Racecourse Maintenance

The aim is to provide an even surface (a gradual and gentle slope to allow for surface run-off is acceptable), without a tight bend radius on the track, and a suitable width for the racing of horses to avoid congestion, improve horse safety and reduce the intensity of damage to the turf surface. A prepared racecourse should aim to provide a consistent racing experience during the entire period of a race meeting.

The racing year has two seasons: Flat (typically March - early November), and National Hunt, ‘Jump season', (typically November - March); there are some racecourses which have both Flat and National Hunt racing. The ‘going' for a racecourse will vary, but typically for Flat meets it will be in the ‘good to good-firm' range, whilst for Jump (Steeplechase) meets it will be in the ‘good to good-soft' range.