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by A K Stubbs et al
February 2004
RIRDC Publication No 04/039
RIRDC Project No PTP-20A
Introduction
During a comprehensive survey
of turf composition and management of grass racetracks in Australia (RIRDC
Project TGT-1A), a diverse range of situations and practices were found,
many of which were based on local opinion and experience in the absence
of more uniform, recognised techniques.
A recommendation from this project led to annual Racecourse Managers Conferences which have assisted information exchange and wider knowledge of better practices. A Racetrack Management Manual (RIRDC Project PTP-15A) has been prepared to assemble all this information.
At the 5th Conference, in 2000, a research and development forum was conducted which identified more precise definition of quality standards and best practices as now being required, particularly applying to track construction, management, performance and assessment. This led to a workshop, held in March, 2001, which considered priorities for racecourse R & D, and resulted in agreement to collect all currently available information about track design, maintenance and performance and attempt to relate this data to horse performance and injury.
It was considered that compilation of data on recent racetrack constructions and subsequent performance, together with any other relevant records on race and training tracks, to evaluate the degree of success of the various techniques, would be an essential first step to guide development of quality standards relative to horse performance.
This exercise would have the added benefit of pointing the way to a uniform approach to collection of data on racetrack performance and management. It would also provide the industry with an account of the different approaches and experiences, to assist better, future decision making, and highlight areas of limited knowledge needing more research and development.
Objective
Compilation and analysis of
data on race and training track construction and performance as a basis
for development of quality standards and monitoring procedures relevant
to horse performance and injury.
Methodology
A database was designed, differentiating
between turf and non-turf tracks, race and training tracks, with details
of re-constructions including reasons and results, performance records
and maintenance practices, with the aim of identifying and defining effective
and non-effective techniques.
An international scientific literature review was conducted for information pertinent to design, performance and maintenance of horse race and training tracks. This was assisted by reference to overseas experiences in California, Singapore and Hong Kong, identified from recent Racecourse Managers conferences.
A number of major racetrack constructions or reconstructions that occurred in Australia in recent years were surveyed to gather information on methods, costs, schedules, results and lessons learnt.
Performance records, recording systems and maintenance practices for race and training tracks were collected in some of these surveys.
Horse performance and injury data relative to track shape, surface and durability were sought from racing industry veterinarians.
The database was constructed as a reference website and a report produced, drawing conclusions regarding apparent best practice techniques and basic standards, proposing data collection procedures for uniform application, and recommending priority areas for future race and training track research and development.
Results
Literature Review
The review found that, whilst
there has been progress towards understanding the track related risk factors
for MSI, there is still insufficient information to produce guidelines
for the design and management of “safer” racetracks.
General findings were:
The surveys of a number
of actual track constructions in Australia during the last decade, together
with examination of several overseas experiences, have revealed some commonality
of approach to track geometry and profile parameters, despite a mix of
reasons and budgetary constraints. There have been generally positive outcomes
from the constructions in broad terms such as fewer lost meetings and less
extreme variations in track rating. However, there is a dearth of detailed
‘before and after’ data that could throw light on the relative effect of
the varying changes on horse performance and injury.
Performance Recording
Systems
This is the area of greatest
deficiency in the industry. Some racecourses have monitored racetrack ratings,
weather, irrigation, maintenance procedures and user comments over time
but they are probably in the minority. There appears to have been little
detailed analysis of this data to relate track factors to horse performance.
Injury and fatality data has also been routinely recorded by racing industry veterinarians but this is only recently being related to track conditions on race days. There is no evidence of systematic collection of data on training tracks to examine the effects of surfaces and condition on horse injury or performance.
Track Standards
From the case studies, examination
of the literature, and consultations with researchers, racing industry
suppliers and racecourse managers on the project team, some broad parameters
for track standards can be defined relative to current opinion on requirements
for optimum horse performance and minimum injury risk. There is little
objective evidence to support these parameters, particularly with regard
to the actual effects on horses, and further work is required to more accurately
define them.
Track standards are defined for: Track Design/Geometry; Track Surface/Profile; Track Maintenance; and Monitoring Procedures.
Recommendations
