Hickstead completes even more improvements

A further 30,000 has been spent on "sand banding" the 4.5-acre arena by cutting 25mm-wide slits, 250mm deep, at right angles to the drains installed last year at a cost of 40,000. The slits have been then filled with drainage sand. This has added more than 500 tonnes of sand into the surface soil structure.

The decision to make further improvements was made after consulting with experts who specialise in sport grounds.

Hickstead director Edward Bunn, who is responsible for the upkeep and

condition of all six arenas on the show ground, said: "Last summer was the wettest on record, and it was only the new drainage which enabled us to keep going."

For complete story see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette March 12