When Adrian Kay took on his new role as Head Groundsman at York Racecourse he knew he was in for a challenge, but little did he know what the weather was going to throw at him and the project team during course improvements.
Carol Dutton reports on a job very well done
Challenge Adrian H
ead Groundsmen are expected to fulfil many roles these days - soil scientist, mechanic, civil
engineer, diplomat, man manager, strategic planner, finance expert - and those at the top of their profession carry a level of responsibility equal to many a captain of industry or equivalent practitioner in medicine or law. With these wider responsibilities comes the opportunity to work with an expanded team, both from their own organisation and from expert companies; the days when the groundsman never saw the office are long gone. When York Racecourse started looking for a new Head Groundsman, there was quite a challenge awaiting the successful applicant. The track is rightly world famous for races such as the totesport Ebor or Juddmonte
International, yet these prestigious contests are run on a piece of turf surface that asks as many questions of its steward as it does of the jockeys. The land, known as the Knavesmire, is a former ice-age lake and now is actually a flood plain that safeguards parts of the historic city from the nearby River Ouse. This major waterway not only carries rainwater from the North Yorkshire Moors but, given that it flows into the Humber, is tidal to boot. The proximity of the course to the city means that it is always popular with dog owners and picnickers, whilst the open space in the middle of the Knavesmire provides a home ground for several football teams. Combine the geography of the area with the public demands placed upon it and the challenge of improving the track
becomes clear. York appointed Adrian Kay in October 2006, in time for him to join the planning phase of a scheme that would see £2.5 million invested in the racing surface. “One of the many reasons for coming to York was being part of a track project of this nature and to be able to have an input” Adrian says. “We were seeking to make one of the biggest improvements to the racing surface at York in a proud history that dates back to 1731; there were already some great people involved and, whilst it was a challenge, I consider that it is quite an honour to be part of it.” There was already a strong working
relationship between Clerk of the Course, William Derby, and Mike Harbridge from Professional Sportsturf Design (PSD). Joined by Adrian, the trio undertook a lengthy and iterative
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