In the latest instalment of his Clerk’s Column, Bath Racecourse clerk of the course Ben Hicks writes exclusively for the Bath Echo.
Our most recent fixture here at Bath Racecourse proved to be the busiest and arguably one of the most enjoyable meetings of the season so far.
We staged nine competitive races and welcomed a total of 98 runners – a fantastic turnout, an ever more common theme as we approach the conclusion of the flat turf season.
Along with bright sunshine for much of the afternoon, it was a very enjoyable meeting for everyone.
The racing itself did not disappoint. The card concluded with the final Arabian race of the year, which had a competitive 10-runner field. Arabian racing continues to bring an added element to our race programme, and we’re proud to host these races each year.
One of the undoubted highlights came courtesy of the British European Breeders’ Fund Future Stayers Race, which produced an impressive performance from Item, trained by Andrew Balding for owners Juddmonte.
The Frankel colt was making just his second career start but showed maturity and class beyond his experience to record his second successive victory.
Item is entered in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy, and all of us here at Bath will be following his progress with great interest.
One of my favourite parts of being at Bath is seeing future stars in their early days before going on to compete at the top level.
Following our two-day fixture earlier last month, we were able to carry out important remedial works on the track.
We gave the surface a light scarify and vertidrain, which helps relieve any compaction and improves aeration of the turf. This is a key step before applying the final fertiliser treatment of the year, ensuring the surface goes into the winter in excellent health and ready to bounce back strongly for next season.
The track came back looking great for Tuesday’s raceday, and the sunshine only enhanced it! As always, credit goes to the team for their hard work behind the scenes – their efforts are vital in keeping the track in top condition.
Looking ahead, attention now turns to our next fixture, on Thursday 9th October.
The feature contest will be the Listed Beckford Stakes, run over one mile and six furlongs, for fillies.
This race consistently attracts a high-quality and competitive field, and it has established itself as one of the standout events of our year. We’re eagerly anticipating the calibre of horses who will line up this time, ahead of seeing entries concluding at midday today (Friday 3rd October).
I am clerking Wolverhampton’s Saturday evening fixture this week, a contrasting racecourse on the all-weather Tapeta surface, which has another unique maintenance programme.
It’s always great to see other racecourses and work with other teams between fixtures here at Bath, and it should be a very competitive evening in the Midlands.
As evenings draw in, and mornings become darker, the torches will be out for our concluding raceday morning track walks. But the sunrises we are lucky to witness here make you wonder is there a better way to start the day?
