Fake Tracks hurting racing

One again I must question the use of “fake” tracks such as Polytrack (Santa Anita uses “Cushion Track”) after Santa Anita cancels another day of racing. It was the second in a row, and the fifth this month.

Santa Anita Park canceled live racing for the second-straight day on Friday because of drainage problems with the track’s newly installed Cushion Track surface.

Ooops we thought is was dry in SoCal

The installation at SA has been, to be kind problematic. However they are quite proud of the installation, they even have a webcam to watch the no-action.

The drainage problem surfaced during the heavy rains the first week of January, and officials from Cushion Track admitted making errors with the sand, fiber and wax combination that comprises the top of the track.

“The focus on the high temperatures (during Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meeting in early fall) was in hindsight a mistake as this has almost certainly compromised the drainage characteristics of the surface,” Cushion Track technical director Paul Harper said earlier this month.

Funny how dirt does not have this issue, it drains nicely thank you.

These people are not new at this, either. “Cushion Track” has been in England for some time. They also have an installation at Hollywood park. The Hollywood Park install has problems also. Even though this was not a snap decision, it’s still looking very poor in deed.

Charles said a key factor in the Cushion Track decision was that it would give Santa Anita and Hollywood similar surfaces, a consistency that horsemen believe would be advantageous.

Yes, consistency in NOT racing.

The forcing of tracks in California to install the synthetic track is not looking like another government imposed business killer.

Normally, racing can take place during and/or after rain, but Santa Anita’s new synthetic Cushion Track has not been draining properly.

Weather permitting, repairs to fix the problem are scheduled over a four-day period next week, and if that is the case racing on Monday and Thursday would be canceled.

Nice.

Use the force Jockey

This is not the first thing to go wrong with the track. Jockeys are actually wearing “blast shields” so they could ride at Santa Anita.

photo:Benoit

That is idiotic. You have to ride with a face shield OVER your goggles. Unreal. What’s next? Full face crash helmets?

More Racing at Risk

Now at risk is the “Sunshine Millions” which is run on two coasts. SA was to have 4 races on Saturday with Gulfstream to have the others. This is a televised event that will no doubt put a damper on the season if the 4 races at SA don’t run.

What about Del Mar

Well the DMTC installed PolyTrack at Del Mar and are quite proud of it. I have roundly criticized the decision to move to synthetic surfaces. I will say that DMTC seems the only place to have a clue as to how to do it correctly.

Damage

It’s bad enough that racing is having a tough time, now they fight off idiotic regulations and overzealous Indian Tribes [note: I am not a liberal, but I agree with the article] attempting to steal more revenue. I do agree with this article: why not legalize ALL gaming if more is better.

Even more bad news:

• herpes tests for horses to be redone.
• French Jocky Banned for 15 months
• Cal Trainer suspended for 90 days for doping horses

As if the racing world needs anymore problems.

Tags: horse racing, santa anita, gulstream, polytrack, cushion track, gulfstream, del mar, blast shield, racing