Can Stronach be convinced to try a third synthetic surface at Santa Anita?
 

http://www.insidesocal.com/horseraci...nced-to-t.html

Excerpt:

Even though Stronach told me in an exclusive interview on the eve of his scheduled Southland arrival tonight that he won't install a third synthetic at Santa Anita, one Southern California racing official familiar with the goings on at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar is convinced the pro-synthetic folks are trying to persuade Stronach to continue to support synthetics.

"It's game on ... (pro-synthetic officials) are pressing as hard as they can for synthetics," said the official, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic and the fact a final decision has not been announced. "They are doing everything they possibly can to lobby Frank to go (synthetics), that (Santa Anita) needs to stay the course here. And I know one of the (arguing points) is the cost.


"It will be a miracle if (Santa Anita) gets back to dirt. They're all in to keep it synthetic."

However, Stronach sounded a very different tone on Thursday.

"The synthetic surface, the way they are, I've never liked them," he said.
He went on to say he is considering a sandy, dirt surface that includes a small amount of fiber but is basically a natural track that is "very safe."

This is turning into a situation just like the health care reform debate: message from on-high is public be damned!

There's a poll at the bottom of the article. So far, no one wants what DMR currently has installed.

WILSON: Santa Anita owner searching for input - LA Daily News
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_14474484

Excerpt:

Stronach vowed Thursday during an exclusive telephone interview that he'll never install another synthetic track at Santa Anita after the existing Pro-Ride surface is removed when the meet ends April 18, he said but he's strongly considering a sandy surface that never has been tried or tested in the U.S.

"It's dirt, it's sand and there's a small amount of fiber in there," Stronach said. "Just picture a beach. It's similar to sand on a beach. It's a very safe surface."

Stronach said there are a number of riding rings in Europe and a training center in Spain that currently use the surface. He had it installed at his race track in Austria last year and has been pleased with the results.

"The technology is you water the track from underneath and you can absolutely control the moisture content," Stronach said. "It drains heavily, you can suck the water away very quickly, and if it dries you can regulate the water at all times."

OK, sounds good. But there are a couple of potential problem areas. Stronach went on to explain this new surface requires a special base with a lot of drainage pipes.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_14474484
Who's going to pay for it?

" Owner searching for Input" Are you kidding?... Where has he been...try reading once in a while.

Put the fake stuff on the training track for a few years and we will see more about it.

If he wants to gamble on the future again, try driving a Toyota. :)

These people are Looney Tunes.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh11A41klL4


Too bad they have any influence at all.

Little early for April Fools Day... :lol:

sound alot like the old dubai course. remember it was sand based. close enough to dirt to make me happy

I suspect that since this man is a big player as a breeder and owner of horses in training, he will weigh his choices carefully. However if past performance in the choice areas is any indicator, he may install styrofoam....

i have one thought about "a new surface thats been tried in austria" how much different can the climate be between austria and california? :rolleyes: all i can say for bettors from california is good luck :lol:

Frank...Just say NO :bang:

I seriously don't see the issue.

everyone here knows that even dirt tracks aren't really 100% dirt anyway.

all dirt tracks have some type of other crap in them for reasons I don't care to know nor know how to explain.

how is this any different?

i'm sorry but the beach metaphor really gives pause :faint:

Why did I suddenly think of Frank's Energy Drink?

Never been tried or tested in the U.S.? Sounds like the obvious way to go. :bang:

Certainly wouldn't want to use something as bizarre as conventional dirt.

From Steven Crist's DRF article regarding Frank's new mystery surface, "In 2008, the last year for which the Jockey Club has collected statistics, there were exactly 62 Thoroughbred races in Austria, and there are 12 days of racing scheduled for Ebreichsdorf this year. Nor is it particularly reassuring that the surface is otherwise being used only for show jumping."