News

Jockeys Happy with Wolverhampton Track Refurbishment

During a rare quiet period at Wolverhampton Racecourse, owners Arena Leisure have taken the opportunity to refurbish the Polytrack surface which came under some scrutiny during the last winter period when the surface, which was last refurbished three years ago, appeared not to cope well with severe drops in temperature. Operators at the track have continued to monitor conditions and research various options to improve the race surface. A binder application consisting of oil and wax has been applied and the initial results are very positive.

A trial took place at Wolverhampton on Sunday 31st July following the refurbishment. Three horses supplied by trainer Reg Hollinshead travelled over a mile, finishing with a flourish over the last 2 furlongs. They were ridden by Russ Kennemore, Pat Cosgrave and a late change in Jack Duern, apprentice to Reg Hollinshead. Also in attendance were Nick Carlisle, BHA Course Inspector, Clerk of the Course Fergus Cameron & Tim Davies, Estates Manager at Wolverhampton. After completion of the trial, the following comments were noted.

Jockey Pat Cosgrave said that the "track was riding nice" he added that it felt "more cushioned".

Russ Kennemore, having been in behind during the latter stages said that "the kick back appears to be much less and was no longer balling up". He went on to say that it felt "Spot on".

Nick Carlisle, BHA Racecourse Inspector and former jockey, said "The binder application has improved the surface, with reduced kickback and more elasticity to the material, than we have seen for some time, although the temperature this morning does not reflect the more challenging conditions under which Wolverhampton usually operate"

With conditions on the morning quite warm, with the temperature reaching 24 Celsius, Fergus Cameron said that "the trial has gone well, in line with our expectations. Conditions this morning have been very nice, although the proof of its success will be when we have experienced some winter conditions with significantly colder ground & air temperatures. That said, we are delighted with the initial results."

Ends

For further information please contact:

Fergus Cameron, Clerk of the Course at Wolverhampton

Email: Fergus.cameron@wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk

Mob: 07971 531162

Issued on behalf of Wolverhampton Racecourse by:

Kate Hills, Director of Public Relations & Communications

Arena Leisure Racing

Email: kate.hills@arenaleisureplc.com

Name your way to the races competition!

Thank you to everyone who entered our name your way to the races competition and congratulations to our winner Iain Dutton from Stourbridge. Iain's suggestion of Sunbeam is the new name for the Wulfrun Suite and the name was unveiled at our official re-opening last night.

Iain wins a hospitality suite for 10 guests here at Wolverhampton.

Everyone who entered the competition will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the Grandstand Enclosure.

BEACON RADIO WALK OF THE BLACK COUNTRY ON SUNDAY 19TH JUNE

Thank you to everyone who completed the Beacon Walk of the Black Country on Sunday 19th June and help to raise money for Promise Dreams, a registered children's charity fulfilling the dreams of seriously ill children and terminally ill children and their families.

Beacon presenters teamed up with the University of Wolverhampton to urge people to don their walking shoes and raise as much money as possible. The 10 mile walk started at Himley Hall, Dudley and finished here at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

All the sponsorship money will be going towards the nominated charities.

The afternoon was packed with fun once the walkers have completed their 10 miles. Beacon did an outside broadcast, we had music, a BBQ and more.

Beverley Knight and Suzi Perry completed the walk along with almost 3000 people raising in excess of £70,000.

Working with Compton Hospice

We were delighted that Wolverhampton Racecourse was the venue for the 2011 Compton Hospice Charity Ball.

The Final Furlong Ball took place on Saturday 26th March and was a huge success with over 200 guests enjoying live entertainment and raising funds for the hospice.

The total amount raised is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be over £12,000.

Zumba Classes at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Zumba every Monday at Wolverhampton Racecourse between 7-8pm with Zumba-Rellas. Click here for full details.