Work has started at Hereford Racecourse to build a reservoir that will provide the course with its own independent water supply for the first time in its 200-year history.
Having access to water as and when it is needed will mean the groundstaff can keep the ground in the best possible condition for racing, and support in particular the provision of safe jumping ground at the start and end of each season.
The 4,000 cubic metre reservoir is being built in the centre of the course on an area of the golf course and will be fed by a new borehole. The project is due to be completed before the new Jump season starts at Hereford with the Sausage and Cider Raceday on Tuesday 16th October. Halo Leisure, operators of the golf course, and landowners Herefordshire Council have been instrumental in enabling the development to happen.
Champion jockey Richard Johnson recently visited the track to take a look at the reservoir works and believes it will make a huge difference to the racecourse. “Racing has really taken off again at Hereford since the course re-opened two years ago and the new reservoir is yet another step in them investing in the facilities,” he said. “It is brilliant that we are racing back there and the reservoir is a huge indication of their commitment. Fair play to the team there, they really are putting Hereford Racecourse back on the map for good and it’s brilliant to see.”
Rebecca Davies, Executive Director said: “We were delighted when the diggers finally moved in! It has taken longer than envisaged to commence and at times unforeseen complications have been frustrating, however work is now well underway and it’s a very exciting time for all involved.
“It really is an historic moment as for the first time in the racecourse’s history we will have our own water supply, and be in control of our destiny when it comes to irrigating. I’d like to put on record our enormous thanks Cargills who have provided water to us in the past. We’re looking forward to the start of racing, and to celebrate the reservoir works commencing we recently launched a half year season ticket promotion for our remining 2018 fixtures which is flying!”
With the new season just weeks away, the fixture list for 2018 is as follows:
Tuesday 16th October – Cider & Sausage Raceday
Monday 5th November – Locals Raceday
Tuesday 13th November – Charity Raceday
Wednesday 28th November – Countryside Raceday
Saturday 15th December – Christmas Jumper Raceday
The Half Year Season Ticket Offer is the equivalent of racing for just £10 per raceday for the rest of this year, and must be bought in advance.
Tickets for all the race meetings start at just £14.40 for general admission and children under 18 years old are free when accompanied by an adult. Packages in the Rusty Bridge Restaurant start at £80 per person and include a three-course meal. There are also a range of hospitality packages available in private boxes.
For more information and to book tickets call 01432 273 560 or visit www.herefordracecourse.co.uk.
