CushionTrack: "We'll fix or replace SA surface"

[Kasept]

Press release...

The attached release (text below) has been issued by cushion track footing usa llc. contact information is in the attachment.



Cushion Track Vows To Repair Or Replace

Santa Anita Racetrack:

With record rainfall predicted for later this week, Cushion Track experts have thus far failed to come up with a solution for the failure of the synthetic surface at Santa Anita Park to drain properly.

Paul Harper, Technical Director of Cushion Track Footings, states that this is a circumstance that his company has not encountered before, citing that many Cushion Track installations, including the one installed in 2006 at Hollywood Park, have been well received by the horsemen and the industry. He added that the main objective at Santa Anita was to produce a Synthetic Track with similar performance characteristics to that of Hollywood Park, but that would also withstand temperatures of up to 110°F. The focus on the high temperatures was in hindsight a mistake as this has almost certainly compromised the drainage characteristics of the surface.

“After extensive testing, which is still going on even now, the experiments indicate that the sand seems to be the area of concern. Over the past few weeks and following extensive efforts the drainage has improved.”

Harper went on to indicate that he hoped very soon to be able to find a remedy that will stabilize the track and allow it to drain vertically. “If we are unable to do that,” he said, “we will install a new surface at the end of the meet. At Cushion Track Footings USA, we are committed to the success of the track at Santa Anita and we will do whatever is necessary to get the track working to the same high standards Cushion Track performs to at other tracks around the world.”

[Riot]

About time the manufacturer showed up publically.

[ALostTexan]

Originally Posted by Mumtaz

About time the manufacturer showed up publically.

I agree. At least someone has shown some responsibility and at least appears to be willing to do whatever it takes to fix the problem...

[SentToStud]

Sounds like Ron Popeil selling the Showtime Rotisserie Grill.

[JJP]

I must've missed when the conventional Santa Anita surface had so many problems that they (the CHRB) felt compelled to mandate this horse$hit.

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by JJP

I must've missed when the conventional Santa Anita surface had so many problems that they (the CHRB) felt compelled to mandate this horse$hit.

You and me both. The rest of the world too. I'm actually happy that this is happening. Serves them right.

[goingtothewhip]

Originally Posted by SentToStud

Sounds like Ron Popeil selling the Showtime Rotisserie Grill.

Are you implying that Cushion Track can also keep two vegetables "piping hot"?

If so, me and Chef Tony have some "perfection sheers" to sell you.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by ALostTexan

I agree. At least someone has shown some responsibility and at least appears to be willing to do whatever it takes to fix the problem...

but part of the problem is the attempt to come up with a solution to 110 degree heat-which of course they can't control.

[Danzig]

isn't it the track owner who is getting the short end of the stick? or the bettors? chrb mandated a change, but the owner pays for the new surface. bettors are told to get over the change--too bad if your system worked, just make a new one.
trainers still get their day rate, their help still gets paid. owners still have their horses and their money....how are horsemen getting the short end? santa anita offered to pay to ship horses to hollywood to work, since they couldn't work on the main at santa anita--did anyone pay to send the gamblers to another track for free? doubt it.

[Stall Mucker]

I thought the following:

Polytrack race tracks-usually always listed as fast

Tapeta- usually listed as Tapeta

Cushion- usually listed as Cushion

Santa Anita lists their cushion as FAST