Woodbine to Install Polytrack in July
by Blood-Horse Staff
Officials at Woodbine Entertainment Group announced March 28 that the Ontario-based racing and entertainment company will install a Polytrack surface on its one-mile main dirt track at Woodbine. Construction is to begin in early July.
No announcement has been made on what will happen to live racing during the renovation.
Woodbine will become the second major North American racetrack to instate the all-weather synthetic surface, which is comprised of polypropylene fibers, silica sand, recycled rubber and other materials, and a wax coating.
"At Woodbine we're proud of the quality of our racing program and committed to being a leader in our business," said David Willmot, WEG's chairman and chief executive officer. "We have a responsibility to help ensure the safety of our sport's athletes--both human and equine--and we're convinced Polytrack is safer. We also believe our customers will welcome the opportunity to wager on racing that is consistent, and competitive."
Turfway Park installed Polytrack in August 2005. In 2004, Keeneland, which owns Turfway in partnership with Harrah's Entertainment, put the footing in place on its five-eighths-mile training course, making it the first public facility in North America to do so.
*It will be interesting to see what they will do about live racing. I thought they were going to put dirt on the harness track.
Woodbine hopes to have installation completed and the track open by September 1.
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