apply for the Ayr role.” Emma describes Hazel Peplinski as a
terrific mentor: “She was always, and still is today, on hand to offer any advice or support. I shadowed her at the Scottish Grand National meeting in April 2010 and met the grounds team, Northern trainers and jockeys prior to starting full- time, which was invaluable experience and a great starting point.” Hazel oversaw the realignment of the home bend on the flat course which was a major factor in addressing the cause of the 2009 incident, and Emma comments that the works have been a resounding success, and the jockeys say the bend now rides very well. “We still have to be vigilant around this
area due to years of misuse, poor aeration and watering practices,” she says. “But, we are noticing a significant improvement in turf density and quality around the exit of the bend into the home straight following hollow-coring, liming to raise soil pH and well-timed decompaction works. For every flat fixture, we mow it slightly shorter than the rest of the track (3in instead of 4in), aerate or decompact the bend exit if required and, depending on the race day
forecast, lightly topdress with compatible sand. This is all to aid traction and instill confidence in the jockeys.” Investigation of a hole on the hurdle track, found during the Scottish National meeting in 2010, revealed a number of shallow voids forming as a result of frost heave and a blocked ancient field drain. “We now use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Void Detection on known problem areas of the Flat and National Hunt track, which is supplied by L&M Survey Services in Kilmarnock,” says Emma. “This has greatly assisted in locating services, drains, which are mostly early 19th century in this area, and voids for further investigation.” Purchasing GPR equipment was considered but, due to the specialist nature of the work, Emma decided that it was best left to L&M. “The groundstaff also walk and fork known problem areas two days prior to racing, and on the morning of racing, to ensure the track is safe and there are no voids. I believe we are now the most vigilant track in the country and use GPR every season, especially after winter and the run up to big festivals, in order to ensure the racing surface is as safe as
possible.”
Extensive renovation of the drainage system, instigated by the discovery of the blocked drain, has worked alongside a focused aeration and decompaction programme, central to which was investment in a second-hand 2.5m Charterhouse Verti-Drain (7521 model). “This has greatly assisted regular decompaction works on all courses, which was urgently needed and has helped to alleviate race line bias on the flat track,” comments Emma. “We acquired the Verti-Drain with a set of hollow-tines, so we can also decompact our take-offs and landings every season without relying on a contractor.” “We move the racing rail and change the course configuration more regularly now to spread wear on all tracks and re- site hurdle positions for every National Hunt fixture - simple I know, but seemingly this was not done adequately in previous years.” “The regular use of wetting agents during the months of April to September has greatly helped our infiltration rates and fundamentally enhanced sward health. Having combined this with the use of liquid aeration products in the
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