You might get confused with many horse 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.
On the other hand, track surfaces also have different track conditions that can be altered by extreme weather changes. The track condition is identified by the amount of moisture in the ground, called the grading system. It is also called the going (UK and Ireland) or track rating (AUS). The turf and dirt tracks also have different track conditions, which you can learn in this article. How can this affect the performance of the horse? As horses have different track condition preferences as well. Some like a dry track, some do not. They best perform in the tracks their hooves like. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the horse and the track conditions where it would race.
Hence, pro players and bettors also note the track surfaces and conditions and check a horse’s records. As vital as it is, learning the track surfaces also earns you prize money.
When a dirt track is dry, it is labeled fast. However, the term “fast” does not refer to the speed of the racetrack. Remember that a dry track can produce slow times, and a wet track can also produce fast times.
Sometimes, it is dry enough that it requires watering in between races.
This occurs immediately after a rain. The track has surface water present, but the base is still solid or firm because the moisture has not penetrated the lower layers yet.
Times on a wet-fast track can be similar or faster than fast track.
It is a surface that is about to dry. It can be a little softer than a fast track. It may have some moisture but cannot significantly impact the horses’ performance.
It has absorbed more moisture and is softer than a fast track. Horses might experience some resistance while running on this surface, producing slightly slower times.
It is “deeper” and slower than a good surface.
It can significantly affect the performance of the horse.
Machinery compacted the dirt track to seal out moisture and reduce the amount of water reaching the base. Wet tracks are sealed to produce a safe and even racing surface.
It is the standard dry and tightly packed turf surface. It has a solid footing for horses and usually produces faster times.
Horses might sink slightly into the ground, affecting the horses’ stride and producing a slower racing pace.
It can also potentially damage their hooves (like the divots).
It has a large amount of moisture and produces a slower racing pace.
It can also sink the horse deeper.
It absorbed a significant amount of rainwater and was basically waterlogged.
Horses may struggle to keep their speed and stamina on this difficult terrain.
It is usually utilized in Europe and Australia to indicate a more saturated turf course than a soft track condition.
It is unlikely to be used in North America since race events are usually transferred to a dirt or synthetic track when extreme weather conditions occur or the turf course gets this wet.
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. Aside from checking if the track condition is suitable for their chosen horse, bettors also consider the role of the track and weather condition on the draw bias—another factor that can significantly affect race results. Check out our article about “Draw Bias” to understand how it can essentially aid bettors in choosing the right horse to bet on.
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.
