Magazine - Jockeys Label Kempsey Racecourse a Disaster

By Editor in Racing / Equestrian on 10th Feb 2010 6:00

Strong speculation persists that the historic Kempsey racecourse will be closed from next week. Some time ago large areas of grass on the course proper were poisoned and new turf was subsequently laid, but there are still major problems.

The poisoning of the grass is the subject of legal proceedings. At the club's meeting on Monday jockeys aired their disapproval to stewards, insisting the surface was unsafe.

''After a few races, some of the boys said it was terrible - horses were slipping and sliding, especially at the 1000-metre turn," jockey Peter Graham said. "The grass cut out, there were pieces of turf coming back as big as your helmet."

However, a decision was made to continue the meeting, with riders wanting to help the club through a rough trot. On Sky Channel, major bare patches were visible, with horses hugging the outside running rail.

Racing NSW Country officials were tight-lipped but the mail suggests the track could be closed until the poison, which has spread underground, can be totally removed.

Read more articles in Racing / Equestrian, by Editor or from February 2010.