Synthetic Success

Well we are coming to the close of the first year of synthetic surfaces at multiple tracks and so far it seems to have been a success. Spring 06 Turfway meet produced higher handles and increased starters per race. The same can be said for Keenelands Fall meet, Turfway's fall meet and so far for the meet at Hollywood. More importanly, horse injuries have significantly declined at all three venues.

Personally, I would like to see no more dirt tracks switch to a synthetic surface after Arlington completes its surface change. I feel there is a place for a synthetic surface in our sport, but we also need a dirt surface. Right now we have a good mix.

FYI... I do not have any numbers from Woodbine.