29/07/2026
The recent heatwave has been incredibly tough on grass tracks across the country. Many clubs have been left battling scorched ground, and we genuinely sympathise because we know how much work goes into maintaining a racing surface.
At Kings Park, we've been fortunate enough to keep a healthy green track. This post isn't about saying we've got it right or that every club should do exactly the same. Every venue has different soil, drainage and resources. But if sharing our experience helps even one club in the future, then it's worth the post.
One of the biggest lessons we've learnt is that preparation starts long before the hot weather arrives.
After a winter of racing, whippet tracks naturally become compacted. In the spring we spiked (aerated) the entire track before scarifying, top dressing and overseeding. For us, the spiking is one of the most important jobs of all. It relieves compaction, allows air and water to reach deeper into the soil, and encourages the grass to develop a stronger, healthier root system. Those healthy roots are one of the biggest reasons grass is able to withstand prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.
Throughout the growing season we've mowed on a high setting consistently while conditions were right, but as soon as prolonged sunshine was forecast we deliberately left the grass longer. The longer grass shaded the soil, reduced moisture loss and helped stop the surface from baking.
We also made sure we watered before the ground became hard. It's far easier to maintain moisture in the soil than it is to recover ground that has already baked solid.
Has the track always looked perfectly manicured? Probably not. At times we've chosen to protect the grass rather than cut it for appearance. The priority has always been producing a safe running surface for the dogs.
Climate change is making grass track maintenance more challenging every year, and every club is learning as it goes. We're certainly not claiming to have all the answers, but we're always happy to share what's worked for us if it helps another club protect their track in the future.
Photos at 4.30pm yesterday after 1 day of rain since 14th July.
