Nottingham Racecourse Sand Slitting

Having proudly worked in partnership with Nottingham Racecourse for more than 20 years, Fineturf was pleased to return in early 2025 to carry out a targeted sand slitting project on a 1 furlong section of the back straight leading into the back bend.

The work formed part of the venue’s ongoing commitment to improving track performance and resilience, ensuring the surface can withstand the demands of a busy racing calendar.

As with previous projects, the programme was carefully planned around the racing schedule to minimise disruption. Sand slits were installed at 1m centres, 50mm wide, and to a depth of 300mm. Each channel was then backfilled with 200mm of 2–6mm gravel before being topped with 100mm of 70/30 rootzone mix. A compaction wheel was used to consolidate the surface, with final levels reinstated ahead of overseeding with

MM60 winter sports renovation seed mix.

The racecourse team then took over responsibility for recovery and establishment, ensuring the section will be ready to deliver a consistent, high-quality racing surface as Nottingham’s fixture list builds towards the peak summer season and beyond.