surface and removes hoof prints
all moisture, thus stopping the track from freezing. This same binder, in extreme hot and cold conditions, can solidify and become compacted. In each case either the power harrow or the Vaderstad is used to open up the surface. The 15 metre wide track usually takes between 4 and 5 hours to fully prepare ready for racing. After every third race the Gallop Masters re-level the surface and remove any hoof prints, which is completed within fifteen minutes. During the course of an 8 race card as many as 100 horses will use the track. As with soil, track conditions will determine how quickly the surface will compact. The track is prepared and reinstated to achieve the desired going for racing. Fergus Cameron, Clerk of the Course, is keen to ensure that the condition of the surface will produce Standard going, which would equate to the quick side of
good in turf racing parlance, where conditions allow. A great value is placed in track and going consistency. Trainers are more likely to enter horses where the surface is reliable and safe. The form guide of the horses should, in theory, be more accurate as the structure of the surface is identical the whole way around the track. This, again in theory, should make it easier to pick a winner! The Jockey Club and Wolverhampton Racecourse are committed to providing a safe and consistent surface for racing. To ensure this happens a number of testing procedures and inspections are carried out throughout the year. This involves enlisting the help of Alex Vickers, from Turftrax and Cranfield University, who conducts a number of inspections and surveys to monitor the performance of the track. Alex is interested in the physical make
Master relevels the
Cousins Gallop
Carrier 650 removes intermediate compaction
up of the track and usually measures a number of characteristics, bulk density, infiltration rates and particle size to see how the track materials are standing up to wear. Being a fairly new material it is important to ensure the polytrack continues to support the needs of the horses and jockeys in that it provides a stable, consistent and safe surface for racing.
All in all it seems that everybody is pleased with the new polytrack. An increase in the number of race days, the support of the owners and trainers and more paying customers are all positive signs, and the reason why Wolverhampton has now become one of the busiest racecourses in the country.
www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk
Vaderstad Rexius
Take Thatch out, put sand in! Contour Sand Injection
Brand new concept to the Graden range - Now there is a machine which not only grooves - but then immediately injects sand - right in to the bottom of the groove.
The sand goes in not on the surface.
• Amendments can be added to sand, such as Zeolite, Profile and Axis
• Can be used any time of year – even in damp conditions • Ideal environment for over seeding • Firms the surface • No loss of stability no matter what depth you go
We can talk about it all day - but you just have to see it. Within 20 seconds your mind will be made up.
Phone us for more details about this revolutionary new process. Tel: +44 (0)1883 342632 Fax: +44 (0)1883 340461 Email:
info@KensettSports.com www.kensettsports.com
DON’T JUST GROOVE IT, FILL IT!
Take thatch out – put sand in 42
Machine in operation - injecting sand
Grooves at 30mm spacings
Sand injected to a 40mm depth. 15
www.pitchcare.com/re
www.kensettsports.com www.kensettsports.com www.kensettsports.com www.kensettsports.com www.kensettsports.com www.kensettsports.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64