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The Polytrack all-weather track is a patented synthetic surface for racetracks. Polytrack has a high shock absorption rate, and a low elasticity repulsion rate. According to The Guardian, trainers, owners, jockeys and racecourse managers agree that it is the best of its kind. It was invented by Englishman Martin Collins of Martin Collins Enterprises Ltd.

Turfway Park, in Florence, Kentucky was the first track in North America to use Polytrack as its main racing surface. A proprosal is out in California to switch its five major race tracks from dirt to a "Polytrack like surface" by the end of 2007.

According to Craig Fravel, executive vice president of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Polytrack has a firmer footing than natural dirt, and is much safer for horses and riders.

Thorougbreds have been running on Polytrack for nearly eight months at Turfway Park, and only three animals had to be euthanized because of injuries, according to Rick Leigh, the Turfway racing secretary.

In January 2005 alone, before Polytrack was installed, six horses had to be euthanized at Turfway because of injuries sustained on natural dirt. The synthetic surface has also cut veterinary bills by 30 percent to 40 percent.

Polytrack has the texture of natural dirt but is lighter in color. It is a mixture of sand, synthetic fibers and recycled rubber coated with a “microcrystalline wax” and mixed on-site, according to the manufacturer.

Polytrack makes up the top six inches of the racing surface, and requires an extensive drainage system before it is applied. The existing dirt surface is removed first, and a system of pipes is installed. Crushed rock comes next, then a layer of porous macadam, followed by the synthetic.

A dirt track must be graded by a tractor-drawn harrow – an agricultural device with discs for breaking up and leveling ground – followed by a water truck after morning workouts and before every race. Polytrack, however, is less demanding, and needs to be "evened out" only two or three times a day.

Tracks utilizing Polytrack are always considered to be "fast" regardless of weather conditions.

Also, the polytrack is a new addition to Keeneland in Kentucky and Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. The horses that have raced on it have had no problems, and come to the finish line with clean hooves and much more relaxed muscles.

See also:

• Keeneland
• Lingfield Park

• http://www.polytrack.com/