Cranfield Awarded Jockey Club and Racecourse Association Irrigation Project

Cranfield Centre for Sports Surfaces has just been awarded a contract on behalf of the Jockey Club and the Racecourse Association to assess and recommend ways to improve the current methods of watering on racecourses across the country.

The project will be funded through a grant allocated by the Horserace Betting Levy Board. It will run over four years and will aim to determine the optimal watering methods and scheduling that will aid the maintenance of good going conditions. The project will also examine in detail the soil mechanical response to different watering regimes.

The outcome of the work should lead to improved watering systems and timings that enhance the maintenance of optimum going, yet minimise the negative effects on soil structure formation and the resilience of the soil to mechanical damage caused by horses.

The project is being conducted through a programme sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and will be carried out by a student registered for an Engineering Doctorate. This is a highly cost-effective mechanism to support research within the sports industry, as the Research Council matches the funding supplied by the organisation sponsoring the work.

The student carrying out the research programme will be Colin Mumford, one of the first graduates from the MSc programme in Sports Surface Technology based at Cranfield University at Silsoe.

The opportunity to study for a doctoral research programme has been boosted by his MSc. A specialist team from both the university and the industry will supervise the research programme to ensure that the work remains focused on providing a technical solution based on sound science that has real relevance to the day-to-day management of courses carried out by Clerks of the course and Groundstaff.

Our picture shows from left to right: Colin Mumford, Alex Vickers (Course Director) and Ian Chenery

To find out more about Cranfield University at Silsoe including contact details click here