To advertise in this section contact Classifieds
Peter Britton on 01747 855335 email:
peter@pitchcare.com
SPORTS TURF CONTRACTORS
Vertidraining, Hollow Coring, Overseeding, Draining, Gravel Banding, Field Top Maker, Deep Scarifying
Mobile: 07860 259692
A map of the going for a race meeting on the flat course at Ascot produced with data from the GoingStick
objectively arrived value, preconceptions, partiality or misreading of a surface can be dramatically reduced.
methods available that allow experienced and inexperienced users to determine the level of going. These include, amongst others, the Penetrometer, the Clegg Impact Hammer, the Clegg Shear Tester and the GoingStick. The penetrometer is probably the most widely recognised method, and is used in many countries. It measures the penetration resistance of the surface, the results of which have been correlated with race times to enable the construction of a calibration chart to calibrate racecourses to a standard penetrometer scale. However, race times are dependent on more than just the penetration resistance of the soil; they can be influenced by factors such as the topography and layout of the track, or the condition of the horse and the jockey’s willingness to make the horse run faster. Therefore, measuring more than one variable to arrive at a determination of the going is preferable.
The GoingStick
The GoingStick is a result of collaboration between TurfTrax Racing Data and Cranfield University. It is vaguely similar in appearance and application to an ordinary walking stick, the method favoured by many Clerks of the Course in the UK. But, unlike a walking stick, the GoingStick measures the penetration resistance of the surface, to a depth of 100mm, and the translational shear strength of the rootzone, in an action that almost mimics the loading and propulsion phases of a galloping horse. It can be used in conjunction with a waypoint system that identifies specific sections of the racecourse to enable the assessment of the level of going in a given area (waypoint). At each waypoint the process of measuring penetration resistance and shear strength is carried out three times. The GoingStick then determines a mean value for the three measurements and converts the mean to a value of going, based on a 15 point index. Literally, thousands upon
Objective determinations There are several objective
thousands of measurements were taken to form the 15 point scale, which was developed with the assistance of the British Horseracing Authority’s senior course inspector and a number of experienced senior racecourse clerks. As a guide, average readings of 3.0-6.9 indicate softer ground, 7.0-8.9 good ground, with anything above 9.0 signifying firmer ground. The highest average readings actually raced on in the UK are around 12.0. Owing to the different surface conditions required for National Hunt (jump) and Flat racing, the GoingStick has separate calibrations for the two disciplines, which are accessed with the flick of a switch. It is possible to recalibrate the device for other racing jurisdictions or sporting surfaces, as long as they are provided with enough data to be able to analyse - with Cranfield University - and approve a calibration change. The data is easily downloaded to a PC, which can also be used to produce maps, showing the changes in going around the racecourse.
Who uses the GoingStick
The GoingStick was originally endorsed by The Jockey Club, however, their use now comes under the jurisdiction of the British Horseracing Authority. In cooperation with this body, a 12- month trial was completed where all 58 turf course were required to use the device for 24/48 hour declarations and race day readings. The trial was carried out to ascertain the feasibility of introducing the GoingStick as a mandatory measurement of going. In addition to the 58 turf racecourses in the UK, there are GoingSticks in use in Ireland, France, Hong Kong and Australia. Amongst the current users are trainers of racehorses, who want to ensure they are achieving the ideal surface conditions on their gallops (training grounds).
Further applications
The device is currently being trialed for other applications. These include greyhound racing and all-weather horse racing surfaces in the UK. A GoingStick was also used by British Eventing at the Burghley Horse Trials.
Images © TurfTrax
Quarry Hall Farm, Spring Bottom Lane Bletchingley, Surrey RH1 4QZ
T: 01883 340 969 F: 01883 346 533
E:
info@earthboundservices.co.uk W:
www.earthboundservices.co.uk
SPORTSTURF
D CRANE EST. 1984
CONSTRUCTION Golf Courses and Sports Fields
Sand Slitting, Gravel Banding, Piped Drainage DRAINAGE Koro Top Dressing, Overseeding, Sand Spreading Verti Draining, Scarifying, Hollow Coring,
For further details & consultation contact 07860 458822 or 07921 290985
Tel: 01772 780545
danvicturfcare@btconnect.com
Mobile: 07768 122577 123 Fungicide, Pesticide, Herbicide
RENOVATION SPRAYING
SCONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE
Sand Slitting, Gravel Banding V RENOVATION
erti Draining, Hollow Coring, Scarifying, Koro Field Topmaker, Topdressing, Overseeding, Sand Spreading
Earthbound Services specialise in the highest quality sports pitch construction, renovation and maintenance. A professional and friendly service based in the South East of England.
Tel: 01284 735105 Email:
peter@buryturfcare.com www.buryturfcare.com
D W Clark DRAINAGE LTD
SPECIALIST SPORTSTURF CONSTRUCTION & DRAINAGE CONTRACTORS • Gravel Banding • Sand Slitting
• Top Dressing • Renovation • Irrigation Unit 7, Brailes Industrial Estate, Winderton Lane, Lower Brailes Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5JW
Tel: 01608 685800 Fax: 01608 685801 email:
jim@dwclarkdrainageltd.co.uk Web:
www.dwclarkdrainageltd.co.uk
ports Fields and Golf Courses
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