Dead in 60 Seconds: A Report on Polytrack

Dead in 60 Seconds:
A Report on Polytrack
For
Mr. Joseph Lynch
Director of Racing Operations
New York Racing and Wagering Board
Elmont, New York
by
Caitlin Last
Student of Milwaukee School of Engineering
EN 132
Professor Dwyer
February 12th, 2009
Racing and Wagering Board Office at Belmont Park
Club House Lobby
Hempstead Turnpike
Elmont, NY 11003
February 12, 2009
Joseph Lynch
Director of Racing Operations
New York State Racing and Wagering Board
Elmont, NY
Dear Mr. Lynch,
I have prepared this report and written this letter to you in hopes that you will take the facts herein
under consideration when discussing whether to add synthetic tracks to the fine tracks in New York
state. I hope you will find this report helpful in coming to that decision.
I would like to take this time to refer you to the safety section of the report. I initially began this report
with a positive outlook towards synthetic tracks, but during my research found it hard to be hopeful
about the surfaces. You will see that there is not enough research and hard data on synthetics to make it
a reasonable option for Belmont or any other track in New York. The track not only puts horses in
danger, but jockeys, track workers, and even spectators are at risk from the dust the tracks produce.
Because of the limitations I experienced during the write up of this report – namely, a lack of hard data
over a span of time – I will continue to research and update this report until I feel it is 100 percent
definitive in its findings. I trust you will find it comprehensive enough to make any possible decision
however.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge jockey Jacklyn Wyatt and the members of the Equination.net forums
who helped gather information and provide firsthand accounts to help in the creation of this report.
Without their aide, this report would not have been possible.
Should you have any questions about any information here within, I am happy to provide answers at
[email protected] . Please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Caitlin Last
Milwaukee School of Engineering
ii
Letter of Transmittal …………………………………………………………..ii
Figures and Tables……………………………………………………………..iv
Abstract………………………………………………………………………..v
Introduction
What is Polytrack? ………………………………………...…….………1
How to use this Report………..………………………………………....2
Pros and Cons of Polytrack
Safety …………………………………………………………………... 3
Weather ………………………………………………………………....7
Maintenance and Cost …………………………………………………..8
Polytrack versus Dirt
Safety comparison ……………………………………………………....11
Handicapping changes ………………………………………………….11
Effect on horses ………………………………………………………..11
Statistics
Collected data from Polytrack ………………………………………….12
-Keeneland Park, Woodbine, Turfway Park, Del Mar
Conclusions
Summary ………………………………………………………………17
Recommendations ……………………………………………………..17
Glossary ……………………………………………………………………....18
Bibliography ………………………………………………………………….19
iii
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Close up of Polytrack ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
Cross Section of Polytrack ……………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Hoof after training on Polytrack …………………………………………………………………………………….5
Gallop Master ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9
Power Harrow ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
Horses racing on Polytrack …………………………………………………………………………………………..10
Horses racing on Dirt ……………………………………………………………………………………………………10
Chart 1
Chart 2
Chart 3
Chart 4
Turfway Park ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
Woodbine ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13
Del Mar ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14
Keeneland Park ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………16
iv
Thoroughbred racing has been an American icon for more than two centuries. In the year 1975,
the racing world suffered a shocking blow during one of the most anticipated match races since
Seabiscuit and War Admiral, when the brilliant filly Ruffian broke a hind leg racing against the
Kentucky Derby winning colt Foolish Pleasure. It was one of the most watched races in
American history, and ended in the horrific euthanasia of Ruffian the next day. Since then, it
seems racings brightest stars have suffered the same fate, especially when the sport is gaining
converts. Go For Wand followed in Ruffian’s champion footsteps, becoming a track star and
then having to be put down on the track after a sickening leg fracture (as well captured by
Sports Illustrated). The two most recent accidents were perhaps the saddest; Barbaro’s
tenacious fight against laminitis after bolstering America’s hope of finally breaking the Triple
Crown slump, and Eight Belles, the filly who showed she could run against the best of the boys
in the Kentucky Derby, only to fracture both front ankles simultaneously in a freak of nature
accident. What’s the connection? Dirt tracks. All these accidents have happened on dirt race
tracks. Polytrack, and other synthetic surfaces, are being praised as the “savior of the sport”, as
they attempt to replace dirt completely.
