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Originally Posted by Nostradamus
This is absolutely ridiculous. Polytrack is much safer and any horseman knows that. Get on a horse on the poly and you will see how much firmer a footing a horse has.
Here from Keeneland
Why Keeneland Believes A Polytrack Racing Surface Is Superior to a Conventional Dirt Track
Statistics are showing that Polytrack is a safer racing surface for horses and jockeys. Its soft surface is kinder to horses’ joints and legs.
A Polytrack surface remains consistent regardless of weather. Comparatively, with a conventional dirt track, weather--especially rain and cold temperatures that can cause a racetrack to freeze and thaw--can produce dangerous conditions on a racing surface.
Since installing Polytrack, Turfway Park has improved safety, increased the number of starters, and greatly decreased the number of cancelled racing dates due to track condition or weather.
Fall ’04 thru Winter ‘05 Fall ’05 thru Winter ‘06
Catastrophic Breakdowns 24 3
Number of Starters 8,925 10,208
Cancelled Racing Days 11 1
from 24 breakdowns to 3. 11 cancelled racing days to 1.
The sub layers include porous macadam and dense aggregate rock that provide a solid foundation while vertical drainage pipes carry water away from the track. Together, these elements provide a safer, more consistent racing surface compared to a conventional dirt track.
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Like I said, i'm not going to believe that it is 100% safer by looking at two seasons on the surface. You also need to take into consideration, how many of those 24 breakdowns on the dirt were missteps, etc.