I was reading in the news and I don't have a clue about this yet. But it seems that even the Kentucky Derby is going to switch to it soon.

Does it really prevent injuries to horses? And if so how come it isn't widely used yet. I only found a couple tracks that are using it. And the reports said that the material used one company was called, PolyTrack, I think.

But anyways if you have work in the rain this stuff is supposed to keep it safe, No Mud and you can still get them stretched out.

How good is this stuff and what would it cost to do a full size track? I have to do some research but know there are some experienced racing people on this board.

As with most things-Change doesn't always=better


"We were mandated to put in synthetics…I never did like it…(but) we learned from it and I hope we never do something like it again," Stronach said in an 18-minute address, followed by a short question-and-answer session, before an estimated 250 horsemen and observers.

"I'm committed to put in a new dirt track."


The Horse | Santa Anita Park to Change from Synthetic to Dirt Racetrack

A synthetic racetrack surface is any kind of surface substance that replaces grass, dirt or sand as the racing surface on a horse racing track. Synthetic surfaces may be desirable over traditional surfaces for several reasons, most prominently the reduction of injuries and possible deaths to horses because of less wear and tear on their legs (although the statistical evidence thus far is not definitive), and consistent racing conditions in inclement weather. Manufacturers of synthetic racetrack surface materials promote the fact that synthetic tracks have drainage attributes that are better than natural surfaces, which makes tracks to be rated as fast under circumstances that would normally result in sloppy, slow or muddy conditions. In other situations such as cold weather, These surfaces allow racing to be continued when it might otherwise be canceled.