Easily the best article written on synthetic surfaces

[Indian Charlie]

http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/48696.htm

Duh?

[parsixfarms]

The prose was really inspired.

[jwkniska]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Is the harrowing equipment that is used on the synthetic surfaces the same equipment that is used on dirt tracks?

If so, didn't anyone at least consider the possibility that different harrowing equipment was needed?

it is NOT the same as what's used on dirt tracks, at least it's not at Arlington.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Is the harrowing equipment that is used on the synthetic surfaces the same equipment that is used on dirt tracks?

If so, didn't anyone at least consider the possibility that different harrowing equipment was needed?

Very different...

Seems the issue to me is climate, as Keeneland seems to be doing well (which 95% of the time has temperate, mild & relatively dry climates during their two meets- in fact, similar to the UK where synthetics have been generally successful), whereas Turfway and Santa Anita have been HORRIBLE in extreme climates.

Rip them all out and go back to dirt.

[sumitas]

from the SA pro ride thread ...

according to tbredtimes 1,500 train over the main SA track every morning.

"Some of you must have a case of amnesia," said trainer David Hoffmans, an advocate of synthetic surfaces, referring to all the fatalities and injuries on dirt.

http://thoroughbredtimes.com/nationa...c-surface.aspx

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by sumitas

from the SA pro ride thread ...

according to tbredtimes 1,500 train over the main SA track every morning.

"Some of you must have a case of amnesia," said trainer David Hoffmans, an advocate of synthetic surfaces, referring to all the fatalities and injuries on dirt.

http://thoroughbredtimes.com/nationa...c-surface.aspx

I'm sure you know this but like to conveniently forget, but, uh, these fake tracks were supposed to greatly reduce injuries and fatalities. Not only have they failed to do so, but in some instances, they've gotten worse.

That's just about fatalities too. From what I'm reading, the nature of commonly occurring injuries has changed, but overall there are just as many, if not more.

If you want to talk about the practicality of the stuff, then forget it. Synthetic loses hands down to dirt.

[JJP]

Turfway is really the only track that needs to be synthetic. They just had too many cancellations previously with their old regular dirt track. But California was foolish to mandate synthetic surfaces. Arlington did it in response to media criticism over breakdowns, and Kee is partners with Martin Collins. Woodbine is probably in a similar situation to TP, in regards to weather.....but I think it will be awhile before you see any other tracks going synthetic.