Equestrian


Effective irrigation is essential to prevent the well-drained pitch from becoming too hard and maintain turf condition


during the season, but the older tractor mounted mowers are used first as the sand in the pitches blunts blades, plus they do a quicker job,” he adds. Another regular task is maintaining the all-


weather surfaces with a harrow - there’s a further exercise track at Billingbear, plus horsewalks in addition to the arena and track at the Noel Farm/Gadbridge complex. “The horsewalks are done twice a day as it


removes droppings and keeps the area tidy, as well as ensuring safe footing, while the arena is harrowed every other day,” says Luc. All routine maintenance is carried out in- house with groundsman Kamil Chec proving as handy in the workshop as he is on the pitch, and a local independent engineer on standby for anything more major. The club recently invested in its own


Imants Shockwave decompactor, after Luc was impressed with a machine that Shorts had on demonstration. “It’s quicker than a crank action


King Power Polo highlights


decompactor, and we can make a pass with it in between fixtures if the pitches start to get too firm. We’re still learning about it - we’ve had ponies on the pitch immediately after and it was fine to ride on as it didn’t break the ground up.” James adds that the Shockwave will also


come in handy for use in conjunction with the Weidenmanns at the start and end of the season, making one or two passes after the main decompaction, which can take up to four days per pitch. “We’re constantly in discussion with Luc to find the best techniques and regimes for an increasingly busy club, meeting the needs of the owners and the players. Standards and specifications are high and it’s a real team effort,” he concludes.


The team is made up of regular members, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s sons, Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha and Talapichet “Ton” Srivaddhanaprabha, plus high goal professionals Gonzalo and Facundo Pieres


2014: Billingbear Park Polo established, new stick and ball field developed


2015: King Power Foxes win the British Open at Cowdray Park, and the Cartier Queens Cup at Guards Polo Club


2015: A third full size pitch and stick and ball field added at Noel Farm


2016: King Power Foxes retain the Jager LeCoultre trophy for the British Championship at Cowdray Park


2016: Billingbear Park hosts the quarter finals of the Cartier Queens Cup


2017: Further developments planned to upgrade Noel Farm to HPA match standard


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PC JUNE/JULY 2017 I 109


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