HORSE RACING: GROUNDSTAFF at Warwick Racecourse are celebrating after winning the Jumps category in the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Racecourse Groundstaff Awards 2017.
The judges, made up of an industry-wide panel including representatives from the RCA, Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and National Trainers Federation (NTF), recognised the outstanding achievements of the groundstaff throughout the 2016/17 season.
The Jockey Club racecourse became an all-jumps track in 2014 with a five-year plan to become one of the UK’s leading small jumps courses.
Judges said: “The effort and expertise required to integrate the flat course into the chase course at Warwick helps them stand out in this category and this outstanding achievement will benefit the course hugely in years to come.
“As well as investment in equipment through the replacement of six furlongs of running rail, they have shown a commitment to people which is above and beyond what is required.”
Meanwhile Jane Hadley, clerk of the course at Warwick, said she is proud of the achievements of Warwick’s groundstaff this year.
She said: “Led by head groundsman Guy Woodward, the team managed an ambitious drainage and levelling project last summer, and then coped with the resulting reduced track width through the 2016/17 season, without losing a fixture.
“They produced the racing surface in such good condition that we were even able to accommodate a transferred fixture in the spring.
“Through this year they have worked further on the integration of the old flat track, and can now provide a surface with three running lines over fences and up to eight running lines over hurdles, ensuring that we provide optimum conditions throughout the season.
“Their efforts have been appreciated and applauded by our trainers and jockeys, and this recognition from the RCA is very well-deserved.”
Warwick Racecourse was also a finalist for the Community and Corporate and Social Responsibility Award at the RCA Showcase Awards 2017 for its work on the St Mary’s Lands Masterplan.
It was in recognition of being at the forefront of developing a plan to manage, enhance and promote the common land that is home to Warwick Racecourse and other community assets.
A new entrance to Warwick Racecourse and the common land is currently being created, marking the first step of the masterplan.
