What Exactly Is All Weather Racing
All Weather Racing Focus {AW} {AWR}
About AW/AWR▸ All-Weather racing refers to horse races conducted on synthetic surfaces designed to provide consistent and safe racing conditions regardless of weather.
More Racing▸ These surfaces, such as Polytrack and Tapeta, are engineered to drain water away more efficiently than natural turf can. Thereby reducing race cancellations due to rain. Synthetic surfaces do fare better than turf during cold spells, frost and snow ~ but it's the rain the synthetics surfaces deal with most impressively.
Less Injuries▸ Also enabling a more uniform footing, a lot more often than turf, for horses to run fast on, with less chance of injury problems occuring to boot.
In A Nutshell ~ That's What All Weather Racing Is All About
AWR Flat Distances▸ All flat distances are run on the AW Code circuit. 5f straight sprint burn ups in the UK at Southwell & Newcastle ~ right up to marathon stayer races over 2miles ~ are regularly run all over the world at venues such as Sha Tin in Hong Kong, to Chantilly in France, to Woodbine up there in Canada.
Enhanced Safety▸ Studies have shown that synthetic surfaces can be safer than traditional dirt or turf tracks. For instance, synthetic surfaces are reported to be 3.5 times safer than dirt and 2.2 times safer than turf, potentially reducing the risk of injuries to the horses 50 to 70% of the time. Source
Increased Popularity▸ All-weather racing take up has grown significantly. In the early 1990s, all-weather races accounted for about 12% of all flat races in Britain. This figure has risen to approximately 40%, highlighting the increasing importance and popularity of all-weather racing in the UK. Turf racing traditionalists don't like AWR much. Boohoo. Source
AWR in the UK
In the UK, there are 6 or 7 AWR tracks. UK six and one in Eire ~ 1) Dundalk ~ technically not in the UK ~ 2) Lingfield Park▸ 3) Kempton Park▸ 4) Chelmsford City▸ 5) Wolverhampton▸ 6) Southwell▸ 7) Newcastle▸ all running AW racing on the regular, all year around. Especially during the winter months.
These 6 or 7 tracks utilize either Polytrack or Tapeta surfaces, contributing to approximately 20% of the whole British racing calendar ~ that number includes national hunt over the jumps. AWR is now an integral part of the sport of horse racing in the UK. Source
A Bit About Traditional Horse Racing Surfaces
-
Traditional Race Surfaces▸ Historically, horse racing has been conducted on natural surfaces, primarily turf (grass) and dirt.
-
Turf (Grass)▸ Predominant in Europe▸ Asia▸ Australia▸ turf is the traditional surface for horse racing. It offers a forgiving cushion for horses but is highly sensitive to weather conditions. Careful maintenance is a must to ensure consistent and safe racing conditions for the horses and thier jockeys.
-
Dirt▸ Common in the United States, dirt tracks are composed of sand, silt, and clay. They are favoured for their ease of maintenance and the fast-paced racing they facilitate. However, dirt surfaces can become hazardous in inclement weather, leading to increased risk of injury. Source
What Exactly Is Synthetic Track Racing
Synth Track Surfaces In Horse Racing Focus
Synthetic track racing refers to horse racing conducted on artificial surfaces designed to replicate the performance characteristics of natural dirt or turf tracks. These surfaces are engineered to provide consistent racing conditions and enhance safety for both horses and jockeys.
Common materials used in synth tracks include sand▸ synthetic fibres▸ rubber▸ wax▸ components are combined to create a surface that maintains uniformity regardless of weather conditions, reducing the variability seen in traditional dirt or turf tracks. This consistency aims to minimize the risk of injuries and provide a reliable racing environment.
Several proprietary synthetic surfaces have been developed and implemented at racetracks worldwide. Notable examples include Polytrack▸ Tapeta Footings▸ Cushion Track▸ Synth surfaces have been adopted at various venues ~ such as Keeneland Race Course▸ Santa Anita Park▸ Presque Isle Downs▸ Golden Gate Fields▸ Turfway Park▸
While synthetic tracks offer benefits like improved drainage and reduced maintenance ~ their adoption has been met with both support and criticism. Synth tracks have been praised for lowering the incidence of catastrophic injuries to horses and requiring less water usage. Some racing connections appreciate the enhanced safety and consistency ~ while others have raised concerns about factors like surface maintenance and the impact on actual race dynamics.
