Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an engineered racing surface?
A: An engineered racing surface contains a mixture of materials-ranging from
naturally occurring materials such as sand to synthetic materials such as
carpet fiber and recycled rubber. When combined, and covered with a
specially designed wax coating, the mixture becomes an engineered surface.
An engineered surface also includes a specially designed vertical drainage
system. Typically, it is composed of a layer of porous macadam (an
asphalt-like substance), drainage stone and a system of drainage pipes that
carry water away from underneath the track. The result is a more consistent
and forgiving surface.
Q: Are all engineered racing surfaces the same?
A: No. While similar, they are not the same. The differences can be
attributed to a number of things, including the manufacturer/installer,
weather, materials, drainage system and installation practices.
Q: What are the benefits of an engineered racing surface?
A: Far and away, the biggest benefit of an engineered racing surface is that
can help reduce the number of catastrophic breakdowns. In addition,
engineered surfaces can help reduce the number of race day cancellations
because its composition makes it less likely to freeze, resulting in a
rating that is rarely, if ever, anything but fast. Moreover, an engineered
surface typically is designed to remain fast in heavy rainfall. Because of
the unique structure of the track surface and base, water flows vertically
through the materials to a specially designed drainage system that carries
the water away from the track.
Q: How does an engineered surface compare to a traditional dirt surface or
turf course?
A. Typically, an engineered surface has a base that is about six or seven
inches deep, compared to conventional surfaces that have about three or four
inches of top layer. Also, an engineered surface has a vertical drainage
system underneath the surface that a traditional dirt track does not have.
Because of the composition of an engineered surface, it also has a different
look and feel. It does not allow as much slide, thus reducing impact. Also,
studies show that horses should wear shoes without toe grabs when running on
an engineered surface.
Additionally, it requires slightly different maintenance techniques.