American racing is hemorrhaging fans and money, and they are looking towards the synthetic
tracks to solve the breakdown/injury epidemic. The tracks have been out and in use for at least
5 years now, and by analyzing the data given by race tracks, we can create a picture that shows
whether or not Polytrack is doing what we were told it would do. Based on the results from the
5 tracks using Polytrack, we see that it is not, at least not at the level we were told it would.
Deaths have only dropped by an average of one or two horses and this is not acceptable.
From my findings listed in this report, Polytrack cannot “save” racing as we know it.
v
What is Polytrack?
Polytrack – and all other synthetic race track materials – is a composite material made mostly of
wax, plastic, rubber, and sand. It is described by Polytrack as “an entire system, including an
engineered synthetic equine surface on a specially designed vertical drainage system.”
(Polytrack.com)
Figure 1
Close up of Polytrack courtesy of Polytrack.com
Polytrack is installed by first removing the existing track, and adding a new base track that is 18
inches deep. Aggregate rock is then put down as a foundation for the Polytrack, and is
compacted to make sure it is smooth and hard. Longitudinal drainage pipes are then added, as
well as a cross drain system. The next layer is stone that is usually sealed in place with asphalt.
Polytrack suggests spraying water on the system at this point to make sure the drainage is
working properly. Approximately 6 to 7 inches of Polytrack is the final layer; it is first compacted
and re-measured, then de-compacted to the desired depth. Polytrack offers no recommended
depth. (Polytrack.com)
Figure 2
Cross section of Polytrack courtesy of Bridlepath
How to Use This Report
This report is meant to inform the reader about Polytrack, and other synthetic racing surfaces.
The statistics herein are presented in a useable way that will allow the reader to make a well
informed decision about whether to support or use synthetic tracks. It is not meant to be an
endorsement for any product of any kind, and has not been funded from any outside source.
Pros and Cons of Polytrack
Safety
Cons
Safety is the main reason Polytrack was created. Dirt has been notorious for many decades as a
dangerous surface, with the majority of equine fatalities happening on dirt. Dirt has also gotten
a bad rap because most of the “big name” horses that have died due to track injuries raced on
dirt, like Ruffian, Go For Wand, and Barbaro. The main problem with dirt is that it can become
hard, and provides very little cushion for the young bones and joints of race horses. At any
given point, a horse can be putting more than 1000 pounds of pressure on a hoof, knee, hock,
or bone while traveling at upwards of 40 miles per hour. Polytrack seeks to provide as much
cushion as possible, but remain fast at the same time. “Because *of+ its unique cushioning
effect, the Polytrack® surface helps reduce injuries to the back and legs and provides secure
footing that still allows the "give" necessary for the horse to perform to the best of its ability.”
(Polytrack.com)
This may sound promising, as the initial catastrophic injuries (deaths) reported show:
Del Mar Racetrack:
2006 (Pre Polytrack) Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 8 injuries during races, 6 during training
2007 (Polytrack) Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 2 injuries during races, 4 during training
Arlington Park:
2006 (Pre Polytrack) Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 22 during races, 7 during training
2007 (Polytrack) Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 13 during races, 7 during training
However, the tracks showing more data paint a different picture:
Woodbine Track:
2005 (Pre Polytrack) Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 2 during races
2006 (Polytrack) Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 3 during races
2007 Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 2 during races
At Woodbine we see no real change in injuries reports. In fact, the year Polytrack is installed,
there was an increase in the injuries. We see this at another track as well:
Turfway Park (Holiday):
2004 (Pre Polytrack) Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 4 during races
2005 (Polytrack) Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 3 during races
2006 Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 6 during races
2007 Catastrophic Injuries Reported: 4 during races
At Turfway, there is only a slight drop in injuries between dirt and Polytrack, followed by a jump
in injuries. It levels off at 4 injuries again, 3 years after being installed. Turfway experienced
problems with its Polytrack over the 2008 Holiday season as well. Out of the 21 racing days in
the 2008 Holiday season (6 days less than the ‘07 season), the death rate doubled to 8 deaths.
