27 November 2009 Alnwick Ready To Race
by Carolyn Tanner
It is all systems go for the Northern area's opening fixture at Alnwick on December 13th. The problems which the track experienced last season have been remedied, and the course is reported to be in excellent condition.
A tremendous grass covering has been achieved by topping or mowing the ground every three weeks throughout the summer to produce a good dense sward, while extensive drainage has taken place on land adjacent to ensure that there will be no lying water on the track.
With most of the recent heavy rain which has hit the North being confined to the western side of the country, Alnwick has missed the deluge, and the ground is currently good to soft with some soft patches.
The early meeting has been arranged due to the demand from owners, and plenty of those in the area appear to have their horses ready to run, so competitive racing seems assured. Sponsors are also keen to see the initiative succeed, as is evident from their generosity to this meeting. The Northern area bookmakers have always been good supporters, and one of the races is being sponsored by the Brewis family in memory of the late Bobby Brewis, who died last year. Bobby won the Aintree Fox Hunter Chase in 1951 on Candy II, and the Cheltenham equivalent in 1958 and 1960 on Whinstone Hill, whose handicap rating of 12st7lb in the Point-to-Point form book has since been bettered by only five horses.
Stabling can be arranged for long-distance travellers, and anyone wishing to avail themselves of this can contact Tom Oates on 07785 926306.
