SUCCESSFUL environmental projects, charity events and innovative marketing campaigns have put North-East racecourses in the running for prestigious national awards.

This week, the Racecourse Association (RCA) revealed the shortlist for the RCA Showcase Awards 2012, with Sedgefield Racecourse, Newcastle Racecourse, York Racecourse and Ripon Racecourse all featuring.

The awards, run in conjunction with Racing for Change, celebrate excellence and innovation at racecourses across Britain and are divided into seven categories.

And, after being whittled down by an independent panel of judges, the shortlisted racecourses will battle it out at the Showcase Seminar and Awards ceremony at York Racecourse on Thursday, November 22.

Sedgefield has been nominated in the corporate social responsibility category in recognition of its fundraising events for ABF The Soldiers Charity and Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help.

“I am delighted to be nominated for this award,” said Jill Williamson, racecourse manager. “It gives me great pleasure to be in a position to create awareness and raise funds for two wonderful charities.”

Ripon Racecourse is nominated in the same category for its environmental work, including its zero waste to landfill policy commitment and the introduction of onsite allotments, new flower beds and horticultural training for young adults with learning disabilities.

Hoping for glory in the marketing category, meanwhile, are Newcastle Racecourse, which has been nominated for its use of social media to promote an adventure run in aid of the British Heart Foundation, and Go Racing in Yorkshire, which has been shortlisted for its efforts to promote all racecourses and trainers in the county through the Yorkshire Racing Festival 2012.