience will hold the Award for the next 12 months.

READ THE FULL STORY AND FIND OUT WHICH OTHER RACECOURSES RECEIVED THE ACCOLADE IN TOMORROW’S PAPER.