To Summarise What Synthetic Racing Is
Synth track racing refers to horse racing conducted on artificial surfaces that are engineered to mimic the performance characteristics of dirt or turf while offering greater consistency and improved safety.
Synthetic surfaces are typically made from a mixture of sand▸ rubber▸ synthetic fibres▸ coated with wax or polymer binders.
Popular brands of synthetic track surfaces include Polytrack▸ Tapeta▸ Cushion Track▸
Some in the racing community have expressed concerns about maintenance complexity and different performance dynamics compared to traditional race surfaces.
Synthetic Surfaces Historical Focus ~ Through The Years
| Year |
Event |
| 1965▸ |
April – Tartan Track tested with six Thoroughbred trial races at Laurel Raceway, a harness track. |
| 1966▸ |
November – First race on Tropical Park’s Tartan surface. |
| 1971▸ |
- May – Calder Race Course opens with a main track consisting of synthetic Saf-T-Turf
- September – Calder covers Saf-T-Turf with sand▸ special harrow built to keep a two-inch consistency.
|
| 1987▸ |
Martin Collins first Polytrack training facility installed at trainer Richard Hannon’s [1] mile round polytrack gallop in Marlbrough, England, at [2] Herridge |
| 1988▸ |
August – Equitrack, a mixture of sand and oil-based polymers, installed at Remington Park. |
| 1989▸ |
October – [1] Lingfield Park in England opens with Equitrack surface. [2] Southwell in England opens with Fibresand. |
| 1991▸ |
July – Remington Park announces Equitrack will be replaced by conventional racing surface. |
| 1998▸ |
March – Trainer Michael Dickinson lays down his Tapeta surface at his training farm in North East, Maryland, USA. |
| 2001▸ |
November – Lingfield Park resurfaced with Polytrack. |
| 2002▸ |
January – Newmarket opens Polytrack gallop at Long Hill . |
| 2003▸ |
March – Polytrack gallop installed at Ballydoyle in Ireland. Training tracks installed for France Galop at Chantilly and Maisons-Laffitte. |
| 2004▸ |
September – Keeneland unveils its Polytrack training track. |
| 2005▸ |
September – Turfway Park opens fall meet with its new Polytrack surface. |
| 2006▸ |
- February – The California Horse Racing Board mandates synthetic surfaces for major tracks by end of 2007.
- May – Final approval given for all major Thoroughbred tracks in California to install synthetic surfaces by January 1, 2008.
- August – Woodbine becomes the second North American track to race on a synthetic surface, unveiling its new Polytrack surface.
- October – Keeneland opens its fall meet with its new Polytrack surface; Great Hunter wins first Grade I race on a synthetic surface, the Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity, the following day.
- November – Hollywood Park opens with its new Cushion Track synthetic surface.
|
| 2007▸ |
- May – Arlington Park opens with a new Polytrack surface.
- July – Del Mar opens with its new Polytrack surface.
- September – Presque Isle opens with a Tapeta Footings surface.
- October – The Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita opens with its new Cushion Track surface.
- November – Golden Gate Fields opens with its new Tapeta Footings racing surface.
- November – The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. opens its one-mile training track with its new synthetic Safetrack surface.
|
| 2008▸ |
June – Pro-Ride surface installed at Santa Anita after Cushion Track fails to adequately drain. |
| 2010▸ |
- March – Dubai World Cup moves from dirt at Nad al Sheba to Tapeta Footings surface at Meydan Racecourse.
- December – Santa Anita moves back to a dirt surface.
|
| 2013▸ |
- February – Southwell Racecourse reopens after closure due to flooding in November 2012.
- October – Arena Racing Company launches the All-Weather Championships to enhance the quality and reputation of all-weather racing in the UK.
|
| 2014▸ |
- April – Keeneland and Del Mar announce they are pulling out their Polytrack surfaces and installing dirt surfaces.
