Musselburgh Racecourse in East Lothian has become one of the first to experience the benefits of Barenbrug’s new BAR 50 SOS.

Following a successful trial earlier in the year, the racecourse selected the unique ryegrass blend in order to achieve rapid turf repair in between its hectic schedule of flat racing and jump meetings.

Head groundsman, Mark Bemrose, was impressed with SOS’s speedy establishment during the trial, which took place in June. “The seed was up in just seven days,” he says. “Having seen how it performs in good growing conditions, we’re now hoping for similar results in dormant conditions.”

Central to BAR 50 SOS’s success is the inclusion of 4IR-1 annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), which has been specifically bred for its quick and superior establishment, cool soil temperature germination and amenity turf characteristics.

In fact, in trials 4IR-1 germinated in temperatures as low as three degrees centigrade and so is ideal for racecourses looking for a quick transition between fixtures in the autumn and winter months, as well as for fast summer repairs.

With 7 November 2008 marking the end of Musselburgh’s flat racing fixtures, Mark has only a short renovation period to prepare the racecourse for the first jump meeting set to take place on 31 November.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how fast-establishing SOS is,” he continues. “The last 2009 jump meeting takes place on 14 February and we’ll then start to turn the course around in time for the first flat meeting on 21 March, so we’re hoping for a good result as fast establishment is a real advantage for us. It’s important to try these things.”

For a copy of the BAR 50 SOS leaflet, which includes full product details and trial results, call 01359 272000 or email info@baruk.co.uk. Alternatively, the leaflet can be downloaded from www.barenbrug.co.uk