More Research Needed
The Racehorse Welfare and Safety Summit wrapped on Tuesday with a lengthy list of action items, including a few that have to do with synthetic surfaces, a major topic of discussion during the two-day affair. In one panel, Dr. Mary Scollay presented preliminary statistics showing nearly identical fatality rates for synthetic and conventional tracks (although synthetic surface rates had initially been lower and the figures reported did not include California tracks), while in another, track superintendents discussed the care of synthetics. Turns out, the surfaces aren’t as maintenance free as touted: “I think what we found out is … you really have to stay on top of this stuff much more than we originally thought,” said Dennis Moore of Hollywood Park (Herald-Leader). And his track is frequently cited as an example of successful implementation …
