CHELMSFORD City Racecourse’s Clerk of the Course says race day runs by the strictest of minute-by-minute schedules.

Andy Waitt has been Chelmsford City’s Clerk of the Course since it re-opened in January 2015 but also worked at the venue prior to the former Great Leigh’s closure in 2009.

The clerk of the course ensures everything on race day runs as it should from a racing perspective – with Waitt’s duties including liaising with staff, jockeys and officials.

“I arrive at 8am to check if there are notices on any non-runners. The morning is spent ensuring everything is ready before horses arrive from 10am, if they didn’t stay over.

“About three hours before the racing begins the officials arrive and an hour before racing the jockeys arrive.

“The horses head to the saddling area 30 minutes before racing and will be in the parade ring 15 minutes before, with the jockeys 10 minutes before.

“It really is a minute-by-minute timetable.

“If there are problems during and/or in-between races I am on hand. I liaise with track staff, make sure the course is clear and follow vehicles are in the right place.

“After that it is about making sure things wind down smoothly and, touch wood, we have not had any problems up to now.”