Breeding & Racing Magazine

US Track Testing Lab To Be Launched

Also in the US, a Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory "designed to enhance surface safety for horses & riders is being launched with the financial support of a broad industry coalition," reported bloodhorse.com. The laboratory "is expected to begin operation within the next 30 days" & "will provide science-based testing focused on the unique demands of horse racing". Such testing "has long been sought after by track superintendents & will be provided for dirt & synthetic racetrack surfaces in collaboration with industry stakeholders". One of the laboratory's coordinators Dr Mick Peterson (a professor in mechanical engineering at the University Of Maine) commented: "The development of this laboratory will provide a location where reliable tests of surfaces can be obtained & new tests that better represent the needs of the industry can be developed. This initiative will also provide a unique tool for studying the performance of new & existing surfaces in a controlled environment. It is exciting to see the willingness of the industry to approach these challenges in a systematic fashion."  The Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory "will focus on composition analysis & performance testing of dirt & synthetic surfaces materials. These measurements will help to increase consistency & reduce the possibility of injury to horses & riders."