Equestrian
Newbury divot mix is used to repair the track after meetings, with a slightly sandier composition on the jumps course than that used on the flat track
” The final fence and grandstand
Some 40 tonnes of divot mix is used to repair the course after racing
process on the flat track, whilst part of the national hunt course is overseeded each year in a four-year cycle. The flat course was also direct drilled last autumn. “We use DLF’s Pro Master 79, which gives
good colour. We’re putting on 9-10 tonnes a year, so it’s a balance between quality and quantity,” explains Tim. “I feel it’s better to use a middle of the road product and seed more often; I’ve looked at some of the expensive low temperature mixtures, but we are getting good germination as it is.” Newbury divot mix is used to repair the
track after meetings, with a slightly sandier composition on the jumps course than that used on the flat track. Some 40 tonnes of divot mix can be used after each meeting to ensure that track is reinstated to the required standard, and contractors Turf Services come
in handy for repairs at busy periods. There are couple of pinch points on the
jumps course, and Tim comments that using a slightly higher cut - 6-7in - helps preserve the footing, particularly in these areas. The flat is cut to the more traditional 3.5-4in. Mowing takes place three or four times a
week in summer and he admits that it is strain having one man tied up for that amount of time. “We currently use a Caroni front mount
mower with a Trilo blower on the rear linkage, but we are trialing a Wessex RMX- 680 trailed tri-deck mower which has recently been purchased for Southwell. It allows wheelings to be controlled by lifting either one of the 8ft side decks and moving the mower across the track, plus its greater output would mean substantial savings both
in fuel, tractor maintenance costs and man hours.”
A Major roller mower takes on the tough job of cutting the car parks. An agricultural- spec Amazone fertiliser spinner is needed to cover the acreage. “We use Delta 12:4:8 controlled release
fertiliser in summer, with four or five applications every four to six weeks on the track, and Microlite 12:0:12 with iron on the lawns. Activate-R liquid biostimulant, which has seaweed and amino acids gives the flat track a boost, and we’ve also found Propel-R wetting agent useful.” Long acting winter fertiliser Greenbest 11:8:4 also has magnesium and sugars and can last up to five months. A slitter is used when conditions allow, with contractors Fineturf engaged to verti-
PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 I 93
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