Equestrian
We run the two Gallopmasters and rippers together so it’s essential to have two tractors on hand at all times and they are kept well- maintained by the local dealer
Reliable horsepower is essential with surface preparation implements used in pairs
the support vehicles ‐ vet, doctor, ambulance and estates team ‐ can see the runners at all times. In the event of an incident, it is essential that the whole team can see what is going on. Likewise, if they need to attend a situation, if loose horses are on the track, it increases the risks to all involved.
High winds can also become an issue if there is a risk of debris blowing onto the course.
“We have to plan ahead, and weather forecasting is crucial. I use three different suppliers and take an average between them. Our main advantage is that, because the surface is synthetic, it can be addressed using mechanical means rather than having to wait for grass to grow.”
Whilst the material doesn’t get carried off the track to any great extent, the camber means that that it migrates towards the centre and has to be pulled out and the surface regraded, a process that takes two days for the full circuit.
“We use a lute for this, but top of my shopping list would be a grader to do a better job!” says Estates Manager Paul Gosling.
A rotavator and power harrow are used periodically to bring fines up from the bottom of the Tapeta layer and mix them back in again.
Tractor power is an essential element, and Wolverhampton has two 2004 John Deere 110hp 6520s and a 150hp 6920 at its disposal.
“We run the two Gallopmasters and rippers together so it’s essential to have two tractors on hand at all times and they are kept well‐maintained by the local dealer. They don’t have a lot of hours on them, but are required to work in sub‐zero temperatures when other racecourse tractors are in the shed, so reliability is key.” Trainers from across the UK and Ireland send horses to Wolverhampton, and Fergus suggests that they base that decision on which horses handle the Tapeta surface and
” Estate Manager Paul Gosling
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PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018 I 99
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