Synthetic track ready to roll

The Daily News 2000 will be run as usual and then two races, which are not part of the programme, will be staged on the new polytrack.

The practice events will give racegoers, owners, trainers and jockeys their first experience of the new track which will be in use every Friday night in the future.

A polytrack is a synthetic surface which replaces grass, dirt or sand as the racing surface on a horseracing track. Manufacturers of the surface materials claim synthetic tracks have drainage attributes which are better than natural surfaces. In situations such as cold weather, these surfaces allow racing to be continued when it might otherwise be cancelled.

Polytracks are also used in large horse-training centres to allow trainers to exercise their horses even in inclement weather conditions.

Race manager Graeme Hawkins has sent out invitations to trainers to nominate horses to take part in the trial races.

The new starting stalls for the polytrack will also be in operation for the first time on the night.

– Sapa