The Jockey Club signed a deal worth £100 million with Compass Group UK on Monday. Plans are now revealed for where that money will be spent across its portfolio.
Levy, the entertainment wing of Compass Group UK, and The Jockey Club have agreed to a 20-year partnership to overhaul the experience of racedays at the Jockey Club’s racecourses. This includes a focus on catering, facilities, security and more.
The deal was announced after a successful Cheltenham Festival in which crowds soared compared to 2025 attendances. With the Grand National upcoming at Aintree, this partnership aims to strike while the iron is hot.
Over the next five years, the Jockey Club plans to give its flagship events a makeover. They include all three days of the Grand National meeting, the Epsom Derby, and the Cheltenham Festival.
“This is an important moment for racing and The Jockey Club” – Jim Mullen
Jim Mullen is the Group Chief Executive of the Jockey Club. He recognises that horse racing requires help from its partnerships now that money made from the bookmaking levy is far from as assured due to tax rises.
That is not to be confused with Levy, the entertainment wing the Jockey Club has partnered with. Their deal will now focus on a multi-faceted approach to improving the racecourse experience across the Jockey Club’s 15 courses.
To start with, weighing room facilities at Cheltenham will be transformed for the participants. A rooftop facility will also be made available for hospitality guests. Additional facilities will also be made available at Aintree racecourse, with improvements in the owners’ and trainers’ sections. The centre of the iconic Grand National track will also be explored.
A digital ticketing system will also be implemented, while an overhaul of the Epsom Derby festival has already been announced. Said transformation will focus on the customer experience throughout the day.
Mullen is confident that these changes will have a hugely positive effect on the sport. He spoke to Luck On Sunday on Racing TV.
“This is an important moment for racing and The Jockey Club. We have agreed a long-term opportunity with a proven worldwide operator to help us improve our customer experience and grow our ability to invest in the sport.
“We want customers at our venues to enjoy the sport, enjoy the hospitality and the overall customer experience so that they come back more often. Levy and Compass have the experience of operating world class sporting venues. Allied to our expertise and experience in racing, means they can play a significant role in helping racing and us grow.”