- May – Decision made to change Meydan to a dirt surface in time for 2015 World Cup.
|
| 2014▸ |
August – Wolverhampton Racecourse reopens with a new Tapeta surface, replacing its previous Polytrack. |
| 2015▸ |
January – Chelmsford City Racecourse reopens, having previously operated as Great Leighs before closing in 2009. |
| 2016▸ |
- May – Newcastle Racecourse converts its flat turf track to a Tapeta all-weather surface, hosting its first meeting on 17 May.
- July – Kempton Park completes a significant refurbishment of its Polytrack surface, adding 56 tonnes of wax to enhance the racing experience.
|
| 2019▸ |
Southwell Racecourse installs new LED floodlights, enhancing flexibility for fixtures during the all-weather season. |
| 2021▸ |
December – Southwell Racecourse replaces its Fibresand surface with Tapeta, aligning with other major all-weather tracks in the UK. |
Synthetic Surface Focus Sources
Who Invented All Weather Racing
AWR Inventor In Focus
While the UK pioneered All-Weather racing under the official racing code, the concept of synthetic racing surfaces originated earlier in the United States. In 1966, Tropical Park in Florida introduced a synthetic surface called Tartan for horse racing
However, these early surfaces were not widely adopted due to concerns over their impact on horse health. Source
Where Was The First AW Track Laid
First AWR Track In The World
Technically, the first AW track was laid and put through it's paces in 1965 via six trial races at Laurel Raceway, a harness track.
In 1966, Tropical Park in Florida laid the first synthetic surface called Tartan for all weather horse racing events.
Virtually all major horseracing tracks in North America used the Tartan Track surface in the 1960's and 70's. Source
How Many AW / Synthetic Racing Surfaces Exist
List Of Surfaces
There are three primary synthetic surfaces currently used in horse racing worldwide▸
-
Tapeta – Used at tracks such as Wolverhampton▸ Newcastle▸ Southwell▸ Golden Gate Fields▸ Presque Isle Downs▸ (USA) Meydan▸ (UAE)
-
Polytrack – Installed at Lingfield Park▸ Kempton Park▸ Chelmsford City▸ Dundalk▸ (Ireland), Chantilly▸ Deauville▸ (France), Woodbine▸ (Canada) to name just a few.
Historically, other surfaces like Fibresand▸ (UK, no longer in use), Pro-Ride▸ Cushion Track▸ Equitrack▸ were implemented at various venues but have been phased out due to performance and safety concerns. Source
Tapeta Quick Analysis
Tapeta is a synthetic all-weather racing surface developed by former trainer Michael Dickinson . It is composed of a mixture of Silica sand▸ fibre▸ rubber▸ wax▸ designed to provide a consistent and safe racing surface in various weather conditions. The surface aims to replicate the feel of turf while offering superior drainage and reduced kickback. Source
Tapeta has been installed at several racecourses worldwide, including Wolverhampton and Newcastle in the UK, and Golden Gate Fields and Presque Isle Downs in the USA. The surface is known for its durability and low maintenance requirements, contributing to improved safety for both horses and jockeys. Source
Tapeta Image
Tapeta ~ How It Handles Excessive Rain
Tapeta is designed with advanced drainage systems that allow it to perform exceptionally well in heavy rainfall. The surface drains quickly and consistently, ensuring minimal disruption to race schedules. According to the manufacturer, the material composition and construction techniques used in Tapeta allow rainwater to pass through the surface rapidly, preventing pooling or softening.
For example, at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Tapeta has withstood intense summer downpours without degradation in safety or consistency. Racing officials have confirmed that even after several inches of rainfall, the surface remains safe and raceable without requiring cancellation or postponement. Source
Tapeta ~ How It Handles Excessive Cold / Frost / Snow
Tapeta performs reliably in freezing conditions and does not freeze solid like traditional dirt tracks. The wax-coated synthetic fibres in the mix help repel water and reduce the likelihood of ice formation, allowing for continued use in sub-zero temperatures.
