Horseracing investor adopts electric vehicle network

British horseracing’s largest commercial group has announced that electric vehicle (EV) charging points are to be installed at all 14 of its racecourses by the end of the year.

The Jockey Club, the leading investor in the sport, will set up the system with Chargemaster, which recently unveiled a network of 64 charging points in Oxford.

Kempton Park was the first racecourse to have the EV network installed yesterday. Sandown Park and Epsom Downs will follow shortly, before Newmarket, Exeter and Wincanton, and the remaining eight tracks.

“This is a world-first for horseracing and I’m delighted that The Jockey Club’s racecourses are leading the way”, said Paul Fisher, group managing director for Jockey Club Racecourses.

“The installations not only demonstrate our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint, but also provide our customers with a service that is only going to be more valuable in the future.

“We hope this innovation is another example of British racing doing everything possible to enhance our customers’ experience.”

The Jockey Club’s EV network will join Chargemaster’s POLAR scheme, which gives individuals the opportunity to charge their vehicle at any of the units in a particular city through a membership scheme.

A network of 4,000 charging points is in line to be installed across Britain by the end of the year through the project.

Chargemaster’s partnership with The Jockey Club forms part of the horseracing group’s sustainability strategy. On its ‘Our values’ page on its website are commitments to “delivering best-of-class competitive horseracing in a safe and sustainable environment” and “maximising profit and continuing to re-invest we will ensure the long-term sustainable future success of our business and our sport”.

The collaboration between the pair marks the beginning of what is hoped to be a sustainable and prosperous journey for the sport of horseracing. But it’s important to remember that electric vehicles will only be completely effective if they’re powered by renewable sources.

Investment into clean technology is therefore essential. Have a read of our Guide to Sustainable Investment to find out why.

Further reading:

Oxford revealed as European leader in electric vehicles

Sunderland and Estonia emerge as unlikely role models for London’s EV hopes

Can the UK mimic the French EV revolution?