Plumpton Named Champion Groundstaff Team in 2023 Racecourse Groundstaff Awards

Plumpton Racecourse has been named Champion Groundstaff team of the year, culminating another year of excellence in the field as part of the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, jointly sponsored by Agrovista Amenity, DLF and Duralock.

Plumpton, already a winner in the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards as the jump racecourse of the year, faced off competition from the other two individual category winners (Hamilton Park, flat racecourse and Ayr, dual purpose racecourse) to receive the Champion crown.

The award was presented at the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Showcase Awards ceremony held at Aintree Racecourse on Thursday 23rd November.

The Racecourse Groundstaff Awards judges commented on Plumpton’s proactive and forward-thinking attitude and their exceptional work on the track. The racecourse grounds team has been innovative and has invested time and energy into producing a safe track with equine welfare at the forefront.

The team carried out drainage works, they changed all their hurdles to padded hurdles, in turn reducing their faller rate significantly and they have also installed a new surface on their two road crossings which can be manipulated to create a more consistent Going.

Ayr, Hamilton and Plumpton were visited by an independent agronomist, who reviewed their soil test results and fertiliser programmes as well as assessing each racecourse against the Performance Quality Standards (PQS), the results were very close and identified Plumpton as the Groundstaff Champion.

Marcus Waters, Clerk of the Course at Plumpton Racecourse, said: “Winning the Champion Groundstaff Award is an amazing achievement and I am so proud of all the team for all the hard work they out in through the year.

“The backing we have had from the managers and owners of the racecourse is second to none. It is clear that they truly value the importance of the racing surface. Thank you to all the sponsors and horsemen for all their support.”

Holly Cook, Racecourse Services Manager at the RCA, said: “The RCA is proud to manage and support the Racecourse Groundstaff Awards, which are run with the support of our sponsors at Agrovista, DLF and Duralock, to whom we are very grateful.

“This highly coveted award recognises the hard work and vital contribution of racecourse groundstaff teams, and our congratulations go to the team at Plumpton Racecourse.”

Dan Hughes, Agrovista Amenity, said “The Groundstaff Champion Award is a reflection of the efforts of hundreds of skilled and dedicated grounds professionals, that make racing happen.

“Agrovista Amenity as a joint sponsor would like to congratulate Plumpton Racecourse as the overall Groundstaff Champion 2024, which is testament to the outstanding understanding and application of turf agronomy and science, and the immense commitment of their team.”

Matt Gresty, DLF Seeds & Science, said: “DLF are proud to co-sponsor the overall Groundstaff Champion, the award to Plumpton Racecourse is a true reflection of the expertise, commitment and dedication to producing a first-class racing surface, in a very challenging environment.”

Jonathon McGovern, Duralock, said “Duralock are absolutely thrilled that Plumpton Racecourse have won this year’s award – it is testament to the hard work and dedication that their whole team have put into maintaining their wonderful racecourse so a big congratulations to all involved.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

For more information about MM Sports Seed, visit www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

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