In horse racing, a track's turf surface is more than just grass. It sets a stage where safety and fairness are vital. With the racing community always looking for ways to make the sport safer, a new study has shed light on tools that make assessing the condition of racetracks much easier and more accurate.
Titled "A Comparison of Devices for Race Day Characterization of North American Turfgrass Thoroughbred Racing Surfaces," this study, published in MDPI Animals was a joint effort by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) and Michigan State University (MSU). It is now helping lead the way to a safer sport.
The researchers set out to find an easier way to check the consistency and safety of racetrack surfaces, which has become even more important since the introduction of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA).
The traditional testing method involves the Orono Biomechanical Surface Tester (OBST), designed by Michael Peterson, study co-author, UK Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering professor and director of the Racetrack Safety Program. Developed nearly two decades ago, the OBST mimics the forelimb impact of a Thoroughbred at a gallop. Recognized as the industry's gold standard test equipment for this use, it plays a crucial role in pre-meet inspections of racing surfaces. However, there is one drawback—its complexity for everyday use.
"The OBST, while invaluable for pre-meet inspections, isn't suited for daily assessments due to its size and the training required to operate,” Schmitt said. “We're exploring tools to make these essential surface checks more accessible to racetrack personnel."
The research team tested five portable tools at MSU’s Hancock Turfgrass Research Center in East Lansing, Michigan that could offer a quicker, easier way to get valuable information about the track's condition.
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Categories: Kentucky, Livestock