Slower but Safer

The Mostest!

Kudos to Arlington Park Racetrack for making the expensive decision to switch to a synthetic racing surface to minimize injuries for both horses and riders.

From the Bloodhorse:

Arlington Park, where at least 21 Thoroughbred horses had to be euthanized after leg injuries on the dirt track during the 2006 racing season, will replace the dirt with a synthetic racing surface next year.

Arlington Park president Roy Arnold said Thursday that the track will invest $10 million to install the new surface. The project should be completed before Arlington's 2007 race meet, which opens May 4.

Synthetic surfaces were pioneered in Europe, and have been found to reduce injuries and drain water faster than traditional dirt tracks.

However, horses run slower on the rubbery stuff, and early observations tend to favor turf horses switching to synthetic over dirt horses making the change. Time will tell, but I for one wonder if training and most races could be conducted on synthetics, with some dirt tracks preserved for super-speed horses that want to go for a record.

After reading the book Man O' War: A Legend Like Lightning, I do believe he was never truly tested. Since our greats of the past raced on dirt, I would want an even comparison for the next equine star.