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THREE TYPES OF TRACK SURFACE

You might get confused with many racetrack terms used by horse racing authors. But you have to know that there are only three major types of Track Surfaces: Turf, Dirt, and Artificial or Synthetic Tracks. Other terms like grass, tapeta, Polytrack, etc., are just synonyms or subtypes of these surfaces.

Moreover, did you know that track surfaces also have a vital role in a horse’s success in a race? Different track surfaces also affect the pace of the horses differently. Several horses were good on one specific track surface and had difficulty with the other. Each horse has its strength; whether in the dirt, turf, or synthetic, it all depends.

Hence, pro players and bettors also take note of the track surfaces and check the records of a horse. As vital as it is, learning the track surfaces also gets you the prize money.

DIRT TRACK

DIRT TRACK

It is the first common flat horse racing surface in western society that remained dominant in the United States.
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TURF TRACK

TURF TRACK

It is a natural grass track and the most popular track surface for European flat horse racing.
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SYNTHETIC TRACK

SYNTHETIC TRACK

Obviously, from its name "Artificial", this kind of surface track is manufactured.
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DIRT TRACK

DETAILS

  • It is the first common flat horse racing surface in western society that remained dominant in the United States.

COMPOSITION

  • Dirt tracks are not solely composed of dirt or soil. It is normally composed of clay, sand, and soil.

ADVANTAGES

  • Dirt tracks are cheaper than artificial surface and maintaining grass or turf tracks.
  • Early speed is good on dirt tracks
  • Races on dirt tracks tend to have the fastest pace

DISADVANTAGES

  • Rainfall can significantly affect dirt tracks.
  • Depending on the intensity of the weather, the dirt track could be good, sloppy, or muddy. It can cause accidents and unfairness to the game.
  • Hence, when there is a rainfall forecast, the maintenance crew would probably “seal” a dirt track by compressing the top layer of the track. It will skim off the water, avoiding a waterlogged or swampy track.
  • Natural dirt tracks do not have enough shock absorption. Hence, the hard pounding of hooves on the packed ground can increase stress on the horse’s legs. Horses who run on a dirt track most of the time or with insufficient proper training most likely get injuries.

TURF TRACK

DETAILS

  • It is a natural grass track and the most popular track surface for European flat horse racing.

COMPOSITION

  • A natural grass track

ADVANTAGES

  • Horses can avoid more slides and slips and are generally healthier after races than when racing on dirt tracks.
  • The deep grass cushion the hooves of the horses
  • There are no clods and dust which would sometimes hinder the horse or jockey in racing

DISADVANTAGES

  • Race times likely take longer since it has a grass surface that sometimes lightly grabs and slows down the Thoroughbred’s stride.
  • As a grass surface, owners have to maintain the grass’s length, making it harder to tend.
  • Among the three track surfaces, the weather affects the turf the most.

ARTIFICIAL/ SYNTHETIC TRACK

DETAILS

  • Obviously, from its name “Artificial”, this kind of surface track is manufactured.
  • In history, the first ever created synthetic surface was called Tartan turf. It is similar to Astroturf, founded in 1966. However, Tartan turf was a failure.
  • It has three main types: the Polytrack, Tapeta Footings, and Cushion. They all have a gravel base with a drainage system and are almost similar.
  • Other types are Fibresand, Pro-ride, Visco-Ride, and EquiPolitrek.

COMPOSITION & SUBTYPES

Polytrack

  • Composed of silica sand and fibers from a recycled carpet, spandex, and rubber. The entire mixture is covered with wax.

Tapeta Footing

  • Composed of sand and rubber fiber mixture which is also covered with wax. This substance makes up the top several inches and is installed on top of porous asphalt or a geotextile membrane. Drainage layers are built underneath.
  • The most popular among the synthetic tracks.

Cushion

  • Combination of sand, synthetic and elastic fibers coated with wax. It is approximately seven inches deep, followed by a geotextile membrane.

Fibresand

  • Composed of Sand particles and polypropylene fiber.

Pro-Ride

  • 6 inches of footing (sand, nylon fiber, Spandex fiber coated in a polymeric binder) on top of a 4-inch IMC layer (sand & nylon fiber) on top of a drainage system.

Visco-Ride

  • Composed of Sand and fiber coated in wax

EquiPolitrek

  • Combination of silica sand, recycled synthetic fibers (carpet & spandex) and chopped geotextile. The entirety is coated with wax.

ADVANTAGES

  • Unlike dirt and turf courses, the all-weather track is not affected by any weather. It has a drainage system better than natural (dirt and turf) track surfaces.
  • It is the safest track compared to natural surface tracks.

DISADVANTAGES

  • Expensive to maintain

Further Information

According to some subjective observations, American bettors acknowledge dirt racing to be more predictable. Due to this, it became a more popular medium for bettors. As mentioned, weather conditions affect the speed of the different surfaces. Hence, grading systems have been created to indicate the track condition. It is named the “going” in the UK and Ireland.

If you want to wager like a pro, better hit the buttons below and equip yourself with more knowledge about horse racing types and breeds. You can also check our glossary for more information and facts about horse racing.

Horse Racing Types
Horse Racing Breeds
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Horse Racing Terminologies and Definitions

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