09 March 2010 Improvements at Hackwood Park
by Robin Gray
Trainers, Riders and Owners walked the Hackwood circuit on the evening of Monday 8th March to inspect the changes made to the Hampshire course over the winter.
Unanimous approval was expressed at the re-alignment of both bends, while the extra width added to two of the seven beautifully presented fences was a vote winner.
Said Alresford trainer Victoria Collins; "It is plain to see that both the turn at the bottom and the sharper top bend are going to ride better than they have in the past." Collins also expressed satisfaction with the underfoot conditions. "It is good level ground that has obviously been well prepared - I will certainly have runners at the three meetings this spring".
Penny Lownds, training at Morestead, walked round with partner Michael ‘Curly' Holdforth, who rides most of her runners.
"It is obvious that a lot of work has gone into Hackwood Park during the closed season," she said.
"Apart from the two turns widening the fence after the top bend is a great improvement. It used to take horses by surprise because it was partially obscured by a tree but now it is in full view as you swing off the turn. At the bottom end of the course where the 2m4f mile races will start, the first fence has been widened which will suit the younger horses running in those races."
Clerk of the course Bill Wellings has masterminded the improvements on the track which has assumed a very professional profile since he took over three years ago.
"I think jockeys - and horses - will also appreciate the more inviting open ditch," he said. "We have covered the take-off rail in heavy orange plastic so that it looks like the ditches on NH courses. All we need now is warm weather and some rain to encourage the growth of grass."
Among the group of 30 course walkers were riders Simon Cobden, Emily Harbour and Clare Wills as well as Holdforth and they all voiced approval. "We will definitely be here for the meeting on Sunday 21 March," said the latter. "As long as the horses stay healthy we'll be back on Bank Holiday Mondays 5th April and 3rd May."
