Arlington safety...putting it in perspective

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Bottom line is that if it helps tracks bottom lines then they will stay. The fact is that they are here and you must adapt or move on. Personally I had my doubts about the validity of the track being maintenance free (sounds like an infomercial at 3 am) but thought and still think that the individual horses conformational faults wont be changed by any surface. Maybe an artificial surface can lessen the effects of the faults but they are still there and will eventually catch up to the horse regardless of Poly, Tapeta, Dirt, Turf, etc...

It is obvious that the propaganda (or selling points) were not entirely correct but constantly harping on it really does nobody any benefit. It is NOT going to be replaced anytime soon at the tracks that have it and may continue to spread as long as track that have it continue to do well financially.

As for the complaints that the surfaces are not uniform or play differently, use that to your advantage or bet something else. It is not like all dirt or turf courses play alike so why should synthetic surfaces be any different?


The sad thing about the whole situation is that so many have taken sides and made this issue probably more important than it really should be. The most important thread going now is the one about the dirtbag AZ politicians and the attempt to make us criminals. If this crap spreads than we will have more to worry about than polytrack or dirt.

thanks.
as for the change in surface, humans are VERY resistant to change. this is yet another example of that. i thought all along that a GOOD, well maintained surface is the answer, and dirt quite often fits the bill. i think polys biggest sell point was the maintenance free, followed by the 'all weather' description. but safety was the easy way to sell it to the masses.
i agree that a poorly conformed horse, or sore horse, will not find a surface to his liking regardless. then it behooves the trainer to take care of the horse, and hopefully use some tough love to explain to the owner why the horse needs a break.