Positive Vibes at Betview Awards Night

7 May 2013 – Racing Post

GUESTS at last Thursday’s Betview Awards were told betting shops were helping to revitalise the high street, providing a leisure destination for eight million customers, supplying employment opportunities and a defined career ladder for local people Justin O’Regan, editor of Betview magazine, told the audience: “This industry is also leading the way internationally with British and Irish betting firms winning global renown for their expertise as they bring the benefits of regulated gambling to emerging jurisdictions. It’s an incredibly competitive environment out there between operators but it’s clear that there are important values shared right across the industry – at all levels and sectors – retail, online and on-course; not least in the vital areas of customer service and social responsibility.”

Just as delighted after receiving the Racecourse of the Year award was Mark Spincer, managing director of Doncaster.

He said: “What a week for Doncaster – first Rovers gain promotion, then this. We are the busiest single Flat racecourse with 35 fixtures – Newmarket uses two different courses. We start the season in March, close it in November and Tim Radford, our estates manager, does an amazing job alongside our team of groundsmen.”

Spincer said the team were looking forward to developing the success of the four-day Ladbrokes St Leger festival.

Tony Kelly, managing director of Doncaster owners Arena Racing Company, agreed: “It’s highly satisfying for Arc, following Fontwell’s award two years ago, that an independent panel has again recognised the hard work – this time at Doncaster.”