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Morphettville's new track manager Justin Groves has a resume many aspiring turf students would envy.

Having started his turf career under the guidance of legendary South Australian curator Les Burdett at Adelaide Oval, Groves spent time working as the Grounds Manager at the SCG before establishing his own turf company and eventually taking over the job at the SAJC as Racecourse Manager.

Despite being thrown into his new role when the focus of Australian racing is on Morphettville during the Adelaide Racing Carnival, Groves said he was thriving in a position where he can combine work and pleasure.

"The boys have been very welcoming,'' Groves said.

"I've been an avid punter for a long time. Anything on grass, I've always been interested in.

"Having dealt with many sports, I thought horse racing – I love it.

"I've got quite a few mates within the industry whether they are owners or on the track themselves,'' he said.

Groves said the most significant challenge was the size of the area he now has under his care and infrastructure in place.

"The major difference is the turf and the lack of drainage we have here compared to Adelaide Oval,'' Groves said.

"(And) getting used to the amount of turf and cutting heights that I'm not used to.

"Adelaide Oval you are dealing with club and corporates and it's similar here dealing with trainers and different entities you need to associate with running a track,'' he said.

And Groves said he was excited to build on a successful carnival.

"The carnival came up really well,'' Groves said.

"The guys had a really good plan in place, and we came out the back end really well.

"We'll tinker things going forward and I'll put my own spin on them,'' he said.