At UK racecourses such as Wolverhampton, the Tapeta track has enabled year-round racing even during frost and snow events. The surface requires less maintenance during winter and is praised for its resilience and safety in cold climates. Source
Tapeta Running Style
Tapeta surfaces tend to favour horses with tactical speed, particularly those racing prominently or just off the pace. While not as biased as some dirt tracks, early positioning remains advantageous, especially in sprint distances. Horses transitioning from turf or synthetic surfaces often perform better than those switching from dirt.
Data from Gulfstream Park indicates that horses with prior experience on Tapeta or turf surfaces have higher win percentages compared to those transitioning from dirt, suggesting a preference for runners with turf-like adaptability and stamina. Source
Polytrack Quick Analysis
Polytrack is a synthetic racing surface consisting of silica sand, recycled synthetic fibres (such as carpet and spandex), and recycled rubber, all coated with a wax binder. This composition provides a consistent and forgiving surface that reduces the risk of injury to horses. Source
Developed by Martin Collins Enterprises, Polytrack is widely used in the UK at racecourses like Lingfield Park, Kempton Park, and Chelmsford City. The surface offers excellent drainage, allowing for year-round racing, and its cushioning properties help minimize stress on horses legs. Source
Polytrack Image
Polytrack ~ How It Handles Excessive Rain
Polytrack is designed to perform reliably in wet conditions, with a built-in vertical drainage system that quickly channels water away from the surface. This prevents waterlogging and maintains consistency, even after prolonged rainfall. The surface has been proven to remain safe and raceable in the rain at venues such as Chelmsford City and Kempton Park, significantly reducing the likelihood of race cancellations due to wet weather. Source
Polytrack ~ How It Handles Excessive Cold / Frost / Snow
Polytrack maintains stability in freezing conditions due to its wax-coated fibres, which resist moisture absorption and prevent the surface from freezing solid. This allows for consistent performance during cold weather. Racecourses like Lingfield Park and Dundalk Stadium have continued to operate during frost and light snow, showcasing Polytrack’s suitability for winter racing without compromising safety or footing. Source
Polytrack Running Style
Polytrack surfaces are designed to provide consistency and fairness, minimizing biases toward specific running styles. However, studies have shown that early speed can be advantageous, particularly in shorter distances. Horses that lead or race prominently often have better strike rates, especially over 5 to 7 furlongs.
Despite the surface's intent to neutralize running style advantages, the front-running bias remains significant over shorter trips. As distances increase, the impact of early positioning diminishes, allowing for a more balanced competition among different running styles. Source
Fibresand Analysis
Fibresand is an all-weather racing surface made by combining silica sand with synthetic micro-fibres. This blend creates a surface that mimics the characteristics of turf, offering a balance between firmness and cushioning. Fibresand is wax-free and does not contain binders, making it environmentally friendly. Source
Previously used at Southwell Racecourse in the UK, Fibresand provided a deep and testing surface that was particularly suited to stamina-demanding races. Its enhanced drainage capabilities allowed for consistent performance in various weather conditions. However, Southwell transitioned to Tapeta in 2021 to align with modern surface preferences. Source
Fibresand Running Style
Fibresand surfaces, known for their deep and testing nature, tend to favour horses that race prominently or lead. The surface's composition results in slower race times and a premium on stamina, making it challenging for hold-up horses to make up ground.
At Southwell, where Fibresand was previously used, front-runners and those racing close to the pace had a notable advantage. The surface's characteristics led to more strung-out fields, reducing the effectiveness of late-running strategies. Source
So What Is Silica Sand Exactly
Silica Sand Is In All Synthetic Surfaces ~ So Exactly What Is It?
Silica Sand▸ Silica sand, also know as Quartz sand, is a granular material composed mainly of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), commonly found in quartz. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and is valued for its hardness, chemical inertness, and durability. In synthetic racetrack surfaces, silica sand provides essential drainage, stability, and cushioning.
Manufacture▸ Silica sand is naturally occurring and typically mined from sand deposits such as riverbeds, beaches, or quarries. The raw sand is then washed, screened, and graded to ensure consistent particle size and purity before use in synthetic track surfaces. Some processing steps may include removing impurities and drying.
