FWIW (about 35p), I thought some folks might be interested in the TurfTrax going stick's index. (Thoughtfully handed out to racegoers on the backstage tour by Mark Cornford, Clerk of the Course at Plumpton.)
The range is 1 - 15, calibrated thus:
13.0 - 15.0 = HARD
11.0 - 12.9 = FIRM
9.0 - 10.9 = GOOD to FIRM
7.0 - 8.9 = GOOD
5.0 - 6.9 = GOOD to SOFT
3.0 - 4.9 = SOFT
1.0 - 2.9 = HEAVY
Clerks are given a map of their course/s by TurfTrax, showing them the areas most likely to flux in the state of going, and they will take three readings in each area with the stick. It's pushed into the ground at an angle to simulate hoof shear, then pulled backwards - it's not stuck in upright and pulled out upright as per the old walking stick method, although many Clerks still love to use those as well. The average of the three obtained will then be read as the going at that point.
The overall readings taken at the different points in the course will then provide the main index.
The range is 1 - 15, calibrated thus:
13.0 - 15.0 = HARD
11.0 - 12.9 = FIRM
9.0 - 10.9 = GOOD to FIRM
7.0 - 8.9 = GOOD
5.0 - 6.9 = GOOD to SOFT
3.0 - 4.9 = SOFT
1.0 - 2.9 = HEAVY
Clerks are given a map of their course/s by TurfTrax, showing them the areas most likely to flux in the state of going, and they will take three readings in each area with the stick. It's pushed into the ground at an angle to simulate hoof shear, then pulled backwards - it's not stuck in upright and pulled out upright as per the old walking stick method, although many Clerks still love to use those as well. The average of the three obtained will then be read as the going at that point.
The overall readings taken at the different points in the course will then provide the main index.