[chucklestheclown]

Originally Posted by NoChanceToDance

Horses do NOT break down at the same rate. I'm tired of having the same argument, it's been proven time and time again that it is a safer surface in all weather conditions.

Michael Dickenson has changed the tapeta surface that is at Meydan to make sure it will stand the climate. It is the same mix that has been at Godolphin's training centre over there (which still looks as good as new) the only slight difference I believe is the wax, which is specifically designed to cope with high temperatures. This wax has not been used on any other Tapeta surface so far, but significant testing has been carried out.

Yes, I'd prefer to see a surface, which brings turf and dirt horses closer together, but that the moment, I think it is almost impossible given that there is such a difference between the different types of horses.

I hear a lot of people in America moaning about biases and the state of the surface altogether. Fact is, if you want the tracks to be speed favouring or closer friendly, you can prepare them accordingly. There isn't enough preparation at the AW tracks in the States, and many of them did not increase drainage because of the extra cost - that is their problem. The AW tracks over here have done a magnificent job, breakdowns are very, very rare, kickback is minimal and most of all, it's fair, very fair. This is achieved by preparing the tracks and 'working' on them to produce the ideal, safe, surface.

May I suggest that the reason for the breakdowns in America is due to the weakness of the breed and the reliance of pain relieving substances and other such drugs and these breakdowns would have happened on any surface, the statistics certainly point to that as North America is the only country to have had any kind of injury related problems on synthetic tracks.

IMO people who constantly question all synthetics and/or carp on them are really annoying. Either play them or admit you do not know how to handicap and leave everyone else alone. King of Rome is a MONSTER!!!