Easily the best article written on synthetic surfaces

[Scurlogue Champ]

Originally Posted by JJP

Turfway is really the only track that needs to be synthetic. They just had too many cancellations previously with their old regular dirt track. But California was foolish to mandate synthetic surfaces. Arlington did it in response to media criticism over breakdowns, and Kee is partners with Martin Collins. Woodbine is probably in a similar situation to TP, in regards to weather.....but I think it will be awhile before you see any other tracks going synthetic.

Turfway needs to be closed, along with about 50 other "B" level tracks.

[King Glorious]

The part that kills me is when the article says that Vienna said they are guinea pigs out there and Pearse agreed with him. Vienna said there are still injuries, just different types now. I think this paragraph here sums it up best for most of the people that were initially sold on the stuff:

Vienna, who was at one time supportive of synthetic surfaces “based on what I thought could happen,” stated, “They’re no good. The promises at the beginning were they were safe, consistent, maintenance-free, and all-weather. They are not safe, they’re not maintenance-free, they’re not consistent, and they can’t take water. None of it is true.”

The article also talks about how Golden Gate had to close for training earlier this week because of horsemen concern over their track and how Turfway had eight fatalities in 21 days of racing.

[Rudeboyelvis]

The investment at this point has surpassed the "it's not working, pull it and put the dirt back in" phase. Only when their handle is notably affected by the surface will they consider it. I haven't bet the "River of Poo" (credit Coach Pants with the term) since it was installed and won't. Not that my measly investment will make a difference, but personally I don't support knee-jerk, reactionary, myopic resolutions that affect the sport I enjoy.

[dellinger63]

Just take SA's Breeder's Cup away from them and rotate between Churchill and Belmont and 'Jimmy Crack Corn and I Don't Care!'