Talk of the Course

‘We Listen. We Support.’ Racing Welfare on Supporting British Horseracing’s Workforce - TOTC Ep 8

Racing Welfare, British Horseracing’s charity to support the entirety of its workforce, are special guests on episode 8 of Talk of the Course to reflect on work undertaken across the sport during Mental Health Awareness Week and to discuss the charity’s welfare provision more widely as a bedrock to current and retired staff. Lucy Miller, Director of Welfare Programmes, and Gail Burton-Pye, Welfare Officer, join Paul Swain and Tabby Killingbeck to discuss why mental health support in British horseracing goes beyond individual campaigns, and how Racing Welfare is rising to the challenge of growing demand in this vital space. Gail shares details of a new initiative run in collaboration with groundstaff teams at ARC racecourses to facilitate an open environment for discussion about, and support of, mental health, and how Racing Welfare is available to all racecourses in a forum that best suits. In addition, Lucy shares how Welfare Officers at Racing Welfare are stationed across Britain, and particularly in key racing areas, to act as frontline support for racing’s workforce, plus details of how anyone can access Racing Welfare’s broad range of services, including the charity’s 24/7 support line (contactable on 0800 6300 443). #QuickFireFive returns, and we learn what is the best breakfast to aid a good wellbeing chat, which of the Racing Welfare team has raised the bar in ‘the best racehorse seen in your career’ stakes and the eclectic playlists which power Racing Welfare in their travels up and down the motorways of Great Britain. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialThe_RCA], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5Xllc7wCbVcyBSKMATy4Sb] and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-of-the-course/id1887516462] platforms.

Promoting Positive Mental Health: Pontefract on Combatting Loneliness —Talk of the Course Ep 7

In the first of two episodes to reflect on Mental Health Awareness Week, episode 7 of Talk of the Course features Jon Mullin, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at Pontefract Racecourse. Jon discusses the Yorkshire racecourse’s work to combat loneliness as part of the BHA-led industry pilot programme on this subject, amongst other initiatives designed to promote positive mental health. Jon explains why the team at Pontefract got involved with the work, the challenges they are trying to address and what has happened so far as part of the pilot. From horses in Holbeck to soup kitchens at the racecourse and events with local care homes, the pilot has seen Pontefract engage with a wide range of local community members, and has helped cement its status as a community focussed racecourse. Finally, Jon explains why it’s so important for racecourses to get involved with projects like this and why sometimes, commercial returns shouldn’t be top of the priority list. The episode culminates in the #QuickFireFive where we learn about the multitude of racecourse dogs in the Pontefract office, Jon’s favourite venue for customer experience beyond Yorkshire and the question on everyone’s lips regarding Pontefract Racecourse’s sweet neighbour, Haribo.   Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialThe_RCA], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5Xllc7wCbVcyBSKMATy4Sb] and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-of-the-course/id1887516462] platforms.

Richard Layton’s powerful legacy - Hereford, Farming & Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 - TOTC Ep 6

Today's episode of Talk of the Course focuses on Mental Health Awareness Week and the Richard Layton Charity Raceday at Hereford Racecourse. The Richard Layton Charity Raceday won the Racing Together Community Award at the 14th annual RCA Showcase Awards. This podcast and accompanying video, tells the story of an initiative created in memory of Richard Layton, a much-loved local farmer and member of the Herefordshire community who tragically lost his life to suicide in 2023, and the Hereford Racecourse team's commitment to making mental health the front runner. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team.

The Graft Behind the Craft with Carrie Gillam - TOTC Ep 5

This episode of Talk of the Course welcomes Carrie Gillam, Executive Director at Uttoxeter Racecourse, to share details on the racecourse’s fantastic 2025 which saw it named the co-most improved racecourse in terms of customer experience in the RCA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme. In the podcast, Carrie explains the changes that were put in place across the racecourse to improve experience, from site presentation and signage, to a reimagination of the food offering that puts quality over quantity. We also discuss the affordability of racing as a day out and Carrie outlines some of the cost-effective options available for customers heading to Uttoxeter this year, the range of experiences and days out on offer.   To finish, we ask Carrie the #QuickFireFive and learn which venues inspire Carrie and her team to continue their drive for excellence, the official Uttoxeter racecourse dog and put to bed the age-old question on the definitive pronunciation of Uttoxeter. Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialThe_RCA], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5Xllc7wCbVcyBSKMATy4Sb] and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-of-the-course/id1887516462] platforms.

A Proper Raceday Experience with William Derby - TOTC EP 4

The latest episode of Talk of the Course shines a light on York Racecourse and features an interview with William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course. York Racecourse had an outstanding 2025, being ranked number one in the RCA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme for racegoer experience and topping the table in assessment schemes for owners and stable staff. Throughout the podcast, William explains how his team approach delivering the best experience, their desire for continuous improvement and the importance to being open to a range of different voices and opinions. He also discusses the RCA Showcase, what it means to the team at York and how the event encourages betterment amongst all the racecourses across Britain. Finally, we look ahead to the upcoming season on the Knavesmire, the improvements that have been made across the site and what racegoers have to look forward to.   To close, we ask William the #QuickFireFive and discover the best raceday breakfast in York, his dream Knavesmire match race and his go-to Taylor Swift song.   Talk of the Course is designed to shed a light on the best practice emanating from racecourse teams across the country, covering all aspects of racecourse operation. It is written, produced and hosted by the RCA’s executive team. The latest episode is available now to stream via YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialThe_RCA], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5Xllc7wCbVcyBSKMATy4Sb] and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-of-the-course/id1887516462] platforms.