Kempton to become all-weather track
Kempton looks set to end a 127-year history of turf Flat racing with the opening of a new all-weather track in 2005.
Racecourse Holdings Trust, owners of Kempton and 12 other tracks, have announced plans to scrap the turf Flat course at the Sunbury venue as part of a redevelopment.
RHT also revealed plans to introduce an all-weather track at Newmarket at the same time.
The scheme for Kempton involves building a 10-furlong oval all-weather track while still retaining the jumps course and its big race of the year, the King George VI Chase.
All-weather racing would replace the current turf Flat fixtures.
Infrastructure improvements to the site are planned, along with the upgrading of the steeplechase and hurdle courses.
Existing grandstands would be retained as part of the plan, with floodlighting included to enable regular evening racing throughout the year.
Kempton stages a number of Listed races as well as the Group Three September Stakes and the Sirenia Stakes, and also hosts competitive handicaps such as the Rosebery Stakes and the Queen’s Prize.
Racecourse managing director Julian Thick is hoping some of these races could be switched to the new all-weather course.
“The plan is to switch across as many of the Flat fixtures to the all-weather as possible,” he said today. “Obviously we will have to consult with trainers to see if it would be viable.
“We would hope that races like the Rosebery and the Queens Prize could be moved to the new track, along with some of the Listed races.
Kempton has been racing on the turf since 1878 and although Thick admits it would be a huge change, he is hopeful it will be the start of a bright future.
“It would be the end of an era but also the start of a new phase and hopefully high quality all-weather racing,” he added.
A one mile, four furlong all-weather track is planned for Newmarket to run alongside the Rowley Mile, on the side farthest away from the grandstand.
This is the only feasible option at Newmarket as much of the surrounding land is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Officials are hoping the all-weather track will help save wear and tear on the Rowley Mile course as horses will canter to the start on the all-weather surface when there is turf racing.
It could allow the course to stage more turf fixtures.
The all-weather surface would also enable Newmarket to offer an additional training facility, stalls trials opportunities, and would benefit the local economy.
