Racing keeps communities mobile despite Beast from the East

During the recent bad weather various racecourse teams have provided much-needed support to their communities.

Peter Auld, Conference and Events Manager at Newcastle Racecourse did not hesitate in volunteering to take the course’s 4×4 to the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital to help transport one consultant to local clinics to care for 70 patients. Bringing an all-weather service to vital snow-bound National Health resources is a great testament to racing’s attitude in wanting to do its bit for others

“We had just received two brand new 4 x 4 cars from our sponsors KIA, and with racing abandoned on the day, we wanted to put the vehicles to good use and offered to help out our local NHS hospital.”

Farther South, Cheltenham’s ground staff were also on hand to help out the emergency services, by ferrying stranded medical staff from cut-off homes to their workplaces.

There was a huge effort from ARC’s groundstaff team right across the country, enabling racing to get the green light at Lingfield and Newcastle on Saturday, plus Southwell’s two fixtures on Friday and Sunday. Widespread snowfall, significant freezing temperatures and windchill posed a significant challenge to the racecourses but a round-the-clock effort kept all three tracks raceable and sites safe for horses, jockeys and customers.

Staff from Doncaster, Fontwell Park and Brighton gave their support to ensure that the meetings were able to beat the freeze.

Sam Cone PR & Communications Manager ARC commented: “We were delighted to be able to help the racing industry beat the Beast from the East and provide opportunities for jump horses at Newcastle and Southwell, as well as run the 32Red Spring Cup Fixture at Lingfield Park on Saturday.”

“It is a testament to the hard work of the Groundstaff teams and the Clerks of the Course involved, who put in a gargantuan effort to make tracks suitable and facilities safe.”