Equestrian
Www.fornells.com
Fornells 10100 Running Rail
Fornells 10108 Running Rail
2010 - not a good year for the roses!
groundsman. A major project this summer was removing thatch from around the running rail using a flail and vacuum, although a set of Einbock harrows keeps on top of it elsewhere.
“Because of the length of the sward, it is hard to keep an eye on thatch and we only realised there was a problem when we mowed closer ahead of the sand slitting,” explains Charlie. “Glyphosate is used to keep growth down around the running rail and avoid time consuming strimming.” Mowing is undertaken as often as possible, although it has to be timed around the irrigation, which is carried out with tow line pipes. “We tend to mow at the beginning of the week as part of the reinstatement programme, using a 4m front mount Votex and blower,” explains Charlie. “My only wish is that we could use a lighter tractor than our New Holland TN75, but it has to be capable of handling a front mower deck. The key is to keep the blades sharp - it’s surprising how grass will blunt them.” A Progressive Tri-Deck is used to cut the centre course and car parks and was originally mooted for the course, but Charlie comments that it is hard not to leave tractor wheelings with a towed mower unless conditions are very dry. Whilst British Horseracing Authority recommendations are for cut lengths of 4.5 to 5.5 inches, Charlie comments that research has shown that a 5in cut gives 25 percent more grass cover, and the
plentiful cover at Uttoxeter is much appreciated and commented on by owners and trainers. Rolling is a controversial topic on racecourses, and Charlie admits that it is done with reluctance to give the required presentation, and offset by regular
vertidraining, up to three times a year on the jumps track with the course’s own machine and annually with a larger, hired unit - and by slitting. “We are aiming to use a
rotary decompacter in 2012 to vary the action,” he comments. “Jockey Club research at Nottingham in 1997 has shown that where it is possible - where there are not too many stones etc. - the combination of both types of decompaction gives the optimum effect.”
One welcome addition to
the groundcare fleet is a pair of new Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks, secured as part of an agreement with local dealer WR Davies of Stafford. “The trucks make the job a lot easier and are a step forward from the hard top Landrovers we had before,” comments Rob. “WR Davies have been very generous and also help out on race days by providing vehicles for the starters and doctors.”
Crowd Barrier & Gates
UK Distributers of Fornells Products 01748822666 / 07966529666
www.wattfences.com billwattfences@aol.com
Shelton Chain Trencher
Drain Today - Play Tomorrow The Professionals Choice
Visit our website or call for a free demonstration Tel. +44 (0) 1507 578288
Rob Massey with one of the new pick-ups
info@sheltonsdrainage.com www.sheltonsdainage.com
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012 PC 109
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