Owing to the weather Musselburgh Racecourse has decided that its first two Flat meetings of the season (April 24 and 29) will use the jump track so that the new turf can bed in on the flat course.
A re-cambering project which was completed during the last Flat season was a success, but the establishment of the new turf has been slow due to a particularly wet winter and cold Spring.
The East Lothian course said they are pleased with the progress of the new section at the winning post bend, however utilising the jump track will give extra time for grass growth and allow full establishment.
Jockeys on the April 24 and 29 will follow the jump track from the three furlong marker, using the fibresand bend, before rejoining the Flat course on the back straight at the nine furlong start.
Musselburgh Racecourse chief executive, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are pleased with the progress and while we have had a dry spring, the temperatures have not been as warm as we hoped, which has hampered grass growth.
“We have the option of using the jump track, which has recovered sufficiently since our last race meeting in February, and its sensible to take this course of action. By giving the Flat track a little more time to benefit from, hopefully warmer weather, we expect it all to be in great condition for our meeting on 9 May.”
Farnsworth explained the re-cambering project had been completed last July but due to one of the wettest winters on record, turf renewal had been slower than expected and was not helped by lower than normal Spring temperatures.
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