BALLYDOYLE Racing’s loss is set to be Down Royal Racecourse’s gain following the appointment of Shane Webb as head groundsman at the Co Down track.

The Carlow native has over nine years’ experience in the industry, having worked as racetrack groundsman at the Curragh and assistant track manager at Leopardstown, as well as completing a short stint at Royal Ascot.

Shane will be responsible for the ongoing management of the track’s maintenance programme and course inspections, liaising with the clerk of course on repairing, setting out and realigning of the running rail as well as purchasing and budgetary control.

Webb has a Business Management Degree from Dublin City University and IT Carlow combined. He also holds several Institute of Groundsmanship qualifications including Racecourse Groundsmanship Certification from Cheltenham, Racecourse Management Skills Certification from York, a Professional Certificate and Diploma in Turf Surface Management, as well as a Botany Certification from Oregon State University.

Emma Meehan, chief executive officer at Down Royal, said: “I am delighted to welcome Shane to the team at Down Royal Racecourse. I know Shane will help me and the team ensure Down Royal is the benchmark of standards into the future.”