Grass expert on secure ground with Hickstead
A WEST Yorkshire turfgrass specialist has been appointed by Hickstead, the home of British showjumping, to improve the standard of its surface for 2010.
Bingley-based Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) will also manage the installation of a new, state-of-the-art surface next year.
In 2007 STRI renovated the surface at the Royal Dublin Society, which is now considered by riders to be amongst the best in the world.
Richard Hayden, director of operations at STRI, and the Bunn family presented an improvement plan at a meeting with the participating Chefs d’Equipes during the La Baule showjumping event in France last week.
Edward Bunn, managing director of Hickstead, said: “We are delighted to be working with STRI, who will be monitoring the arena over the next two months. Together we will be measuring a number of performance criteria such as hardness, traction, drainage, grass cover and hoof penetration.”
Mr Hayden said: “We are confident that the improvements we make to the surface for 2010 will ensure the riders see a notable difference in their performance. Last year’s event was criticised when the footing failed to hold up following severe weather conditions.
“This August we will begin reconstructing the arena in a similar way to the renovations we managed at the Royal Dublin Society, giving Hickstead a quality surface to be proud of.”
He added: “We will be re-grading the subsoil and updating all drainage and irrigation systems. The new turf will be grown from seed, and with the improvements in the infrastructure will demonstrate both strength and durability.”
