York delighted to see horses back on the course after the trackworks project.
York Racecourse welcomed back racehorses this morning, as a string provided by leading trainer Richard Fahey confirmed that all is well with the course after the £2.5 million investment in a combined drainage and irrigation scheme.
Seven horses, including mounts for former champion Kevin Darley, top jockeys Dale Gibson and Paul Hanagan, rider turned broadcaster Tom O’Ryan, as well as York Clerk of the Course William Derby, successfully completed a circuit of the track.
Commenting on the morning William Derby said, “We are very pleased with how the trackworks project has progressed to date and it was great to see the horses back on the Knavesmire. “
As champion trainer at York for each of the last three seasons, the Fahey yard was the ideal team to test that the racing surface was in good order ahead of the Dante Festival which begins on Wednesday May 13th.
Richard Fahey said “I was pleased to be able to help York after the great days I’ve had here and the money that they have invested in track improvements. It was a good test today with the recent weather and to be able to produce this ground was wonderful. We couldn’t be happier with conditions today. We’re looking forward to coming back for racing itself.”
Kevin Darley, who is also Chief Executive elect of the Professional Jockey’s Association described the course as “in good nick” and had clearly enjoyed his spin around the Knavesmire.
Dale Gibson, the PJA contact for York, added; “The track rode very well, the link between the bend and the home straight was level and true, you’d have to say A1”
A previous winner of the John Smith’s Cup, Paul Hanagan said, “it rode absolutely perfectly, it was well worth the wait.”
Racing UK presenter, Tom O’Ryan, is another who has ridden a winner at York and summed up the thoughts of many when noting, “it’s clearly a big project and we can see that York couldn’t have done more to prepare itself to respond to the challenges of nature”.
William Derby concluded “I’m grateful for the help of Richard, his team and the riders for today. It is a huge tribute to the team who have worked so long and hard over the last eighteen months leading up to today. Mike Harbridge from Professional Sportsturf Design, the main contractors J Mallinson (Ormskirk) Ltd and the irrigation contractor, Arden Lea. who have worked under the patient direction our York’s Head Groundsman Adrian Kay, with the unstinting support of whole York grounds team. They know that today is an important milestone whilst appreciating that the project continues with the planned introduction of the widened south bend and further activity scheduled for this autumn. The racing surface is at the heart of the raceday and this morning confirms that we can look forward to the excitements of the season ahead with renewed confidence. The ongoing care of the team and better weather will mean that the racing surface will develop further as the season unfolds. ”
Please click on the interviews below to hear interviews from those who rode, Richard Fahey and Adrian Kay.
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