NEXT Sunday, the Curragh stages the second leg of Champions Weekend; one of the biggest racedays in the tracks calendar. As head groundsman at the Co Kildare racecourse, it is my job to ensure we have perfect conditions for this prestigious occasion.

I attribute my love of nature to my mother and my love of the land to my father. The former was a nurse, while dad was a farm manager. As the third child in a family of six, I spent a lot of time with my father, working on the ground with both crops and animals.

Our summer holidays were spent in Gorey with our cousins, the Webbs, who introduced me to ponies and showjumping. As well as competing at events, I also helped my dad at home, especially after he retired. By then he began to keep a couple of broodmares, including one by Don’t Forget Me, who produced a couple of winners.

After finishing in school, I spent some time at Grange Park Farm in Tullow, before going to work for the Farm Relief Service.

I then worked for Sir Piers Dennis at Fort Granite in Baltinglass, where I looked after a large herd of drystock.

Next, I moved on to Carlow Golf Club, taking up a role as assistant to the head groundsman. I completed courses in both sports turf management and green keeping in order to gain a better understanding of the work involved.

Prior to joining the team at the Curragh, I worked at the K Club for five years, rising from a general operative to assistant to the head groundsman [Tom Brooks].

During those years I spent time in Scotland, learning about course maintenance and personnel management. We held the first European Open Tour while I was at the K Club; going on to hold three more in subsequent years. I got great training during my time at the club, including on numerous visits to the US. Some of our work was groundbreaking, way ahead of its time.

In April 1999, I left the K Club to take up my current position as head groundsman at the Curragh. Initially I worked alongside P.J. Carroll from April to October, before going it alone after his retirement. P.J. was a mine of information and I consider myself fortunate to have had his help in those early days. He knew all the trainers and suppliers on the Curragh, as well as who to call when machinery broke down or something needed fixing.

REDEVELOPMENT

I am now heading into my 20th year as head groundsman, at a time where the Curragh racecourse is undergoing major redevelopment. Essentially I am responsible for maintaining the efficient running of the track itself, although I also liaise with gallops manager Pat Kelly, Richard Brophy [assistant head groundsman] and contractor Peter Keatley on a regular basis.

There is a great ethos here at the Curragh, with staff openminded to embrace change. Coming from a golfing and agricultural background, I have brought some of that experience to the racecourse.

Despite having held four racedays in less than a week recently, the Curragh will provide perfect ground for Champions’ Weekend. We can easily switch courses, thus providing fresh ground for various different meetings. The track which will be in use on Sunday next, the Plate course, has not been raced on since after the Guineas meeting.

Having had three months to recover, the ground will be in pristine condition next weekend. Since coming on board, I have undergone a Racecourse Management Course at York racecourse, which I found thoroughly beneficial.

I am really excited with the changes taking place at present, as we enter a new dawn here at the Curragh. The present administration, which is made up of experienced professionals, can only be good for the racecourse as a whole. The core staff here which work with me are excellent and I have to acknowledge the fantastic work that they do.

Without their help and support I wouldn’t be able to turn out the track to the highest levels which racegoers have come to expect. I also want to mention Ciara in the office, who is an integral part of our team.

My wife, Carole, has been a constant support throughout my time at the Curragh. Three of our five kids have worked here at one point or another in their lives, while two are following my path in working with animals/land.

Shane is involved with Ballydoyle, while Padraig is studying wildlife biology in college. I am delighted to see a third generation inherit the interest which was passed down to me from my father before me.

Pat Webb was in conversation with John O’Riordan