3 Types of Horse Racing Grounds and Tracks

Horse racing is an ancient tradition but is still being enjoyed by many people to date. It is also one of the few sports that has carried on, even in the wake of the covid-19 crisis. Hong Kong and Australia continue to race but without spectator crowds.

The horse racing tracks grounds range from grass, dirt, and sand in some countries. The various ground types affect the racing speed of horses and, ultimately, their performance results. Here, we look at the most variable surfaces and their effect on the horses.

1.Artificial, Synthetic and All-Weather Racing courses

Synthetic horse racing courses are made from a mix of different materials designed to mimic grass, dirt, and turf surfaces. They are made to be more weather resistant compared to the natural tracks, made to drain better and be able to function better than a natural surface, even in wet conditions. The depth is also essential for springy surfaces as it will, in turn, produce faster racing.

However, their adoption has not been a big success as nothing can be as good as the natural dirt or grass. These artificial grounds on courses will, however, help in areas with adverse weather conditions and where natural grass cannot grow. Different combinations of rubber, wax, sand, synthetic, and natural fibers result in a different track. Some of these tracks are:

• Rashit-Track: Has temperature resistant properties, between -40 to +65 degrees centigrade. Rashit is made from a coated mix of sand, textiles, and recycled fibers.
• Polytrack: This is the most common brand name in Ireland and the UK, made from fibers recycled from old rubber and carpets and then mixed with sand.
• Tapeta: This artificial course is 4-7 inches deep, and made from rubber, sand, and fibers, for a dirt-like appearance. It is common in the US.
• ProRide: This is a 6-inch-deep surface that is common in Australia. Made from spandex fibers, nylon, and sand for a dirt-like surface.

2.Grass and Turf Racing Courses

• Turf: Turf is the primary track type for traditional racing in Europe, the UK, and other areas of temperate climates with a good sun and rain balance. The turf provides a perfect landing cushion for horses, ideal for flat and jumps racing. The turf’s friction properties make it suitable for take-off after landing.

Over summer, the turf tracks are firmer and, therefore, ideal for the thoroughbred’s high-speed racing. Winter, on the other hand, is ideal for the jump season as the ground is softer and ideal for steeplechases and hurdles.

• Grass: Grass covered tracks have many benefits in horse racing, but are also very variable. Racing outcomes are dependent on whether the racing ground is soft or hard. The track’s condition is measured with a penetrometer, that checks the amount of force needed to penetrate the ground, which is also referred to as ‘going stick.’ Going stick depends on the amount of moisture.

3. Mud, Dirt and Sand Racing Courses

Dirt racing on firm surfaces is king in the US and Canada, even though there are still some high profile races that use turf surfaces. Arab nations use dirt tracks too, though theirs have high sand mixtures.

Dirt is faster compared to grass, which is drier and also slippery. Most of the US traditional races, like the Kentucky Derby, happen on dirt courses. Dirt surfaces are a combination of mud and sand, and variations in these two can vary track conditions.

Most dirt racing happens on moist and dry tracks, and wet racing depends on the track’s location but has mostly been replaced by turf racing of Europe. As much as dirt surfaces are faster, they have also been classified as deadly, as was the case with the Del Mar Race Track. This dangerous feature is the exodus of the introduction of artificial tracks’ debate.