Event Date: 3-4 November 2025
Number of visitors: Approx 250 delegates across the two days
Meeting spaces used: Sunloch Suite and Equestrian Centre
The event:
The Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons (ARVS) was formed in 1993 aiming to promote and safeguard the safety and welfare of horses at race meetings and to provide a forum for discussion and the exchange of ideas on the management of injury and disease on racecourses. For the past 10 years the Association has hosted its Casualty Management Seminar at Aintree Racecourse and for the past five years has made use of the Equestrian Centre for practical demonstrations. The latest event took place from 3-4 November 2025.
Event setup:
The Casualty Management Seminar took place over two days and required a flexible venue that works for both educational and practical sessions. After registration, delegates were welcomed with refreshments followed by a morning of lectures on a variety of key topics affecting the industry in the Sunloch Suite. The morning sessions concluded with a Q&A ahead of lunch being served.
The afternoon sessions involved practical demonstrations in the Equestrian Centre. On day one this involved real horses, so it was essential that the necessary health and safety measures were taken and the team at Aintree Racecourse are well versed in this from its racedays. On the second day the sessions included the use of horse mannequins and racecourse props such as fences and flags to roleplay different scenarios that the veterinary surgeons might face.
Event solutions:
Hosting the Casualty Management Seminar at Aintree Racecourse for a decade has meant the venue team fully understand the organisers’ vision for the event and to ensure the sessions are both educational and engaging for delegates.
The venue team’s experience of hosting the event means they are uniquely positioned to adapt to any changing requirements.
“The facilities have allowed the event to evolve into a much more practical and hands on experience for the delegates.” Caroline Blakiston, Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons board member
Venue selection:
Aintree Racecourse was chosen as the venue for the Casualty Management Seminar for several reasons including its ties to horse racing, unique facilities and excellent catering options.
The location was also extremely important as the Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons needed a central venue that was accessible to all their delegates who were travelling from around the country.
Caroline adds: “Our favourite thing about Aintree Racecourse is the magnificent setting. It’s got the wow factor and the historical connections to racing.”
Testimonials:
Caroline Blakiston, Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons board member said: “The catering at Aintree racecourse is really excellent; the facilities are unique; and the location is hugely accessible to all our delegates from around the country.”
John Campbell, a delegate at the Casualty Management Seminar: “Aintree Racecourse as a venue has been absolutely fantastic. There’s very few venues of this size that are able to take the number of delegates that we would have. It’s a historic venue and it’s a pleasure coming here.”
Martin Davies, Event Sponsor: “I believe Aintree is iconic, it has the history here and it’s unique.”
The next Casualty Management Seminar is taking place again at Aintree Racecourse on the 2-3 November 2026.
