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Synthetic Tracks Getting SaferEvidence Growing In Favor of Artificial SurfacesAccording to statistics released in April, catastrophic injuries on dirt tracks have risen, while the same type accidents on synthetic surfaces has dropped.
The injury report compiled by The Jockey Club and the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation gave a revised report April 10 which changed gears from the March 17 figures given at its regular Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit. Veterinarians from 42 racetracks participated in the gathering of statistical reports. Dr. Mary Scollay, Calder Race Course and Gulfstream Park veterinarian, presented the original figures at the March meeting, but told The Blood-Horse magazine a better system to review stastistics was in the works. Revised Injury FiguresThe March figures were: 1) dirt injuries leading to fatalities -- 244 from 123,890 Thoroughbred starters, or a ratio of 1.96 per 1,000; 2) synthetic surface injuries leading to deaths, 58 from 29,744 starters, equaling a 1.95 per 1,000 ratio. Revised figures in April amounted to 2.02 fatalities on dirt and 1.47 on artificial surfaces per 1,000 starters. Scollay pointed out that reporting came from just 34 tracks for a time period of less than one year, and was not "scientifically conclusive". Further Injury Studies PlannedThe Jockey Club vice president of corporate communications, Bob Curran, told The Blood-Horse that a further study of numbers on both surfaces would include follow-ups on each catastrophic injury and would not be available in the near future, "probably not...this year". He said a majority of tracks need to participate in "a comprehensive set of injury reports...over a statistically significant period of time". Scollay related to reporters that the statistical project intent was three-fold: 1) identifying the types and outcomes of injuries in regard to their freqency within a standardized testing procedure; 2) centralizing a database that can be used to recognize horses with increased risks of injury; and 3) serving as statistical information for injury prevention and continuing improvement to the safety aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. As studies continue on the injuries incurred in Thoroughbred racing, track revenues, artificial surface engineering, and congressional hearings on track safety are also being analyzed. NTRA Hears Financial ReportsWhile the National Thoroughbred Racing Association met in April and reports of increased revenes were heard, Ian Pearse, synthetic track engineer, told The Blood-Horse sub-base drainage and assessing the required coverage area, as well as environmental location and workload considerations are key elements in developing an artificial surface. Representing Pro Ride Racing, Pearse related the information through his column "The Science of Synthetic Racing Surfaces". NTRA board of directors also read audited financial reports claiming 2007 expenses at a plus $3,186,974 over expenses. The NTRA Horseplayers Coalition, the NTRA Advantage programs, and the NTRA 2009 television broadcast plans were also discussed.
The copyright of the article Synthetic Tracks Getting Safer in How to Race Horses is owned by BarbaraAnne Helberg. Permission to republish Synthetic Tracks Getting Safer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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