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EQUESTRIAN


Most of the turf in the parade ring is laid temporarily on a brick surface for the racing season; it is used for parking at other times of year


Derby was held on the first Wednesday in June and the meeting continued until Saturday. In the early 1990s, it fell slightly from grace, with overseas trainers targeting other prestigious international prizes. New sponsorship from Vodafone in 1995 saw the first Saturday Derby as the centrepiece of a three-day festival and, eventually, the Sunday was dropped, allowing the focus to be on presenting the optimum ground conditions for Friday’s Oaks and Coronation Cup and the Derby itself. “A number of injuries to horses on the Flat in general were being attributed to firm ground,” comments Andrew, “There was a


Close co-operation is required with the local authority, which maintains the Downs, used for public viewing on Derby day


concern that, if a promising and potentially highly valuable horse was injured in the Derby, he could be out for the rest of the season. In conjunction with the then head groundsman Nigel Thornton, we planned to ensure our ground was as safe as possible. The goal was to run the 1996 Derby on ground no quicker than good to firm, which remains our mantra to this day.” With the potential for 30O


C plus


temperatures in early June, instigating a positive irrigation programme was key and, over the years, the system has been gradually upgraded to the present three Briggs booms supported by tow lines and an updated ring main.


Andrew points out that irrigation is still contentious at times, but the improved ground conditions and a drive by the all- conquering Coolmore breeding organisation in Ireland to win this unique test of a three year-old colt revitalised the race. Its influence continues - Coolmore’s 2001 winner Galileo became one of the most successful sires of his generation fathering three Derby winners, and victorious horses are now valued in six figures. It’s a constant challenge to present that optimum going, however, as Craig acknowledges. “You can think you have put too much on, but it’s easy to underestimate how quickly the ground dries. The going can


ROLL WITH IT WORLD CLASS AMENITY MOWERS


Spearhead Machinery Ltd. Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8SW, England +44 (0)1789 491860


enquiries@spearheadmachinery.com spearheadmachinery.com SpearheadWorld


PC April/May 2019


107


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