(Doc G) Preliminary reports on the possible cause of the increase forced Turfway to lift a ban on
rear toe grip shoes. The track vets believe that the horses are not able to gain enough traction
on Polytrack, causing major problems in their backs and hind quarters. (Doc G) Bob Baffert, a
well known trainer who usually has a horse in the Kentucky Derby every year, agrees. “Top
flight trainer Bob Baffert recently expressed unhappiness with the new inventions of artificial
materials for tracks. He thinks "that stuff" is responsible for more subtle injuries than he had
seen prior to its use… Baffert indicates he's seen more rear end injuries and soreness in
Thoroughbreds he's training when they have run frequently on Polytrack.” (Doc C) I interviewed
Jacklyn Wyatt, a jockey who has been riding on Woodbine’s Polytrack since it was installed, and
she commented on the injuries: “I will say that I have noticed a lot of breakdowns and a lot of
injuries since the poly was introduced. We've had a lot of horses get injuries in their hind end
and back, I think that has to do with the turns being a bit more flat, but I could be wrong. There
also has been a lot of shattered shoulders on this track.
In particular, where the chute on the backstretch meets up with the track, they screwed up
with the concrete underneath and that's been a hot spot for shattered shoulders. We had one
shatter a shoulder there two years ago and another trainer had a 2yo that was just jogging then
starting to lope shatter his shoulder there last year. I'm sure there has been more than that too.
It does hurt like heck to fall on, that's for sure. Even when it’s "deep" it still hurts. The problem
with Polytrack is, and you can't really notice it unless you really watch the horses while they
train, but in a dirt track when they hit the ground in their stride, they will slide forward slightly
in the dirt - there's some give. When they gallop on poly, they hit the ground and don't slide at
all. There's no give at all with the track when they hit. It's the same thing when you fall off. In
dirt, you can slide a bit and it’s almost like the dirt helps you break your fall... but on the poly,
it’s just BAM. When it rains, it feels like falling off on a really hard sponge.”
Polytrack appears to be unsafe for jockeys as well. In the same interview, Wyatt said: “From a
rider’s standpoint, too, I'll say it’s a lot more dangerous. When we had the dirt track I could take
a ton of spills and walk away fine. In the last couple of years, and I get on a lot of bad horses so
getting dropped happens from time to time, it don't exactly bounce back as quickly. Last fall I
had a horse bolt to the left while we were galloping out of the gates and I went flying off to the
right... if that was dirt, I likely would've been able to bounce a bit and slide into it, but with the
poly, I just hit it FLAT and I was knocked out for a good while and it managed to actually flatten
my helmet in the front. When I had a horse rear and flip on me when I first started on the track
and I whacked my head off the outer rail of the track, that didn't even budge my helmet, yet
falling on the poly flattened it.”
Pros
Polytrack does have its bright spots. Because Polytrack doesn’t stick or clump together, it doesn’t usually
get stuck in a horse’s hooves, which would prohibit gripping and lesson the cushion effect of the
Polytrack. However, if the Polytrack isn’t maintained, or if it is installed improperly (stacked too deep), it
can get stuck in the hooves.
Figure 3
Hoof after training on Polytrack, courtesy of Polytrack.com
Polytrack creates little kickback, making it less likely to leave “hoof holes” or large divots in the track for
other horses to step or trip in. This reduces the risk of a horse stumbling and possibly injuring itself, the
jockey, and any other horse around it. Because Polytrack is meant to be a flat, level surface, it remains
consistent at all sections of the track. A major problem with dirt tracks is that it can become thicker,
heavier, and denser along the railings. Any horse breaking from the pole position can be put into a
potentially dangerous situation having to run in deep, packed down dirt. The danger is removed with
Polytrack. It allows for a more even playing field, no matter what post position is drawn.
Weather
Cons
Polytrack has one extremely obvious flaw in the summertime at Woodbine; it gives off a terrible
odor. Jacklyn Wyatt stated in our interview: “Not to mention the fumes in the summer time. I'm
sure cancer will become a big killer amongst race trackers and horses alike in the coming years
from inhaling that garbage.” The chemical reason for the smell is unknown, but an independent
research company had this to say about the overheating of Polytrack: (Doc K)
“SECTION 5. FIRE FIGHTING
Flash Point: Not Applicable
Auto ignition temperature: Not Applicable
Thermal decomposition products: If heated in the presence of burning materials the product
may release wax fume, carbon monoxide, and other decomposition products associated with
organic material.
