30 March 2011 Lockinge Course Walk - April 12th
by Point-to-Point Racing Company Ltd Staff
Lockinge Racecourse will be hosting a Course Walk on April 12th, where they will be demonstrating the use of the revolutionary AERA-vator, in advance of the traditional Old Berkshire Easter Monday Point-to-Point.
The Old Berkshire Hunt Point-to-Point Committee will use an American produced machine called the AERA-vator should the ground at Lockinge on April 25th become firm. The Committee undertook an enquiry into the use of water on their downland chalk course, which many regard as the perfect solution. On the other hand chalk is quick drying, which could lead to an inconsistent surface. Cost is also a consideration. While pursuing the long term question of watering, the Committee will use the AERA-vator, which has already been demonstrated on the course successfully by Mr Toby Shaw.
The AERA-vator is different to other de-compacting machines such as the verti-drainer and grassland slitters and not to be confused with the Agrivator, which is similar but more aggressive and can cause damage to the turf and other problems. The AERA-vator works in a gentle manner on the soil so it does not leave cores or punch holes in the surface. Instead it lifts the surface slightly so that the ground becomes spongier to race on and reduces the risk of horses slipping.
The AERA-vator works on a unique principal by using a shaft on which sit 4 inch spikes/tines. The vibrating action then loosens the soil all around and underneath each tine when inserted in the ground as the tractor pulls it along. The shaft is not powered but rotates according to the speed of the tractor, which gives a fracturing action.
Importantly aerating dry soil reduces the expense and need of pre-irrigating; in fact, the firmer the soil the better the AERA-vator performs. There is no significant damage to the racing turf of grass sward and can be used on all soil types including stony soils leaving the ground ‘less harsh' but not loose or soft. There is a significant difference when walking over a treated area compared to the original ground and horse tendon stress levels are dramatically reduced.
The AERA-vator is British Horseracing Authority approved and has been used at several racecourse including Ascot and Cheltenham.
Enquiries re Course Walk to: Mr Tony Constance 07778 734523 or Mr. Geoff Bosley 07890 268605
Enquiries re AERA-vator: Mr Toby Shaw: 07901 867712
