Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) has today committed to installing a new cambered all-weather bend at Fontwell Park Racecourse.
Plans have been developed and submitted for the installation of an all-weather section, measuring approximately 330 metres in length, on the bottom bend at Fontwell Park. It is known as a flat and wide bend, with a reverse camber which is particularly pronounced in the south west corner.
Due to the unique configuration of the track, horses race anti-clockwise around the outside in hurdle races and clockwise around the inside on a split bend in steeplechases. At the height of the summer, both hurdle and steeplechase races are run on a common bend.
The introduction of a cambered all-weather section would represent an upgrade to the track and also provide a consistent surface around the ideal racing line. Similar projects have previously been undertaken at other racecourses including Kempton Park and Musselburgh.
It is proposed that the installation will take place during Fontwell Park’s summer break between June and August 2017. The work will take approximately six weeks to complete. Prior to the installation of the all-weather bend, ongoing work will be carried out with the aid of agronomists, Professional Sports Turf Design (“PSD”), and MK Surveys to ensure an optimum racing surface.
Fontwell Park Clerk of the Course Ed Arkell said, “Having listened to feedback from trainers and jockeys as well as assessing other options, we consider that the installation of a cambered all-weather bend at Fontwell Park will offer a significant improvement to the track.
“We look forward to working with the Local Authority and other stakeholders to make sure that we can implement these plans and offer consistency of the surface around the racing line of that particular bend.”
For more information on Fontwell Park Racecourse, please visit www.fontwellpark.co.uk.
