Synthetic surfaces gaining traction at major horse racing tracks -
That sight and sound has disappeared from some North American racetracks that have replaced traditional dirt with a synthetic surface made of wax-coated sand, fibers and recycled rubber.From owners to trainers to jockeys to bettors, the debate is vigorous on whether synthetic surfaces are a potential answer to creating safer training and racing conditions.
Synthetic surfaces, known by such trademarked names as Tapeta and Polytrack, are gaining traction in some major racing locales. Statistics from The Jockey Club’s Equine Injury Database show the surface with the fewest deaths per 1,000 horses is synthetic. “In my opinion, synthetic is safer,” said veteran trainer Mark Casse, who estimates he starts about 1,200 horses a year on dirt, grass and synthetic in the U.S. and Canada.California racing officials mandated a switch from dirt to synthetics in 2007. Santa Anita, now-defunct Hollywood Park and Del Mar north of San Diego spent millions tearing out their dirt tracks in what proved to be a failed experiment.
Drainage problems cost Santa Anita racing days and the subsequent installation of another brand of synthetic failed to perform adequately under extreme temperatures. Heavy usage also wore down the materials quickly, and more watering was often needed to maintain the correct consistency.Dirt still rules in Louisville, Kentucky; Baltimore and New York, where the Belmont Stakes will be run June 10 to conclude the Triple Crown.
Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey had success running horses on synthetic at Gulfstream last winter, although he isn’t convinced the surface is the be-all, end-all answer to preventing breakdowns.
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