It is a bit emotional preparing to leave Goodwood after more than two decades. I wouldn't be human if I wasn't.

I've loved every minute. It has been a great pleasure to have worked in such a brilliant place.

Goodwood is not the easiest course in the world to look after, but it is one of the most beautiful. I will miss it.

Being a Clerk of the Course (called a track manager in other parts of the world), you've got to have a knowledge of your turf and your racing surface.

It's fine looking after the grandstand, the parade ring, and various other features on site, but if you don't have a good racing surface, you've got nothing.

I was fortunate to go on a turf management diploma course in my earlier days. I was re-educated about the turf, how it grows and doesn't grow.

It took me two years to get my diploma but it was well worthwhile. I believe that budding, young Clerks of Courses should also do that, or something similar. You've got to know your course.

I'm also a great believer in the going stick, a modern piece of electrical equipment.

The days of a man walking the course in a flat cap, with a dog and a wooden stick, are coming to an end.

We now have a modern instrument called the Turf Tracks Going Stick. It gives you readings. It tells you the truth.

I first came into racing as a jockey, working for Capt Neville Crump at Middleham. I was there with my brother Pat (who rode the 1963 Grand National winner Ayala) for six years.

Unfortunately, I had a fall and fractured my skull in five places. I was unconscious for 21 days, and it was touch and go at one stage. Life wasn't great for the next 12 months.

When I was fully mobile again, I got a job at Catterick as a trainee groundsman. And, after working at a couple of other courses, here I am at Goodwood. I have no regrets.

I have been asked this week by many to nominate the highlight of the 23 years I have been here. The answer is: Frankel in his two Sussex Stakes victories.

I've been fortunate to have seen two wonderful horses in my lifetime. Arkle over jumps, and Frankel on the Flat.

There's never been anything like Frankel, and there never will be.

Seamus Buckley, 65, is officiating as Clerk of the Course at his last Glorious Goodwood this week. Kildare-born Buckley, an ex-jump jockey, has been in charge of preparing the racing surface at this unique track on the Sussex Downs for the past 23 years. He retires later this year after a lifetime in racing.