Chepstow is a going concern (From Free Press Series)

Chepstow is a going concern

RACEGOERS at Chepstow's Spring Bank Holiday meeting on Monday will be as concerned as owners and trainers about the going at the course.

Traditionally, that is announced by the clerk of the course, based on his or her tour of the course with a walking stick.

But Chepstow now has some 21st-century technology to back up the ruling.

The official going description from the clerk of the course can now be supplemented by an electronic map of the entire racecourse showing the varying ground conditions.

Up to 88 different readings are taken around the two miles of turf, with an electronic measurer. A digital map is then constructed on the internet to show the going at all parts of the track.

The new technology will be in use for the first time before Monday's big meeting. Racehorse trainers, after entering their horses five days in advance of the races, can monitor the ground conditions before they decide if they will declare their horses to run over the weekend.

As well as keeping an eye on detailed conditions at the racecourse via the internet, trainers can also receive the latest official going description at any time by text message.

Chepstow Racecourse's clerk of the course, Tim Long, said: "We have also installed a weather station on the racecourse, which enables vital factors such as rainfall, air and soil temperature, humidity and wind speed to be monitored remotely through day and night."

The latest going map can be found by calling up http://www.turftrax.co.uk from today.

The first race on Monday is scheduled for 2.15pm. Admission is £11 for the grandstand and paddock enclosure and £16 for the premier enclosure.

Accompanied children under 16 enter free, senior citizens and students with appropriate identification get a £5 discount and one carer is admitted free with a disabled badge holder.