Why do some race tracks use synthetic surfaces

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Why do some race tracks use synthetic surfaces?

Posted by Steve Leighton

Although most would answer that the synthetic surfaces in horse racing were developed with the safety of the horses as the primary reason, but that is simply not the case. Although a noble cause, the real reason for synthetic racing surfaces is all about the money, not the safety.

An off track, any racing surface condition other than fast (for dirt) or firm (for turf), drops the handle (amount wagered) a staggering 50% or more. When the handle drops, the “house take” also drops, and the profits for the operation disappear. Therefore, the synthetic surface was developed to create weather resistant racing surfaces. The first, and only, synthetic turf course was installed at Tropical Park in Miami, FL during the late 1960’s. The “Astroturf” idea for horse racing was scrapped a few years later and has never been attempted again.

Conversely, a synthetic dirt track known as Equitrack was installed in 1988 at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, OK, but it survived only a few years before being replaced by a conventional dirt track. There are many different synthetic dirt tracks in operation today. To review the list of current venues that utilize synthetic racing surfaces and the type of synthetic surface at each, just click here.

Sports Line Unlimited by Steve Leighton

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