The product will not burn under normal circumstances.
Wear SCBA respiratory protection while cooling the product with water.
The product will not explode under any foreseeable circumstances.”
Polytrack has the ability to be more than 20 degrees hotter than dirt surfaces in the summer, so
the likelihood of it reaching 120 degrees or more is not unreasonable. This increases the danger
of not only the Polytrack overheating, but the horses or jockeys as well. Although unstudied,
the possibility of Polytrack burning someone exists. Winter is a problem too; if not properly
tended, the Polytrack can freeze quickly and stay that way for a while.
Pros
A major upside to Polytrack is that in heavy rain, it doesn’t turn to dangerous muddy slop.
Although some horses run well in - and even enjoy running in – the thick mud, it’s not safe. It is
easy for a horse to slip and slide around in the track, and the mud acts like a suction cup on the
hoof. But because of the drainage pipes under the track, it remains fast during rain fall.
“The Polytrack® surface 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. With dirt tracks,
water drains horizontally and can cause “washout,” which compromises the track’s condition.”
(Polytrack.com)
Maintenance and Cost
Cons
Polytrack is extremely expensive. “At $6 million to $8 million per track, it is much more
expensive than dirt.” (Doc H) Due to that high cost, having to switch over to synthetic could
cause some tracks to close. Tracks right now are seeking to save money, making Poly an
unreasonable option at this time for them.
Maintenance of a Polytrack, or any synthetic track is a lengthy, expensive process. Here is the
process Keeneland (a part owner of Polytrack) uses: (Polytrack.com)
1. The main track was open for training from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. with no maintenance
break. After the track was closed for training, four maintenance employees spent
approximately 30 minutes picking up manure on the track.
2. Depending on the weather on race day, two tractors each pulling a Power Harrow were
used to loosen the entire surface approximately four inches deep.
3. Two tractors each pulling a Gallop Master with the tines set at 2 ½ inches deep
conditioned the surface. The entire process took approximately one hour, meaning
maintenance was completed by noon—well in time for the 1:15 p.m. post time for the
first race.
4. Once the races began, four or five tractors each pulling a Gallop Master generally
worked the track three or four times—after maintenance employees had removed
manure. Placement of the starting gate determined how often the Gallop Masters were
used because of the need to condition areas where the starting gate, other equipment
or horses had compacted the surface.
5. After the last race, tractors pulling Gallop Masters conditioned the track for a final time
to leave it prepared for the next morning’s training.
6. On Mondays after morning training hours, tractors pulling a Rotovator or Power Harrow
were used to loosen the entire surface approximately four to five inches deep. Tractors
pulling Gallop Masters then conditioned and recompacted the surface.
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
“Gallop Master” courtesy of Polytrack.com
Power Harrow courtesy of Polytrack.com
Polytrack contains silica treated with wax that is not hazardous under normal conditions: (Doc
K)
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGY INFORMATION
Effect on organisms not determined.
Product contains crystalline silica which is a listed human carcinogen by IARC and other
classifying entities. Chronic exposure to crystalline silica is known to cause silicosis.
The silica in the product is treated with waxes and does not represent a
respirable inhalation hazard during normal use.
No materials are suspected of synergistic effects if used in conjunction with this product.
However, if the Polytrack becomes dry, the silica dust can enter the air and become a danger to
anyone near it. From the same report: “Wear SCBA respiratory protection while cooling the
product with water.” According to these facts, it is possible for maintenance crews, jockeys,
spectators, or anyone near the track to develop silicosis from the Polytrack dust. This makes
both maintaining and not maintaining the track dangerous. Either way, the Polytrack will dry
out at some point and the dust will enter the air. Equine waste can also break down the wax
enclosing the silica, turning it into dust.
Pros
When properly maintained, Polytrack does remain fast and true to its guarantee. It won’t freeze
in winter when cared for, and doesn’t become hard. The playing field remains fair, as regular
care keeps the track at even depths.
Polytrack Versus Dirt
Figure 6: Horses racing on Polytrack
Courtesy of Polytrack.com
Figure 7: Horses racing on dirt
Courtesy of BluegrassEquineStock.devianart.com
Safety
In terms of fatal injuries, Polytrack does appear to be superior to dirt. However, as Polytrack has
not been on the market or in use as long as dirt, it is unknown if the minor injuries caused by
Polytrack will end up turning into something worse. Dirt remains better for minor accidents
involving horses or jockeys, as it provides a softer landing for riders and horses who trip or
stumble. Dirt has better grip and traction for horses; Polytrack can provide too much bounce
and not allow a horse to dig in, prohibiting any forward propulsion a horse may try to create.
