Equestrian
There are so many synergies with both courses that it makes sense to pool our combined resource, expertise and buying power through economies of scale
” To provide the support needed, an
experienced team from neighbouring Worcester racecourse was brought in, allowing Rebecca to focus on “everything this side of the white rail” - the public areas - in the run-up to the first meeting. Sean Revell, assistant head groundsman
at Worcester, joined for a six week secondment as Acting Estates Manager, working alongside Elizabeth (Libby) O’Flaherty, Worcester’s Clerk of the Course. “The current permanent structure here is
four staff, two office based and two groundstaff. As the business develops, we will be reviewing that to ensure we have the best and most appropriate team here to
deliver a busy racing season, in addition to a busy diary of non-racing events,” explains Rebecca. “But we will also be looking to work more closely with Worcester, which focuses on summer jumping, allowing us to share resources. There are so many synergies with both courses that it makes sense to pool our combined resource, expertise and buying power through economies of scale.” The full time team will be supplemented
on race days by local casuals to tread in, and by contractors Turf Surfaces for post-race repairs. “It’s been a big job to get the course back to racing condition,” comments Sean Revell,
“although the drainage is generally good and the work put in by John Glover has really helped.” John admits that he took a “make do and mend” approach during the four year closed period, working to a tight budget. “I used a slitter every six weeks, and raked to keep thatch down. The track needed preparing for the point-to-point and Arab racing meetings, so we kept the New Holland tractor and Votex mower to ensure that the grass could be cut properly.” “Many people were helpful - Chepstow Racecourse supplied some seed when I needed it and Votex are local, so they kept the mower up and running.”
PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 I 83
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