The long awaited introduction of the Kenilworth Summer track, with it’s longer and supposedly ‘fairer’ run-in has proven something of an issue, with late race traffic issues marring more than one finish down the turn last Saturday.
Kenilworth Racecourse
With the track running fast, most of the jockeys drifted to the outside and there were a few who were unable to get a run.
Jockey Garth Puller, who knows the Kenilworth track like the back of his hand, felt that there was no need to panic.
“There are so many factors at play in race riding. Take the south easterly wind as an example. It is a regular feature in summer. It blows from head-on left when you turn for home, so the jockeys tend to want to take cover – which can result in everybody trying to go out. The fact remains that even if that outside rail strip has offered better going, the constant traffic will mean that it will possibly cut up by Saturday. Nobody wants to see unfair Gr1 racing, so maybe the track manager can look at a false rail down the outside. Then we would see a possible winner coming up the inside or down the middle of the track,” he suggested.
Dean Diedericks – will make a decision
When we approached him earlier this week, Kenilworth Racing GM Dean Diedericks said that no decision had been taken on a false rail position.
‘We have a scientific and considered approach to all our track maintenance and every process from irrigation to fertilisation is done to ensure an even track surface. The track is 100% even and fair from inside to outside – but we are monitoring matters and will do whatever we deem fair to ensure free and fair racing – and what is best for horse and rider,” he said.
The Listed Jet Master Stakes is the only race around the turn, prior to the Guineas.