Many describe it as a “floating” surface, due to the fact that horses seem to “float” over it
rather than run on it.
In terms of racing, dirt remains the better choice. In terms of training, Polytrack is the best
option.
Handicapping Changes
Polytrack has made handicapping almost impossible. Some horses can be brilliant on dirt, but
be terrible on Poly. Speed indexes mean nothing, and the odds are often skewed. “However,
race times are slower and bettors are having a hard time predicting performance on the new
surface. "There is no handicapping no more. You just pick numbers," said bettor Merrill
Strogins.” (Doc H) Handicapping may return to normal once more horses have been on the Poly,
but the outlook isn’t great right now. However, handicapping horses making the switch from
turf to Poly can be easier, as Polytrack tends to act more like turf than it does dirt.
In terms of handicapping, dirt is superior. In time, this may change.
Effect on Horses
In general, the horses seem to like training on Polytrack, but during races, this changes. Pace
horses have been showing some difficulty in remaining pace horses on Polytrack; the statistics
are showing that pace horses are ending up coming in last or near to last. Because of this, most
jockeys attempt to keep a cap on pace horses, so closer horses end up running at the front or
near the front of the pack. Having to run in a different style can upset some horses.
Statistics
Collected Data from Polytrack: Turfway Park (Holiday)
Collected Data from Polytrack: Woodbine
Collected data from Polytrack: Del Mar
Collected data from Del Mar cont.
Collected data from Polytrack: Keeneland Park
Conclusions
Summary
Despite Polytrack’s initial findings, Polytrack does not appear to be any safer than dirt. It may
reduce fatalities by a few horses a year, but it can increase career ending injuries in both horses
and jockeys. If not properly maintained, it can be a danger to the horses when it becomes too
hard, and can become a danger to everyone when it becomes dry and releases silica dust. If the
track becomes overheated, the possibility of it releasing silica and carbon monoxide is
increased. Polytrack is expensive to purchase and maintain. The maintenance program is long
and detailed, and must be done regularly. Based on my findings in this report, dirt remains
superior to Polytrack.
Recommendations
Based on my research, I suggest the following changes:
-Polytrack be removed from all tracks were it is currently installed.
-California should reverse its current laws against dirt tracks.
-Polytrack be taken back to the testing phase, possibly all the way back to the lab to be
reformulated.
-The NTRA should look into the many other things that are wrong with racing to solve the injury
problem.
If these recommendations cannot be used, I recommend the following:
-Track owners be more diligent about the up keep and care of the tracks.
-Polytrack should look over the maintenance techniques of the tracks; there has to be a reason
it gets hard quickly.
-Both spectators and track workers must be alerted to the health risks that are possible with
Polytrack, namely silicosis.
-Every track with Polytrack installed must check if the track has been properly installed.
-Trainers/owners should be allowed to use rear toe grips on their horses that run on Polytrack,
or Polytrack needs to be able to make the surface deeper to allow for better grip.
-Polytrack should not be labeled as a replacement for dirt.
Barbaro – 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, colt by Dynaformer out of La Villa Rouge. Remembered
for his dramatic breakdown in 2006 Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore. Had 8 month
battle to live after surgery. Was put down after it was decided his laminitis would not
heal on January 29th, 2007.
Fast – In reference to track conditions, meaning track should lean towords faster times. As
opposed to track label of “slow” or “muddy”.
Go For Wand – 1987 filly by Deputy Minister out of Obeah. 1989 Winner of Breeders Cup
Juvenile Fillies. 1989 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Two-Year-Old Filly. Winner,
1990 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Three-Year-Old Filly. Suffered dramatic
breakdown during 1990 Breeders’ Cup Distaff where her ankle snapped clean in
half. Euthanized on the track. Buried at Saratoga infield the next day. (Doc E)
Handicapping – “Thoroughbred handicapping is the art of predicting horses who have the
greatest chance of winning a race, and profiting from these predictions at the
horse races.” (Doc B)
Pole – Generally refers to the 1st post position, can refer to the inside rail. “Pole position.”
