Trainers at Randjesfontein are excited about the grass track at the North Rand Training Centre, set to be re-opened after being closed for the process of scarifying that has taken a bit longer this year due to lack of rain. The “grass gallops” – as referred to by trainers who use them as a sharpening of their runners and to give them some extra confidence going into races – will resume soon.
Scarification is the intense, deep cutting of grass layers to expose surface areas and reconditioning it with topdressing; over-seeding or fertilizing requirements. It also removes and controls the build-up of organic material, encouraging new growth. The result is a greener, denser, healthier carpet of lawn.
“I think this is the best grass track in the country,” said trainer Adam Azzie. He praised the track maintenance teams managed by Msizi Kubeka and Klaus Mothapo and said: “Before the end of last season the trainers here had a vote on whether to scarify half the track and leave the other half open, or whether to scarify the entire track and leave us with the sand tracks only.
“We decided to do the whole track and while we have lost some needed work on grass, it will prove to be beneficial in the long run. They did an exceptional job. I haven’t seen the track this good in a long time. I hope they’re aiming at the same for the standside track at Turffontein, which doesn’t look like this at present.”
Sean Tarry posted photos of the track on his social media platforms and also gave compliments to the track team. He said: “The grass at Randjesfontein sets the standard in the country and we are privileged to train from here. We’ve been getting our horses fairly fit on sand but grass is always needed. We’ll be able to work on the new grass from next week and this will especially benefit horses going to the ASSM Onamission Chairty Mile meeting at the end of October.
“Horses being prepared for the features in November would have had enough grass work. We were fortunate to receive 16mm of rain just a few days ago, which has helped a lot, certainly with the way the track looks right now.”
Mike de Kock commented: “This track has long been the most resillient grass track in South Africa. They’ve done a good job again this year.”
