Post by Kate on Jun 24, 2009 22:58:47 GMT -5
Originally published as part of the racing education series written by Hannah, Kaitlyn, and Kate, in summer 2007
Last time we talked about the different types of races -- maiden, allowance, stakes, etc. The level your horse runs at matters, but often, the conditions of the race are equally important. This month we will cover different track surfaces and race distances and how they affect the horse.
Track Surfaces
CONVENTIONAL DIRT -- For many, many years, most tracks in the United States were dirt tracks. Dirt tracks are, well, exactly what they sound like. In recent years, however, it has been proven that dirt tracks cause a lot of extra strain on horse's joints because it does not "break away" very well. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is now requiring all U.S. tracks to switch their dirt tracks to a synthetic surface.
SYNTHETIC/ALL-WEATHER -- These surfaces usually consist of polypropylene fibers, rubber and silica sand in a wax coating. Synthetic surfaces absorb impact and provide "give," helping to reduce injuries to horse's backs and legs. Most trainers and handicappers agree that synthetic tracks act a lot like turf because of how it breaks away from the horse's hoof. Horses that run well on turf often also do well on synthetic surfaces. Two of the most popular types of synthetic surfaces are Polytrack (used at Keeneland, Woodbine, and Arlington Park) and Cushion Track (used at Hollywood Park, soon to be installed at Santa Anita).
TURF -- Turf is just another word for grass. Natural turf is a great cushion, and most horses like to run on it. It has a certain amount of firmness, but has enough cushion to prevent most types of concussion injuries. Because the grass is firmer, horses do not sink into the ground so much and do not have to work as hard to run. Races on the turf also tend to run a tiny bit slower than races on dirt.
Distances
The basic unit of measure for distance in horse racing is the furlong, which is equal to 1/8 of a mile. Generally, Thoroughbred races will not be shorter than 4 furlongs (or half a mile), and usually races that short are maiden races for new two-year olds.
Sprints are shorter races, usually 5 to 7 furlongs, and are considered very "fast" races. Often in sprint races the fractional times for the quarter mile and 1/2 mile are a second or two faster than for longer distances.
7 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) are usually considered medium distances. Longer or classic distances range from 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) to 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs). Many of the more famous stakes races like the Triple Crown races, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Travers, and the Personal Ensign Stakes are classic distances.
Races longer than a mile and a half are not very common in Thoroughbred flat racing and are a true test of the horse's endurance. The San Juan Capistrano Stakes at Santa Anita is one of the longest stakes at 1 3/4 miles.
Last time we talked about the different types of races -- maiden, allowance, stakes, etc. The level your horse runs at matters, but often, the conditions of the race are equally important. This month we will cover different track surfaces and race distances and how they affect the horse.
Track Surfaces
CONVENTIONAL DIRT -- For many, many years, most tracks in the United States were dirt tracks. Dirt tracks are, well, exactly what they sound like. In recent years, however, it has been proven that dirt tracks cause a lot of extra strain on horse's joints because it does not "break away" very well. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is now requiring all U.S. tracks to switch their dirt tracks to a synthetic surface.
SYNTHETIC/ALL-WEATHER -- These surfaces usually consist of polypropylene fibers, rubber and silica sand in a wax coating. Synthetic surfaces absorb impact and provide "give," helping to reduce injuries to horse's backs and legs. Most trainers and handicappers agree that synthetic tracks act a lot like turf because of how it breaks away from the horse's hoof. Horses that run well on turf often also do well on synthetic surfaces. Two of the most popular types of synthetic surfaces are Polytrack (used at Keeneland, Woodbine, and Arlington Park) and Cushion Track (used at Hollywood Park, soon to be installed at Santa Anita).
TURF -- Turf is just another word for grass. Natural turf is a great cushion, and most horses like to run on it. It has a certain amount of firmness, but has enough cushion to prevent most types of concussion injuries. Because the grass is firmer, horses do not sink into the ground so much and do not have to work as hard to run. Races on the turf also tend to run a tiny bit slower than races on dirt.
Distances
The basic unit of measure for distance in horse racing is the furlong, which is equal to 1/8 of a mile. Generally, Thoroughbred races will not be shorter than 4 furlongs (or half a mile), and usually races that short are maiden races for new two-year olds.
Sprints are shorter races, usually 5 to 7 furlongs, and are considered very "fast" races. Often in sprint races the fractional times for the quarter mile and 1/2 mile are a second or two faster than for longer distances.
7 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/16 miles (8 1/2 furlongs) are usually considered medium distances. Longer or classic distances range from 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) to 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs). Many of the more famous stakes races like the Triple Crown races, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Travers, and the Personal Ensign Stakes are classic distances.
Races longer than a mile and a half are not very common in Thoroughbred flat racing and are a true test of the horse's endurance. The San Juan Capistrano Stakes at Santa Anita is one of the longest stakes at 1 3/4 miles.
