The four-year study is looking at the optimization of soil and going management on racecourses with controlled water applications.
years, thanks to the mild winter weather, take up has been very successful. The Flat racing track maintenance is more intense, the season runs from April to October. There are more meetings (21) and faster horses on shorter grass (100mm), therefore the wear factors are greater. Consequently there are more grass cutting, watering, feeding and renovations on this track.
The feeding programmes for each course also vary. On the flat Jimmy carries out a straight fertiliser programme using regular spring, summer and autumn products, giving more control on grass growth. On the jumps track only two applications of
fertiliser are made in spring and Autumn
In April both courses are vertidrained, chain harrowed and drill seeded with Moores uni-drill. This provides a good start for the growing season ahead. The harrowing, in particular, helps the divotting infill materials settle down. Disease is monitored
throughout the year. A little red thread and rust was seen in September, but a dose of feed sorted it out. With crowds improving all the time at each race meeting it is important to have the course looking and performing its best.
Jockey Club Study DURING my visit, I met up
with Colin Mumford from Cranfield University who is currently carrying out research sponsored by the Jockey Club and the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council. The four- year study is looking at the optimization of soil and going management on racecourses with controlled water applications. The study started in October 2002. By combining soil science with modern technology, in particular Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the study will investigate ways of measuring ground conditions and will identify methods of delivering water accurately and more efficiently to
minimize inconsistencies to the surface conditions. Such a development would be of enormous benefit to racecourses and Course Managers. Jimmy is very supportive of the study knowing that, potentially, there would not only be huge savings in money, time and labour but would also help him provide a consistently safe racing surface for the horses and riders.
Reader Enquiry 13
Reader Enquiry 14
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