TURF MANAGEMENT
Being able to lean on his predecessor of 40 years for advice has helped him understand the track and provide insight to contractors , like AMS when developing solutions .
On this project that included one area that fell four different ways . Working with AMS , the decision was made to utilise existing primary drainage under the track using sand banding and secondary drains .
Using the knowledge and skills available from both sides has been part of ensuring a successful outcome . For Marcus , this extends past simply getting fixtures on , with onus on the quality and reliability of the track .
“ The quality of the track affects everything ,” Marcus explained . “ The ground will affect the sort of horses you get and how many you get through the year . The trainers are looking for the best quality ground they can get .
“ There are quite a few racecourses around the country that are all competing against each other for runners . All the tracks are unique , so horses can be drawn to certain tracks , so we ’ re really trying to get horses from all around the country .
“ We ’ re supported well by our local trainers , but potentially we can have some come down from the Midlands and North to run their horses here . Obviously , when they get here , they want the ground to be as described .
“ A part of my job is describing the ground and giving the description of how it rides . That ’ s done by Good to Firm , Good , Good to Soft , Soft or Heavy . Of course , they want to know it ’ s going to be like that , and obviously , the weather can affect it through the days leading up to the event .
“ You ’ re trying to produce the best ground possible throughout the year . Sometimes it ’ s a bit trickier when you ’ re getting into mid-winter . People are understanding , but it needs to be safe so they can run , and if you abandon , they will end up running somewhere else eventually , so there is a risk of losing runners as well as a meeting .”
www . amscontracting . co . uk
Growing with Vision , Quality and Pride
Sports Turf Construction Primary & Secondary Drainage Renovations Hybrid Sports Surfaces Consultancy & Design
Call 01243 511337 Email info @ amscontracting . co . uk
GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | March / April 2023
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