A new award recognising the dedication of stable staff has been introduced at Cartmel Racecourse for the 2026 season.
The prize, sponsored by PSR Marquee Hire, will be awarded to the yard that wins the most Best Turned Out prizes across the season – marking the first time Cartmel has recognised season-long excellence in this area.
At each raceday, horses are judged in the parade ring before racing, with stable staff responsible for presenting them in immaculate condition.
While individual prizes have long been awarded, there has never been an overall accolade for consistency.
The new award will see a £500 prize fund presented to the winning yard after the final race meeting in August.
The sponsorship has been provided by Sarah Richardson of PSR Marquee Hire, a long-standing supplier of infrastructure at Cartmel Racecourse.
The connection is also a personal one – her father previously served as stable manager at the course.
She said: “We admire all the stable staff, who put so much time and love into the horses in their care, not only at race meetings, but more importantly, at home, on the yards, putting in the long hours to maintain the highest standards of welfare and presentation.”
Geraldine McKay, director of racing at Cartmel Racecourse, said: “Stable staff are the backbone of racing.
“The care, attention and pride they take in their horses is there for everyone to see in the parade ring, but it often goes unrecognised beyond that moment.”
The initiative is part of Cartmel’s wider 170th anniversary season.
