With a focus on many issues of importance for Clerks of the Course including turf care and racehorse welfare, the event attracted representatives from 44 different racecourses.
At the seminar, delegates received excellent presentations from Jamie Stier of the BHA, Terri Griffiths of Racing Welfare, Di Arbuthnot of Retraining of Racehorses, and Dr Peter Webbon of AHT, along with Dr Tim Parkin and Dr Andrew Spence on issues of horse welfare and locomotion and Dr Craig Sturrock and Dr Mark Bartlett on turfcare.
Stephen Atkin from the RCA provided an update on Fixtures and Race Programming in face of the Levy decline, whilst Nigel Roddis, Betting Development Director for Racing for Change provided a different perspective on race planning.
The event also included presentations from William Derby and Adrian Kay on the development of York Racecourse, Jon Williams on Racing for Change, Ian Lacy on Groundstaff Training and Marc Windridge of Fornells.
RCA Racecourse Services Director, Caroline Davies commented ‘We are delighted that Clerks of the Course found the programme informative and welcome being kept up to date on these crucial issues. We are very grateful to all of our speakers, and to Fornells and Jockey Club Catering for their generous support’.
Hazel Peplinski, Clerk of the Course at Hamilton Park Racecourse said ‘Amidst all the funding gloom it was very refreshing to be presented with ground-breaking science which could play a part in the future preparation of the racing surface.’
Clerk of the Course for Fontwell Park and Brighton Racecourses, Edward Arkell said ‘As usual it was an extremely useful event giving a good update on industry issues and new ideas. It also gives us a valuable opportunity to catch up with other Clerks to share and talk through ideas and experiences.’
Published: 22/11/2010
