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Walters UK handed over the 1 mile 4 furlong racecourse to Ffos Las Limited on 1st February marking a key milestone in the restoration of the former open cast site. Northern Racing Ltd has been appointed by Ffos Las Ltd to manage the course. The handover coincides with the sale of annual badges, with 200 reported as being sold within the first 48 hours of sale.

Walters are proud to have constructed the UK's first turf racecourse in more than 80 years. Project Manager, Nick Rolfe, is confident that the grounds, associated buildings and infrastructure will remain ahead of programme and be completed in time for the first racing fixture on the 18th June. "We have built a unique facility at Ffos Las and we look forward to enjoying the opening celebrations. We are very proud to have delivered such a prestigious development. It has been described by renowned owners and trainers, as well as senior members of the British Horse Racing Authority, as a ‘premier racing surface’”.

Construction of the racecourse carried out as a Design and Construct contract, included 1.5 million m3 of earthworks and the import of 15,000 m3 of sand and 40,000m3 of topsoil. The demands of the racecourse have required a very high standard in ground preparation, similar to that of a professional sports pitch. The formation was prepared with GPS controlled blades and grader. The surface was stone picked by hand prior to burying remaining smaller stones by machine. The final riding surface was prepared by mixing washed sand with imported topsoil prior to a final stage of cultivation and seeding.

Rainwater falling onto the racecourse is harvested through 34km of drainage. Water is stored within two purpose built lagoons from where it can be pumped to irrigate the track at times of low rainfall. The investment in the 60m wide track, positive drainage and irrigation system ensures that the racecourse will be suitable during all weather conditions, throughout the year.  The oval track will be used for both National Hunt and Flat racing.

The first fixture, an Evening Jump, is on the 18th June with Flat racing starting on 21st July. The official Grand Opening of the racecourse is on the 28th August. For further details please see www.ffoslasracecourse.com.