California Mandates Synthetics

Posted by BarbaraAnne Helberg Oct 8, 2007

Is it safe?

Artificial surfacing for thoroughbred racers came under fire by jockeys and trainers alike when it first appeared at Kentucky's Turfway Park in 2005. In Turfway's annual track report in the spring of 2007, president Bob Elliston said inclement weather and varying temperatures were still concerns in the testing of the new Polytrack surface. He reported there had been an increase in fatal breakdowns between November 26 and December 31, 2006, with four more fatals occurring in January, 2007.

Still, the overall effect, cutting down on the loss of racing days due to unfit weather, was inconclusive. Five days had been lost as the testing of the new surface continued in 2006, Elliston complained.

Last weekend, we witnessed a sorrowful day at the Keeneland races, where Polytrack is also a new reality. Two breakdowns, one fatal, occurred in a matter of two different races. Cause of the accidents? Missteps. The temperature had been steadily over 90 degrees Farenheit at the track, a condition which is arguably the cause of inconsistency in the artificial surface called Polytrack.

At Golden Gate Fields in San Francisco, California, Tapeta has been installed. This particular artificial surface was developed by Michael Dickinson and is his concoction of fibers, sand, and wax. Tapeta training tracks are getting good reviews. They are being used in England, Dubai, and Hong Kong, places where thoroughbred racing is very popular.

The Tapeta training surface at Golden Gate Fields has been praised by jockey Russell Baze and trainer Gloria Buckridge, who sent her runners onto it.

Every major track in the state of California has been mandated by the California Horse Racing Board to install a synthetic surface to replace standard dirt tracks.

Is it safe?