GoingStick

In November 2000, the UK Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA) asked TurfTrax to create a device for the systematic and objective assessment of going conditions on British racecourses. The state of the ground directly affects the trainer/owner decision to run a horse in a particular race and the requirement for an objective measurement was driven by long term frustrations regarding the accuracy and consistency of reports published by courses.

The HRA approach to TurfTrax followed a 10 year search for an appropriate solution and recognised the company's specific expertise in soil physics/sports turf management. TurfTrax employs some of the UK's leading soil scientists and in collaboration with Cranfield University produced a device known as the GoingStick. After design and extensive testing in the controlled environment of Cranfield's unique soil laboratory facilities, live on-course trials started in late 2001.

Mike Maher of TurfTrax
and Seamus Buckley
from Goodwood
Racecourse compare
the GoingStick to the
traditional method.

Testing and calibration of the device involved all 59 UK racecourses. Over 100,000 unique measurements were taken covering all ground conditions and these were compared and analysed against the subjective assessments made by HRA officials and experienced course representatives.

The device was approved for use by the HRA in December 2003 and since then has been used on all the UK's leading racecourses.

From March 2007 all 58 UK turf racecourses will be required to issue a GoingStick reading with their Official Going Report.

Use of the GoingStick is not restricted to Turf Horseracing; an All Weather setting can be used and the stick can be modified if necessary for use on any sporting surface.

Worldwide interest in the GoingStick is growing rapidly and since 2006 the following Racing authorities have been using or testing the device; France Galop, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Queensland Racing and Sydney Turf Club/Racing New South Wales.