Racetracks surfaces play a huge part in the success of a horse race as each surface type can affect the pace and effort required of many horses. Many horses will develop a record of performance which reflects their preference for specific track conditions. Whether it is turf, sand, dirt or the new synthetic range of track types, each horse suited to a different type and a certain classification within that track surface category.
The most recent track surface innovation is Polytrack which consists of sand, synthetic fibres and recycled rubber coated in a microcrystalline wax. Although it is relatively new, this surface is already being used in Australia due to its increased suitability and safety.
Surface Types
Grass/Turf |
|
| Category | Description |
| Firm | Turf is dry firm surface running fast |
| Good | Slightly firm with slight moisture |
| Soft | Turf contains some moisture |
| Yielding | Deep wet turf runs slow |
| Heavy | Very wet deep turn which is the slowest run |
Sand and Dirt |
|
| Category | Description |
| Fast | Packed tight for premium conditions, this is when track records are broken |
| Wet-Fast | Running fast but hard surface has thin layer of water |
| Good | Dirt is drying out and slowing track down |
| Muddy | Surface is muddy due to rain and wet conditions |
| Sloppy | Very wet track, water has pooled up on the track |
| Frozen | Very hard surface wet track has frozen |
| Slow | Dirt is deep and drying out |
| Heavy | Dirt is very deep and dry producing very slow times |
Australian Track Ratings |
||
| Category | Scale | Description |
| FAST | 1 | A dry hard track |
| GOOD | 2 | A firm track |
| GOOD | 3 | Ideal track with some give |
| DEAD | 4 | Track with give, better side of Dead |
| DEAD | 5 | Significant give, worse side of Dead |
| SLOW | 6 | Mildly rain affected track |
| SLOW | 7 | Significantly rain affected |
| HEAVY | 8 | Soft track |
| HEAVY | 9 | Very soft track, genuine heavy |
| HEAVY | 10 | Very wet and soft |
