Keith Jones and John Close who are dedicated to undertaking all the fence maintenance and repairs


landing areas. Over 50 tons of 70/30 rootzone are needed to repair divot damage after a meeting.


A lighting rig was used to aid germination, operating on a 48-hour rotation basis.


Mowing, rolling, the track for one furlong


Each irrigator has the capability of applying between 8-1


mower and large front mounted Votex rotary. Mowing frequency is dictated by the rate of growth and whatever meetings are scheduled. There are times when the course needs mowing twice a week to maintain optimum grass height. Presentation is a key factor. Stripes and banding are usually achieved by mowing, brushing and rolling. The rollers used on the course are custom made; in fact Anthony had a hand in their design and development. Rolling the surface back after race meetings is very important, however, the Cambridge roller is often too heavy to use in certain conditions and difficult to manoeuvre around the permanent fence features. In conjunction with


Rollason Industries a brand new concept roller, aptly called the Coursepaka, was designed. It comprises a series of deflated tyres on a heavy duty, linkage mounted frame. This linkage system makes it very manoeuvrable. Weighing in at just 750kg, the Coursepaka can easily be handled by a 40hp compact tractor, but can be ballasted to 1.25 tonnes for firmer conditions. The rollers have transformed the way Anthony can reinstate the course after meetings. Weather and soil temperatures will dictate how well the course can recover. The last meeting before the Festival was on the 27th January, leaving less than six weeks for Anthony and his staff to get the course ready. The first task is to repair the damage and overseed any bare and worn areas, particular on the take off and


12mm of water to the whole width of


fertilising and watering were continued as required to ensure the course was presented as good - good to


soft for the Festival. A number of other racecourse Groundsmen were drafted in to help, together with 20 dedicated fence attendants, 40-60 divot repairers and other auxiliary staff, most starting at 6.30am and often going on late into the evenings. Watering was not required this year, so the team were able to get to bed at a reasonable time.


Anthony was up at 5.30am every day, walking the course, with Simon, to declare the going. He carries three radios and a telephone during the Festival to keep him in touch with key personnel. There are four days of racing, with six races on each day. Once each day’s racing was finished, the staff were out repairing and preparing the course for the next day. Work included divot repairs, fence repairs, mowing and moving the rails to bring fresh ground into play. Each day Anthony was


responsible for a total of 106 staff. Over twelve miles of rail were moved and 190 tonnes of 70/30 rootzone and 65 bags of seed were used to infill the divots. As usual Simon’s first job after the Festival was to arrange a debriefing. This year the course was given the thumbs up by all concerned - the trainers, jockeys and the HRA. Good news for both Anthony and Simon, however, they know that nexy year will present new challenges. They will not be


complacent and the ongoing safety of all visitors, whether the four or two legged variety, will remain their main priority.


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