Welcome to Post Time Tales! This is the first post, and hopefully, the first of many in an ongoing effort to share a little insight on many topics from my 25 plus years of experience in the Racing Industry.
Much is in the news today about artificial racing surfaces, and most you read is not good. My first experience was with Remington Park's attempt in the late 1980's and as everyone knows it was a dismal failure. That surface was excellent to race over in the very beginning; with some very obvious flaws: some horses excelled over it, some hated it. Temperature was a major factor as some were experiencing heat stroke when the temp was only in the 60's. Horsemen had to resort to using Pam, WD40 or other lubricants sprayed on horses legs and tails because that stuff stuck to hair, and just would not come off after a race. Moisture (or lack of) also played in, and they had to quietly (and secretly) add water when it was touted as not needing water. Abruptly abandoned and never resurfaced there.
Now for today; many tracks have installed and subsequently had major problems with the artificial surfaces. The only major exception to date is the Tapeta surface in place at Presque Isle,Golden Gate, and currently being installed in Dubai. I have seen this surface in action and believe it to be the best currently in existence. Michael Dickinson is the closest to having a surface that is acceptable and I am sure he will continue to improve his product.
The problem with any surface; artificial or dirt, is drainage. More research needs to be done in order to improve drainage on all surfaces, and could alleviate most all of the problems currently being seen worldwide.
Artificial surfaces? Who knows; the jury is still out.