Usage in Synthetic Surfaces▸ Silica sand acts as the primary aggregate in all-weather synthetic racetrack surfaces. Its uniform particle size helps maintain consistent footing, while its angular grains provide grip. It also aids in water permeability, ensuring good drainage and reducing the risk of track surface waterlogging.
Additional Notes▸ The quality and grading of silica sand used vary by manufacturer and track specifications, impacting the track’s overall performance and safety for racing horses.
Silica Sand Image
Silica Sand▸ Further Reading
Aside Silica ~ What Else Makes Up Synthetic Tracks
Synthetic Track Ingredients
Fibres▸ Synthetic fibres, often derived from materials like polypropylene or recycled carpet, are incorporated to enhance the structural integrity and cushioning of the track surface. These fibres help in maintaining consistency and reducing compaction over time.
Rubber Granules▸ Recycled rubber particles are added to improve shock absorption and provide additional grip. The elasticity of rubber contributes to the overall resilience of the track, aiding in the reduction of impact-related injuries.
Wax or Polymeric Binders▸ A wax coating or polymeric binder is used to encapsulate the sand, fibres, and rubber components. This binding agent ensures cohesion among the materials, stabilizes the surface, and offers some protection against varying weather conditions.
Additional Components▸ Depending on the specific synthetic surface technology, other materials such as chopped geotextile fabrics or elastic fibres may be included to further enhance performance characteristics like drainage, durability, and mimicry of natural turf conditions.
Synth Track Ingredients Further Reading
From Lounge To Longshot! Recycled Carpet Fibres
1 ~ oct 2023) Carpet Fibres Are Banned▸ The environmental agency have banned the use of carpet fibres in racetracks and equestrian event training facilities Looks like carpets will not be going racing afterall..
2 ~ oct 2023) Industry Fight Back▸ It looks like the equestrian industry are not taking the carpet fibre ban lying down. They are petitioning for support against..
3 ~ nov 2023) Industry Wins▸ The equine industry gets a winner! UK waste carpet ban dropped
Where Do Old Carpets Go To Die?
Some Go Racing▸
Recycled carpet fibres are a key component in several synthetic racetrack surfaces like Polytrack and Tapeta. These fibres, often derived from old carpets (commonly nylon or polypropylene), provide cushioning and stability to the track surface.
How Much Carpet Is Used?▸
Exact quantities vary by manufacturer and racetrack, but typically recycled carpet fibres can make up approximately 10-20% of the synthetic surface mix by volume. For example, Polytrack contains a mix of silica sand, recycled carpet and spandex fibres, recycled rubber, and wax, where the carpet fibres contribute to the elasticity and durability of the surface.
Environmental Impact▸
Repurposing carpet fibres in synthetic track surfaces diverts large amounts of carpet waste from landfills, turning otherwise hard to recycle materials into a functional component of racing.
Carpet Fibre In AW Synth Racetracks Reading Material
Synthetic Racetrack Safety Tests
Overview of Safety Tests for Synthetic Surfaces
Safety Experiments▸ Synthetic surfaces like Polytrack and Tapeta are tested to evaluate their mechanical properties ~ such as shock absorption, shear strength, and consistency ~ to ensure safety by minimizing injury risks like concussive stress (repetitive impact on legs and hooves). The Clegg Impact Hammer is a key tool, but other devices and methods are also used to assess surface performance. Below are the technical details of these tests▸ their application to synthetic surfaces▸ their relevance to horse safety in equestrian events▸ particularly in AW flat racing.
Clegg Impact Hammer▸ Purpose▸ Measures surface hardness and shock absorption by dropping a weighted hammer (typically 0.5 kg for softer surfaces like turf or synthetics) from a fixed height and recording the deceleration upon impact, expressed in gravities (g). Lower values indicate a softer, more shock-absorbing surface.
Technical Details▸ The Clegg Hammer provides a Clegg Impact Value (CIV), where 100–200 g is typical for safe equestrian surfaces. Higher values (harder surfaces) increase concussive forces, potentially raising injury risks. The test is quick, portable, and widely used for routine checks, per Conduct Science.
