The roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and the pageantry of race days are all familiar features of British horse racing. But behind the scenes, a quieter transformation is underway – one that’s making the sport more sustainable and environmentally conscious.
As climate concerns often prevail in conversations surrounding large-scale events, many British racecourses have taken on the challenge of reducing their environmental footprint. From cutting waste and conserving water to embracing renewable energy and protecting biodiversity, the racing industry is galloping towards a more sustainable future, without compromising the thrill of the race day experience, complete with dramatic finishes and promotional offers such as free bets from select bookmakers.
Leading the Charge: Racecourses Taking Responsibility
While racing may be steeped in tradition, it hasn’t stood still when it comes to sustainability. Leading courses such as Ascot, Newbury, York, and Chester have already begun to implement ambitious environmental policies designed to preserve their surroundings for future generations.
At Ascot Racecourse, home of the prestigious Royal Meeting, an extensive programme has been developed to reduce waste, conserve energy, and champion sustainable sourcing. This includes a robust recycling policy and efforts to reduce single-use plastics. In 2023, Ascot reported that over 60% of its race-day waste was diverted away from landfill.
York Racecourse, another jewel in the flat racing calendar, has adopted a green energy policy that includes powering its operations with 100% renewable electricity. It has also invested in energy-efficient lighting, low-emission vehicles, and the planting of hundreds of trees around the Knavesmire.
The Jockey Club: Greener Events, Greater Impact
Many of these initiatives fall under the broader umbrella of The Jockey Club, which manages some of the UK’s most iconic racecourses. As part of the Lime Venue Portfolio, every Jockey Club venue now embraces a sustainable approach to events, spearheaded by its ‘Meeting for Change’ programme.
Each venue has a designated Green Champion, responsible for driving down environmental impact while maintaining a top-tier experience for guests. From waste reduction to food sourcing, this initiative promotes:
- Plant-forward menus, offering alternative proteins and highlighting the power of plants.
- The use of seasonal, British-grown produce, with a target of 80% of menu ingredients being locally sourced.
- Ethical sourcing, including Fairtrade chocolate and Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee.
- A strong commitment to zero-waste catering, using root-to-stem and nose-to-tail approaches, and recyclable packaging where possible.
At venues like Cheltenham and Kempton Park, these sustainability efforts also extend to social inclusion, with purpose-built sensory rooms for individuals with sensory processing conditions. Cheltenham Racecourse’s sensory room – the first of its kind in UK racing – is now a permanent fixture available for all ages and can be included in private events. Additionally, many racecourses provide quiet spaces for guests seeking rest or reflection.
Plastic-Free Progress and Responsible Packaging
One of the most visible and encouraging shifts at British racecourses has been the significant reduction of single-use plastic, particularly in hospitality and retail operations. Chester Racecourse, the oldest racecourse still in use in England, set a pioneering example as its caterer, Horseradish, replaced its prior single-use products with biodegradable ones, such as pint cups, on race days and events outside of the racing calendar.
Reusable and compostable cups, sustainable packaging, and refillable water stations have now been rolled out across many tracks. In some cases, drink tokens are now provided as incentives for returning used cups, supporting a circular model that encourages responsible behaviour from racegoers.
Transport and Travel: Reducing the Carbon Hoofprint
The issue of racegoer and participant travel is a significant challenge in racing’s sustainability efforts, with thousands of attendees, horses and lorries converging on racecourses throughout the year.
To address this, many courses have teamed up with local authorities to promote public transport and carpooling. For example, Newbury Racecourse, which has its own railway station, actively encourages racegoers to arrive by train, offering discounted tickets in partnership with rail operators.
Additionally, some venues have invested in EV charging points, bike racks, and even hybrid shuttle services to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Greener Grounds and Biodiversity Projects
Sustainability isn’t just about energy and waste – it’s also about caring for the landscape. With racecourses often spanning large areas of green space, there’s ample opportunity to nurture local wildlife and support biodiversity.
Haydock Park and Sandown Park, both Jockey Club venues, have made notable efforts to create pollinator-friendly habitats by planting wildflower meadows and maintaining woodland areas. At all sites, designated uncut areas are left specifically to encourage biodiversity, attracting birds, bees, and butterflies back into the heart of these historic grounds.
Ayr Racecourse in Scotland has also worked closely with local environmental groups to ensure its grounds remain hospitable for birds and small mammals, reinforcing racing’s potential role as a custodian of the countryside.
Water and Waste: Smarter Usage, Cleaner Outcomes
Water management is another key component of eco-initiatives, particularly with British racing’s dependency on turf conditions. Irrigation is essential to maintain safe conditions for horses, but responsible usage is becoming increasingly critical.
Courses like Goodwood have introduced water recycling systems and underground reservoirs to store rainwater for track irrigation, significantly reducing their reliance on the mains supply. At the same time, biodegradable materials are being increasingly used for bedding and stable cleaning to reduce water contamination risks.
Zero-waste catering is also on the rise. Surplus food is either composted or donated, and digital ticketing and racecards reduce paper waste.
Industry-Wide Collaboration
While individual courses are taking action, wider collaboration is essential. Organisations like The Jockey Club and The Racecourse Association (RCA) are working with environmental partners to establish best practices, share data, and standardise reporting on emissions and resource use.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has acknowledged the need to future-proof the sport against the effects of climate change. With input from experts in ecology, energy, and land management, it is developing a long-term sustainability strategy.
Changing Perceptions, One Race Day at a Time
It’s important to recognise that sustainability in racing isn’t just a behind-the-scenes effort. Courses are increasingly engaging fans with environmental messaging, encouraging racegoers to be part of the solution.
From compost bins and digital signage to themed events and educational initiatives, racecourses are finding creative ways to bring sustainability to the forefront.
