Vegetation surveys were carried out on 10 Central Districts and two northern racetracks. Tracks could be allotted to three groups according to the type of turf cover. classified mainly on the relative importance of ryegrass (Lolium species), Poa (Poa trivialis), browntop (Agrostis capillaris) and white clover (Trifolium repens): Type 1 (3 tracks) had swards consisting of about half Poa, one quarter ryegrass and 20% white clover; Type 2 (2 tracks) had about 30% ryegrass and Poa with substantial browntop, and Type 3 (7 tracks) had higher ryegrass contents (44.75%), intermediate Poa and little browntop. Unlike ryegrass, Poa is very intolerant of heavy wear, and therefore should be unwelcome on racetracks. Data gathered here indicate Poa presence is encouraged by high phosphate applications while ryegrass is stimulated by potassium applications and lower cutting heights. Appropriate fertiliser applications and lower cutting heights should move the botanical composition towards higher ryegrass contents. Keywords: ryegrass, Poa trivialis, browntop, white clover, fertilisers, mowing
