According to the Blood-horse, synthetic racing will soon join dirt racing on the wagering menu at Gulfstream Park.
The Florida track began notifying horsemen Sept. 2 that its Tapeta track, which is being installed on the outer portion of its turf course, would be ready for use in approximately two weeks. At that time, the turf course will be rested and seeded in preparation for racing later in the year.
Races scheduled for turf in the condition book will be moved to the Tapeta, which will require adjusting distances scheduled at 7 1/2 furlongs and a mile to a longer distance of a mile and 70 yards on the Tapeta.
The Tapeta was added to reduce wear on its turf course and to retain field size when rain forces races off the grass. Synthetic tracks handle inclement weather better than dirt and turf and remain fast when they drain efficiently.
Many observers feel turf-specializing horses are more likely to transfer their form to a synthetic surface than to a dirt one.
In North America, Tapeta is the surface in use at Turfway Park, Golden Gate Fields, Presque Isle Downs, and Woodbine—though it is the main track at those facilities. Tapeta is comprised of silica sand, wax, and fibers…