“Rode off the pole.”
Post Position – Refers to the numbered gates horses are loaded into to start race. 2 nd post
corresponds to loading gate two and so on.
Rear toe grip shoes – Horse shoes featuring a small extra fold of metal in front to aid the horse
in gaining traction and grip in either dirt or turf.
Ruffian – 1972 filly by Reviewer out of Shenanigans. Winner 1974 Eclipse Award for
Outstanding Two-Year-Old Filly. Winner, 1975 Triple Tiara (aka Filly Triple Crown).
Winner, 10 out of 11 starts. Known as “dark lightning” on the track, with her “bat out
of hell” breaking style from the gates. Either broke or equaled the record for every
race she entered. Remembered for her never ending determination and thirst for
victory, as she ran herself to death. Shattered front leg in match race with Foolish
Pleasure, yet continued to run on it until she had no ankle left. Re-broke her leg after
an extensive surgery where her heart stopped twice. Described as “she acted like she
didn’t know she wasn’t racing anymore” when coming out of anesthetic. Buried at
Belmont, her nose forever pointed towards the finish line. Posthumously awarded the
1975 Eclipse Award for Outstanding 3-Year-Old Filly. Only non-human to be honored
on Sports Illustrated Top 100 Female Athletes of the Century. Ranked 35 th on
BloodHorse’s top 100 Thoroughbreds of all time list. Inducted to the National Museum
of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1976. (Doc F)
A. Breyer, Andrew. "Synthetic Surfaces Are on the Fast Track to Being the Norm." The
Washington Post 23 Feb. 2006. 7 Feb. 2009 <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2006/02/22/AR2006022202110.html>.
B. "Handicapping." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 12 Feb. 2009
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handicapping>.
C. Helberg, BarbaraAnne. "Are Synthetic Race Tracks Safer?" Suite 101. 12 May 2008. 7 Feb.
2009 <http://horseracing.suite101.com/article.cfm/are_synthetic_race_tracks_safer>.
D. Helberg, BarbaraAnne. "Synthetic Tracks Getting Safer." Suite 101. 4 July 2008. 8 Feb. 2009
<http://horseracing.suite101.com/article.cfm/synthetic_tracks_getting_safer>.
E. Heller, Bill. “Go For Wand: Thoroughbred Legends.” 12 Feb. 2009:
http://www.eclipsepress.com/legends/B11-2004.html
F. Linkous, Diana. "Ruffian, Who Would Not be Defeated." 12 Feb. 2009:
http://www.equinenet.org/heroes/ruffian.html
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H. Morrell, Geoff. Giusto, Tom. “Race Pros hope Synthetic Tracks Save Horses.” ABC News.
December 23rd, 2006. 9 Feb. 2009:
<http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Technology/story?id=2748382&page=1>
I. Polytrack.com - Stats. Martin Collins Surfaces and Footing. 8 Feb. 2009
<http://www.polytrack.com/lists/copy/copy.aspx?Page=Stats-Stats>.
J. "Racetrack Doctor." USC - Viterbi School of Engineering. 6 Feb. 2008. University of Southern
California. 12 Feb. 2009 <http://viterbi.usc.edu/news/news/2008/racetrack-doctor.htm>.
K. Ringo, William P. Independent Research. May 2006. 7 Feb. 2009
<http://www.polytrack.com/Pictures/PDF%20documents/US%20Polytrack%20II_MSDS.pdf
>.
L. Stumes, Larry. "Synthetic Racetracks Gaining Converts." San Francisco Chronicle 25 Feb.
2007. 8 Feb. 2009 <http://www.sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/02/25/SPG2POAKFC1.DTL>.
M. "Synthetic Racetrack Surfaces: The Pros and Cons." Bridlepath. 21 Aug. 2007. 12 Feb. 2009
<http://bridlepath.wordpress.com/2007/08/21/synthetic-racetrack-surfaces-the-pros-andcons/>.
N. White, LD. "Synthetic Surfaces for Thoroughbred Safety Petition."
Www.PetitionOnline.com. 8 Feb. 2009
<http://www.petitiononline.com/cares/petition.html>.
O. Wyatt, Jacklyn. Online interview. 3 Feb. 2009.