Could a synthetic racing surface have prevented the untimely death of Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner who broke a leg at the Preakness and had to be euthanized? And just what is a "synthetic surface" anyway? When I first heard the term, I pictured horses galloping around on shredded tires instead of traditional sand-on-clay and loam. Today, two of the most common types of synthetic materials for North American racetracks are Polytrack and Cushion Track. Let's take a look at both.
According to its web site, Polytrack is "a unique formula comprised of polypropylene fibers, recycled rubber and silica sand covered in a wax coating". So synthetic racing surfaces do contain rubber! Still, they're not as stringy as those recycled tires I pictured. Polytrack claims to "create a consistent surface" for horse racing, and to reduce overall track maintenance. Similarly, Cushion Track's web site describes a synthetic material made of "elastic, polyester and polypropylene carefully graded and mixed with a high performance multi washed silica sand, all blended with a special wax coating". This product, which is more often used Europe for show-jumping venues, is also billed as "durable but forgiving".
Synthetic racing surfaces seem pretty sound, but there is a catch. You can't just throw some of this wonder-dirt on top of a track's existing footing. Instead, you've got to completely resurface the track you have. Polytrack's web site recommends a "specially designed 10-inch base" to facilitate drainage, and in order to prevent the typical horizontal drainage problems at conventional dirt tracks. About seven inches of Polytrack material are required. Some is compacted and some is harrowed loosely on top. That top portion, of course, is what racing fans see.
So will racing boards abandon tradition and mandate the use of synthetic racing surfaces?
Editor's Note: Part 1 and Part 2 of this multi-part story are already on CR4. Click here to view Part 4!
Resources:
http://www.polytrack.com/
http://www.equestriansurfaces.co.uk/our_surfaces/surface_details.php?id=18
http://ww2.keeneland.com/lists/copy/polytrack.aspx
Animal Science Blog
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