As spring awakens the British racing season at Worcester Racecourse is stepping into the spotlight—not just for its upcoming events, but for a brand-new podcast offering an insider’s look at the track and its dedicated team.
In collaboration with Trevor Owens and BBC Hereford & Worcester, The Racing Pod launched earlier this year and the latest episode, “How We Get Pitchcroft Ready,” on April 11, 2025. The episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the historic racecourse, nestled on the banks of the River Severn, as it prepares for a busy season.
Bryony Harris (Operation Manager at Worcester Racecourse), who has teamed up with Owens for the series, admitted that while the first recording session was smooth, stepping into the BBC studio felt a little daunting. “Although the first recording has been very seamless, it was quite daunting being in the studio with the professionals!” she said.
This latest episode, which can be listened to on BBC Sounds focuses on the preparation of Worcester’s near-100-acre arena, from flood recovery and track marking to the unveiling of a newly refurbished weighing room. Listeners are introduced to Issy Mangan-Goldstein, the new Clerk of the Course, and Bryony Garness, Head Grounds person, who explain the many moving parts that make a race day possible.
The episode also highlights lesser-known race day roles—like the valets who support jockeys and the officials who determine the all-important 'going'—as Harris and Owens tour the site and its much-improved changing rooms.
“We have plenty more episodes to come, all with special guests; hopefully to engage, educate, and promote our fantastic racecourse and brilliant sport!” Harris added.
With future episodes already in the works, fans of horse racing can look forward to deep dives into topics that celebrate both the heritage and the modern operations of Worcester Racecourse.
Next up? Gates opening at Worcester Racecourse and what is involved with partnering with the racecourse —an episode that promises even more exclusive insights and colourful stories from those who keep Pitchcroft galloping.
Stay tuned on BBC Sounds for upcoming releases from The Racing Pod.