Application to Synthetics▸ For Polytrack, the Clegg test ensures consistent cushioning. A 2024 UCLan study noted that Polytrack’s CIV can vary if maintenance (harrowing) is inconsistent, potentially increasing stress fractures if the surface becomes too firm.
Limitations▸ The Clegg test measures surface hardness but not shear strength or hoof interaction, which are critical for assessing sliding or gripping risks.
Other Safety Testing Methods
Track-Testing Device (TTD)▸ Simulates equine hoof impact on synthetic surfaces to measure dynamic properties like peak load and energy return. A UC Davis study highlighted its use in comparing Polytrack to dirt ~ showing Polytrack’s lower peak loads reduce concussive stress.
Biomechanical Testing▸ Uses kinematic and kinetic methods to study hoof~surface interactions under real conditions. A 2024 study on synthetic surfaces found higher shear strength in Polytrack, supporting craniocaudal loading but requiring balance to avoid excessive grip, which can strain tendons.
Moisture and Composition Analysis▸ Tests moisture content and material consistency (wax▸ sand▸ fibers in Polytrack) to ensure drainage and stability. A 2025 study on synthetic surfaces noted that proper moisture control in Polytrack prevents hardening, maintaining safety.
Longitudinal Injury Studies▸ Track injury rates (fatalities per 1,000 starts) to correlate surface properties with outcomes. A 2008 study cited by Bloodhorse showed Polytrack’s fatality rate (0.90 per 1,000 starts) was lower than dirt, but maintenance lapses could elevate soft tissue injury risks.
Recent Developments (2023–2025)
Improved Testing Protocols▸ Integrating multiple tools (Clegg, TTD, biomechanical sensors) for comprehensive surface assessment, as single tests like Clegg miss dynamic factors like hoof slide.
Maintenance Focus▸ Recent studies stress that synthetic surfaces like Polytrack require regular harrowing and moisture monitoring to maintain safe mechanical properties. Inconsistent maintenance can lead to firmer surfaces, increasing concussive stress..
Injury Risk Nuances▸ While Polytrack reduces concussive injuries (bone bruising), a 2024 study noted potential for soft-tissue injuries (tendon strains) if the surface is too grippy, highlighting the need for balanced testing.
Concussion Injuries▸ Concussion in flat racing aligns with the fact that catastrophic injuries are rare on Polytrack due to its shock~absorbing design. However, safety tests aim to prevent subtle, cumulative injuries (stress fractures▸ soreness) that may not be immediately visible. The Clegg test and others ensure Polytrack maintains optimal hardness and cushioning, addressing the "concussive stress".
Table▸ Safety Tests for Synthetic Surfaces in Equestrian Events
| Test/Aspect |
Description |
| Clegg Impact Hammer |
- Measures surface hardness and shock absorption via a 0.5 kg hammer drop, yielding a Clegg Impact Value (CIV, 100–200 g for safe surfaces).
- Ensures Polytrack’s cushioning reduces concussive stress; inconsistent maintenance can raise CIV, increasing injury risk.
|
| Track-Testing Device (TTD) |
- Simulates hoof impact to measure peak load and energy return, showing Polytrack’s lower concussive forces vs. dirt.
- Helps optimize surface design for flat racing safety.
|
| Biomechanical Testing |
- Uses kinematic/kinetic methods to study hoof-surface interaction, noting Polytrack’s high shear strength supports loading but risks tendon strain if too grippy.
- Critical for assessing dynamic safety in real conditions.
|
| Moisture and Composition Analysis |
- Tests moisture and material consistency to ensure drainage and stability, preventing hardening in Polytrack.
- Maintains safe cushioning for flat racing and other events.
|
| Injury Rate Studies |
- Tracks injury rates, showing Polytrack’s lower fatality rate (0.90 per 1,000 starts) but potential for soft-tissue injuries if maintenance lapses.
- Correlates surface properties with long-term horse safety.
|
Where Can I Learn More About AW / AWR / Synthetic Track Racing
AWR Beginners Research▾
