Equestrian
Equestrian
“
The routine changes little in the run-u
up to
a major tournament, although the vagaries of the British weather have to be taken into account
Sand spreading is undertaken by local contractor ACS using an agricultural bulk spreader
annual meadow grass. Other than the sand spreading, the routine
A healthy balance between drainage and irrigation is essential - pitches must not be too hard, but need to resist ‘punching’ from galloping hooves in wet conditions
changes little in the run-up to a major tournament, although the vagaries of the British weather have to be taken into account. Spectators cars are parked adjacent to the pitches to accommodate that important polo tradition - the lavish picnic - and with hard roads only running around the perimeter of the grounds, heavy rain sees artificial trackway deployed to protect the turf. Reflecting on the contrasts in his current
role with life as a sportsground contractor, Julian says: “It's not too different, just on a bigger scale!” Although nestled at the heart of
Sand spread onto the pitches before major tournaments improves traction and grip, as well as providing some degree of cushioning
Forward planning, even on the most mundane level, involves budgeting for some serious investment
”
The Brookfield site is separated from the Ambersham ground by a disused railway embankment - great for spectators
96 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
picturesque 16,500 acre sporting estate, which is also home to an 18-hole golf course and historic ruins, Cowdray Park Polo Club is run as an independent enterprise. Julian reports to the operations manager who is also the financial controller, and any major investments are referred to an operating committee. But, he explains, he has the autonomy to choose equipment and techniques to meet the demanding task of preparing such a large area of turf for top class sport.
“We recently swapped our tractor brand
to John Deere,” he explains. “A new branch of dealers Farol opened in Midhurst and we were offered an extremely competitive deal. We have five 100hp tractors and the service back-up offered is outstanding. Farol also lend us an extra tractor and several Gators for the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup final, which is appreciated.” Future projects may include laser levelling another pitch at Ambersham to bring it up to high goal standards, but Julian explains that it may have to be done in phases as it can cost £250,000 to £300,000 to laser level a polo pitch. Forward planning, even on the most mundane level, involves budgeting for some serious investment. A rolling replacement programme for tractors, which put in some 1300-1400 hours a year - a workload that many farmers would be proud of - every 5000 hours sees a new machine join the fleet every year. “Even after trade-in, this means budgeting £25,000-£30,000 just for one tractor,” comments Julian. It’s a good job that he is so skilled at thinking big!
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