“I have no preference on a brand, only that it does what it needs to do!”


Darren Smith, Head Groundsman, Polo Club Dubai


perimeter to stop the ball rolling out of play easily. The main pitch was


constructed in 2005 by local contractors Orient, using a Bermuda grass selected to cope with temperatures which frequently exceed 40O summer. During


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establishment, vast quantities of water were required to help develop the root system into the sand-based rootzone. Even as an established pitch, an intensive maintenance regime is required, as Head Groundsman, Darren Smith, explains: “Temperatures have a major influence on what fertilisers we use. During the winter months we tend to use liquid fertilisers whilst, during the summer months, granular products are used. During the lead up to tournaments, we pay special attention to the height of cut and the smoothness of the pitch, rolling it frequently.” Watering is another important task, with irrigators brought in every night to keep the pitch quenched: “We can’t use an in-ground system on the polo fields as we don’t want the horses treading on sprinkler heads, so we use six large travelling irrigation guns which are extended to the far side of the pitch and slowly wind themselves in as they travel over the turf.” Extensive planting around the club also requires plenty of care. Manicured shrub and flowerbeds are irrigated using


a drip system to help minimise spray drift and evaporation. “The landscaping seems to be the most labour intensive part of the job,” comments Darren. “Plants and hedges are constantly being pruned to help keep the well defined look, and a significant part of our budget is spent on the landscape maintenance.” The club has a total of twelve staff, who are split between the landscaped gardens surrounding the clubhouse and equestrian club and the pitch maintenance, but can be redeployed as necessary. Darren is also in charge of the Arabian Ranches golf course, an 18 hole, par 72, desert style grass course, which was designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. “We also share machines and, if needed, the golf course staff can also work on the polo pitches, so it is a real team effort,” says Darren. The Dubai Equestrian Club is also based on site, offering training for show jumping and dressage. Facilities include luxurious stabling and three artificial riding surfaces.


Maintenance machinery in Dubai is supplied by two importers and the club mainly uses Toro and Jacobsen equipment. Darren says: “I have no preference on a brand, only that it does what it needs to do!”


Boomer series


• Compact Tractors • Utility Tractors • Ride-on Mowers • Attachments


T3000 series T


T4000 series NEW HOLLAND TOP SERVICE 00800 64 111 111


OUR GROUNDCARE RANGE IS VERY WIDE GROUNDC ARE : CO VERED


TZ series


G6000 series


YOUR SUCCESS - OUR SPECIALTY 117


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