Why these groundsmen are all National treasures

Nov 19 2007 by Mike Chapple, Liverpool Daily Post

Why these groundsmen are all National treasures

THEY say a woman’s work is never done – but what about the groundsmen? Those who thought that maintenance and preparation for Aintree Racecourse was limited to those weeks of early spring when the Grand National takes place should have a word with Mark Ainsley.

He is the head groundsman at the world’s most famous racecourse and with his team of 11 works at a gallop 365 days a year to keep the course in tip-top condition.

“It’s hard work and we never stop – but we all love the open air life, there’s a lot of banter and the lads take a great pride in what they do,” said the former head keeper at Leasowe Golf Course, who took over at Aintree just over a year ago and is enjoying the challenge that the job presents.

The Daily Post found out just how hard they do work on paying a visit to the course as they “dressed up” 16 National fences for the next big meeting, part of the North West Masters, which includes racing at Haydock next Saturday and Aintree on Sunday.

The Aintree race includes the Becher Chase, over the famous National fences, but over three miles three furlongs instead of April’s lung-bursting four miles.

Preparing the fences will have taken three weeks and 14 lorry loads of Norway and Sitka spruce tree branches will have been broken up and expertly woven into place by the time the first race takes place.

“It all has to be brought in from the Lake District and its gentler on the horses – their welfare is paramount in this job, that is what it is all for,” said Mark as we joined Tony Mannion from Fazakerley and Mick McGregor from Westvale, Kirkby, who between them have served 24 years on the course and love their work.

“There’s a great satisfaction to be had especially on race day when you see the crowd enjoying themselves and get the feedback from the jockeys and trainers – there’s great pleasure to be had from servicing a facility and seeing it get used properly,” explained the 31-year-old from Ormskirk.

Now, he said, the long run-in begins to the National itself.

In that time the seven miles of race rail will be brought in and out again, the miles of track constantly mowed to keep the grass between 4 to 6 inches high and fences repaired.

Other essential tasks throughout the rest of the year include decompaction – to ensure that the ground doesn’t become too hard and injure the horses – fertilisation and weed control, all of which is only the start of the race to a finishing line that never seems to draw any closer.

As someone who originally comes from Burscough farming stock and whose life has revolved around the land since he was 16, Mark concluded: “It’s like coming here first thing this morning – frost, clear blue sky, the sun coming up, taking in the quiet and contemplating a brand new day.

“You’d never want a job where you’re working in an office after that.”

mikechapple@dailypost.co.uk