Drainage issues resurface at Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park was plagued by poor weather and had to endure several cancellations in their now concluded winter meeting.
The Cushion Track was not draining properly this past winter, and after much deliberation, officials called in Australian Pro-Ride synthetic expert Ian Pearse. In February 2008, the synthetic guru added polymers and other materials to the main track in an effort to improve the ongoing drainage problems. Conditions were on the improve with the new Cushion Track/Pro-Ride surface, and better weather did not hurt either.
Fast forward to May 2008. Santa Anita officials had hoped to perform a water-resiliency test by extensively watering the surface, but a recent heavy storm dumped a few inches of rain and left the track with standing water.
The drainage test has been called off, and after perusing the main track, Mr. Pearse has expressed an interest in removing the asphalt base.
Track president Ron Charles is expected to meet with Frank Stronach in the near future, and the Magna boss will make the final call.
Based on everything I has seen and read on synthetic surfaces the past few years, if I was installing an all-weather track, my choice would be Tapeta. The Michael Dickinson surface has withstood various weather conditions at Golden Gate without incident, and the Mad Genius is known for his attention to detail.
Interestingly enough, Golden Gate is owned by Magna Entertainment, the same company that owns Santa Anita Park…can you hear me Mr. Stronach.
With the next two Breeders’ Cup Championships to be held at Santa Anita Park, the time has come to resolve this ongoing synthetic issue once and for all!
Photo Credit: Newscom
Tags: drainage, Ian Pearse, Santa Anita ParkRelated Stories
POSTED IN: California Racing, Miscellaneous, Synthetic Tracks
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