The LIRG is an informal grouping of the six large racecourses which are independently owned. They appoint a Director to the Racecourses Association Board and who sits as an observer on the BHA Members Committee.
The LIRG Members communicate regularly and have a biannual conference of their Chief Executives and an annual meeting of the Clerks of Course and Groundsmen and the Operations Managers also meet annually to ensure best practise. Our courses are responsible for the major summer flat festivals, Boodles May Festival at Chester, The Dante and Ebor Festival at York, Glorious Goodwood, Royal Ascot, King George the VI and Champions Day at Ascot, The Western and Scottish National Meeting at Ayr and finally the Lockinge and Ladbrookes Jumping Festival at Newbury. They are major contributors to Prizemoney with their combined and executive contributions being £… and a total prizemoney in 2018 expected to be £… They run x number of race days which is x amount of the total fixture list. All courses provide complimentary lunches for Owners and Trainers.
Being such significant contributors to British Racing their views are commonly sought by all parties of the industry and command considerable influence.
All racecourses have significant non-race day activities and business ventures including restaurants, hotels, childcare facilities etc. Due to their huge investment in buildings and facilities they are able to develop their non-racing business as well as their core racing business from their developments. The LIRG Members have the ability to make quick commercial decisions due to their independent status and contribute significantly to the development of the sport.
