There is not much that the groundstaff can do
other than monitor the situation
Tim Packwood
Tim Packwood
hours of receiving a red alert on the floodline the course will be flooded. The extent of damage to the sward is dependant on how long the floodwater remains. Any longer than two weeks and grass cover will be affected. In 2002 parts of the course were flooded for over six weeks resulting in huge areas of dead grass. But there is not much Andrew and his staff can do other than monitor the situation. Once the flood has gone and the course has dried out an inspection can be carried out. Worcester Racecourse is owned by
Arena Leisure who own several other racecourses. The group shares equipment, which allows for greater flexibility and efficiency during maintenance operations. This gives Andrew access to large Vertidrain machines which he usually calls upon
after the flood waters have subsided. As soon as the ground dries out sufficiently the groundstaff will spend time harrowing and aerating the course, paying particular attention to the worst affected areas. With other floods likely the staff will wait until March before the final clean up takes place. Late February and March will be a busy time for Andrew who, within a few weeks, has to get the course back into a racing condition By the time the first fixtures are played at New Road and racing has started at Worcester many of the attending crowds and punters would never guess that these two sporting venues had been flooded with over 5 feet of water - and perhaps on more than one occasion!
Andrew Bourton
Drag matting the square at New Road as the floodwater subsides
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