No turf racing on Saturday

BOTH  handicap races framed for the Arima Race Club Day 11 programme at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, on Saturday have been shifted to the main course.

The decision to remove the events from the inner circuit was taken by the ARC yesterday, after a walkabout inspection of the turf course. This walkabout was conducted by a team comprising members of the Jockeys’ Association, the Track and Paddock Manager, and an ARC Steward. Concensus after the inspection was that there was insufficient turf on the course. Races carded for the grass circuit last Saturday also had to be shifted after jockeys complained about the dry and dusty conditions which their mounts would encounter.

ARC chief executive officer Persad Rooplal confirmed yesterday there would be no turf racing for a a second consecutive raceday. He said he was among the touring party and noted several bare patches on the course. “The roots are not totally damaged and the grass has only just begun to surface. “Hopefully it will be ready for the next raceday.” he said. Rooplal also blamed the recent experience at the Santa Rosa Park racing circuit to a shortage of water “Our supply is drawn from wells close by, and due to the dry spell now being experienced they are low.” he said. But although there is a shortfall in the commodity, every effort is being made to keep both the sand and grass courses in shape.

“The turf course is being watered through the sprinklers on mornings and evenings and for the outer areas which can’t be reached by the system, truck borne supplies are used “ Rooplal said. He said the track uses approximately 10 loads of water daily but that amount is insufficeint during the dry season. “We have two tanks on the premises which we try to fill on evenings. “From what is caught we have to service the sand course on mornings during the exercise break and after it is closed to training.” he said. Rooplal is hopeful that the dry spell will give racing an ease before the running of the Union Park Turf Club Easter Guineas on April, 21, when a turf event will share the spotlight on the holiday programme. “Every day we exhaust our water supply,” Rooplal said.