CHARLIE KEEPS ON TOP OF THE WEATHER

Mon, Mar 8, 2010

AFTER one of the coldest winters in memory, we're looking forward to better weather in the run-up to the highlight of Uttoxeter Racecourse's year - John Smith's Midlands Grand National day on Saturday 20 March.

The man in charge of the actual racing surface is Clerk of the Course Charlie Moore. In Charlie, we're lucky to have one of the best and most experienced clerks in the horse racing industry.

Using modern technology, he can monitor conditions remotely using the racecourse weather station. He can check wind speed, rainfall, and air and ground temperatures at any time.

The importance of the weather is that it affects the GOING which is hugely significant to racehorse owners, trainers, newspaper racing tipsters and punters placing their bets.

'Heavy', 'soft', and 'good', going affects different horses in different ways. It's often the crucial factor that influences if a horse wins or loses a race - and so it determines hundreds of thousands of pounds of bets.

In years gone by clerks of the course used a simple walking stick to decide the official 'going'. Nowadays it's more hi-tech at Uttoxeter Racecourse. Charlie Moore still uses his judgement, but his knowledge and experience are supplemented by utilising a special 'going stick', an electronic measuring device that records 70 different readings around the one and a quarter miles of the racetrack.

Tickets selling fast for the big day

The restaurants and hospitality marquees are rapidly filling up, but visitors to the major enclosures are also buying their tickets in advance in order to avoid queues on Midlands Grand National day. The quickest way to do that is to book online at www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk. Alternatively, call the racecourse on 01889 562561 or drop into the general office.

Admission: Premier Enclosure £27 (online £25); Grandstand & Paddock £22 (online £20); Centre Course £12. Accompanied children under 16 - free.

Please note that there are only a limited number of G&P tickets available before we sell out but there will be plenty of Premier and Centre Course badges on the day.

My Cheltenham Festival tips

For fans of jump racing, it's the greatest show on earth - next week's four-day Cheltenham National Hunt Festival. And five days of superb racing climaxes on Saturday with the John Smith's Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter!

Here are my four best bets for a profitable Cheltenham. Two of them are in the opening two races on the first day - there's never a better time to get ahead of the bookies...

(Tuesday) Supreme Novices Hurdle: Dunguib

One of the topics of conversation amongst the Uttoxeter team is 'will Dunguib win?' In my opinion, if Dunguib jumps, he wins! I do not expect him to come off the bridle and he should romp home.

(Tuesday) Arkle Chase: Captain Cee Bee

Neither Sizing Europe nor Somersby have run since Christmas which is a big negative. My selection is Captain Cee Bee.

(Thursday) World Hurdle: War Of Attrition each/way

Big Buck's is nailed on to win but, if you are to have one bet coming out of here, back War of Attrition at 33-1 each way. He will give you a big run for your money.

(Friday) Gold Cup: Imperial Commander each/way

Kauto Star could win by ten lengths or more. Imperial Commander at 12-1 or thereabouts is a big price for an each way bet.

David MacDonald is General Manager of Uttoxeter Racecourse

Author:  David MacDonald

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