SYNTHETICS OVER DIRT? NOT IN NEW YORK
While racetracks in California struggle with the idea of synthetic racetracks, one thing seems very clear on the opposite side of the country. Synthetics will not fly in New York.
"I don’t see this happening any time soon in New York, if at all," said state Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John Sabini.
Pretty straightforward if you ask me.
Read it at The Saratogian
Then come back to the Paulick Report and let us know what you think
Tags: bradford cummings, California, dirt track, John Sabini, New York, Synthetic surfaces, The Saratogian
January 29th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Considering Saratoga’s main track is perhaps one of the safest in sport both domestic and globally it would speak for itself. For NYRA to even ponder wasting millions on the synthetic boondoggle is exactly what it doesn’t need.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Thank goodness!
January 29th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I have seen some pretty nasty breakdowns on these synthetic tracks, so I don’t the positive in it,I think a well mantained dirt track is the best !
January 29th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I think we have seen some pretty nasty breakdowns on both… we can’t be too critical about one or the other. They need to look into both surfaces and make the necessary changes needed to make them both safe. I have seen some horrific breakdowns at Saratoga as well.Some breakdowns in the morning if not severe. Those sealed tracks can wreck havoc with horses legs and feet. Yes, safer for teh jocks but not always for the horses. A friend’s horses come back sore and need to be in ice buckets for a few days.
I have to say, yet again, it was nice seeing two BC’s without horrific breakdowns as we did at churchill and the Jersey Shore. I have no preference, I just want safety.
January 30th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Anne: The last two BC were safer due to luck and exceptional accident prevention measures. An army of vets was hired to help stop lame horses from racing and breaking down in front of large crowds.
The safety of horses and jockeys was enhanced during the 08 and 09 BC BC to prevent new waves of public outrage but first and foremost to protect the business of racing.
Under the very same racing juridiction horses run for as low as $2K claiming year around. No one sees them and no one gives a damn.
It is not the surface that causes most injuries but the people who control these horses.
January 30th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
There could be one positive use of synthetics, especially at Belmont and Saratoga. When rain cancels turf racing at those tracks, the scratches cause a large reduction in the field. Making one of the turf courses synthetic at BEL & SAR would reduce scratches off the turf, since most turf horses also run well on synthetic.
I’m part owner of a horse that trains on synthetic and runs on the turf. If properly maintained, a synthetic track is safe. Woodbine is synthetic and has no breakdown issue, (to my knowledge) and Stonebridge Farm near Saratoga installed one, and it’s safe too.