Racecourse fence and hurdle maintenance is most effective when it is done systematically during the close season, not reactively on a busy raceday morning. A thorough inspection now saves time and reduces risk when the season starts. What follows is a component-by-component checklist for head groundsmen and course managers.
Ash frames
Check each frame for rot, splits and structural damage. Pay particular attention to base rails and uprights, which sit close to the ground and are most exposed to moisture. Minor splits in secondary members can be acceptable and should be monitored. Any frame showing rot in a structural member should be flagged for replacement. Ash has a finite service life, and a frame with ten or more seasons on it warrants close inspection regardless of surface condition.
PVC face boards and kickboards
PVC faces take a lot of impact over a season. Look for cracks, deformation and discolouration. Cracked boards are a safety concern and should be replaced, not repaired. Faded or discoloured boards may indicate UV degradation, which affects long-term performance. Check that all fixings are secure and no board is loose.
Birch and brush fill
Brush fill compacts and thins with use. Top up birch fill where the face is uneven or thin, and replace entirely where the underlying frame is being exposed. The fill should present a consistent, even face across the full width of the obstacle.
Roll-on/roll-off mechanisms
Check hinges, locking pins and base rails on all roll-on/roll-off fences. Hinges should operate smoothly. Locking pins must seat fully and hold the fence secure in the racing position. Any mechanism that is stiff, worn or bent should be attended to before the season starts.
Open ditch components
Inspect ditch boards, guard rails and take-off boards for damage. Guard rails take significant force and should be checked for straightness and secure fixing. Ditch boards should be watertight at joints and free of splits. Check the ditch for any settlement that has altered the take-off geometry.
Hurdle flights
Check each flight for frame condition, fill and the condition of the wings. Portable hurdle frames can develop looseness in the joints with repeated handling. Any flight that rocks or flexes when pushed should be repaired or replaced. Wings should stand vertical and be free of damage.
Spares planning
Once the inspection is done, list what you need before the new season. Lead times for replacement frames and spares are shorter in the close season than in September and October when demand increases. WF Racing holds stock of the most common spares and can advise on lead times for items that need to be manufactured to order.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to carry out racecourse fence maintenance?
The close season is the most effective time. Inspecting and ordering replacement parts during summer means you have lead time before the new season starts in autumn. Reactive maintenance on or near raceday is more costly, more time-pressured, and carries greater risk of something being missed.
How long do ash frames last on steeplechase fences?
With good maintenance and proper off-season storage, ash frames can remain serviceable for many years. Frames that have been in service for ten or more seasons should be inspected particularly carefully for rot and structural fatigue, regardless of how they look on the surface.
Can cracked PVC face boards be repaired?
No. Cracked PVC boards should be replaced rather than repaired. PVC does not respond reliably to adhesive repair under impact loading, and a board that has cracked once is likely to fail again at the same point. Replacement boards are available individually from WF Racing.
How often should birch fill be replaced on a steeplechase fence?
This depends on how many meetings the fence is used for each season. Light topping-up may be sufficient after one or two seasons. A full replacement is normally needed when the fill has compressed to the point where it no longer presents an even brush face across the full width of the obstacle.
How far in advance should replacement parts be ordered?
Ordering during the close season, typically May to August, is strongly recommended. Lead times are shorter in summer than in September and October when courses preparing for the new season increase demand. WF Racing can advise on current lead times for specific items.
