[NoChanceToDance]

Sorry,

I got bored reading that. You could have simply written "I don't agree".

The fact of the matter is, dirt racing is facing the fight of it's life, and this will only develop further. As more and more infuential parties part their ways with dirt racing. Dirt racing and drugs go hand in hand with American racing - the two items which are hated amongst the racing scene around the world. It's only a matter of time before the American product is neglected by the rest of the world, that is already happening.

As racing "fans" it saddens me to see so many people want to save the dirt, and applaud tracks for bringing it back just because it's easier to play the races on. Lets face it, what are the other reasons? 'History' wears thin after so long, and if it's history you want, the races should be all on turf.

The facts state that dirt racing is dangerous, not only to horses but jockeys too. It isn't just the amount of deaths, it's the tendon injuries and bone concussion (of which there are many vet studies) and the drugs which are used to cover these injuries in an attempt to keep these horses sound on a surface, which isn't fit to make sand castles with. Over five times as many break downs on dirt than any other durface. The infections and the soreness it generates on the horses heels and fetlock joints, and once again the drugs which then have to mask that.

When well maintained, a synthetic surface is as good as anything and can be made as close to dirt racing as physically possible without the harshness of the surface. Track managers in the states didn't want the work load that comes with an artificial surface. It has to be harrowed, it has to be worked, and depending on the weather the way it has to be harrowed changes. The times I watched races on artificial surfaces in America I rarely saw any of this maintenance happening. Laziness can lead to problems in any form of life, and this is no different.

While the rest of the world is trying to improve their racing product, and introduce it to new markets and bring themselves into the 21st century, America is yet again turning a blind eye to facts and figures and bowing down to what is likely to make the tracks more money, taking a step back rather than a step forward.

I wouldnt expect you to understand, however. Your attitude is very one dimensional.