On Wednesday, Keeneland’s board of directors instructed management to
continue the planning, design and engineering for the installation of the
Polytrack surface on its main track during the summer of 2006.
“It’s the desire of the board for Keeneland to have the finest racing surface
in the world,” Keeneland President Nick Nicholson said. “The surface should be
the safest possible for both horse and rider, and it should provide the best
overall racing experience.”
Polytrack is a blend of fibers, recycled rubber and wax-coated silica sand.
It was developed by Martin Collins and is installed on top of a vertical
drainage system.
On September 7, Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky became the first racetrack
in North America to conduct racing on the new surface. Many trainers and jockeys
praised the surface during the month-long meeting.
Keeneland installed the Polytrack surface on it five-eighths of a mile
training track in September 2004. The unique surface, which is designed to
remain consistent under various weather conditions, was introduced in England in
the early 1980s.