Racetrack Design & Performance
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Racetrack Design & Performance Database of Current Knowledge A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by A K Stubbs et al February 2004 RIRDC Publication No 04/039 RIRDC Project No PTP-20A © 2004 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 5849 3 ISSN 1440-6845 Racetrack Design and Performance – databaseof current knowledge Publication No. 04/039 Project No. PTP-20A The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Researcher Contact Details Arthur Stubbs 58/2 247-55 Drummond Street, Carlton, Vic, 3053 Phone: 03 9844 1135 Fax: 03 9844 4554 Email: [email protected] In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4819 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in February 2004 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint ii Foreword There have been many horse race and training track constructions in Australia during the last decade or so, with the overall aim of providing improved surfaces for maximum use, minimum maintenance and best horse performance and safety. In a number of cases these objectives have not been met and in general the construction methods followed have varied widely. It was considered timely to investigate actual track constructions in an attempt to determine the reasons for success or otherwise of the various approaches with the expectation that some guidelines to best practice could be developed. This publication compiles the knowledge and experience gained to date, with particular reference to Australian conditions and requirements, and proposes initial track design, maintenance and monitoring standards with recommendations for future research to refine these standards. This project was funded from industry revenue which is matched by funds provided by the Australian Government. This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1000 research publications, forms part of our Horses R&D program, which aims to provide industry with options for the establishment and maintenance of cost effective, aesthetically pleasing and safe race, training and performance surfaces throughout Australia. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.htm purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Simon Hearn Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation iii Acknowledgments This project could not have been contemplated without the invaluable contributions of the project team from start to finish. They included: Co-Principal Investigator - David McLaren, Bodmac Consultants Racecourse Managers – Lindsay Davies & Lindsay Murphy, Sydney Turf Club; Norm James, Australian Jockey Club; Ian Trevethan & Greg Barker, Moonee Valley Racing Club; and Warren Williams, Brisbane Turf Club Racecourse Designers - Jim Boxall, Young Consulting Engineers; Philip Butcher, Rooney & Bye; and Frank Henville, Rygate & Co. Literature Review - Naomi Cogger & David Evans, University of Sydney Database/Website Development - Michael Robinson, Sportsturf Consultants In addition, valuable input was given by turf scientists, John Neylan and David Nickson; racing industry veterinary officers, John McCaffrey and Craig Suann; veterinary research scientist, Helen Davies; and the following racecourse managers or consultants: Tim Bailey, Geelong; Ray Chandler, Caulfield; Bart Cowan, Morphettville; Geoff Fanning, Gold Coast; Bernard Hopkins, Bendigo; Jason Kerr, Sandown; David Lowe, Elwick; Chris Nolan, Warrnambool; Pat McEvoy and Charlie Stebbing, Racing Victoria; and Ray Hawke, Thoroughbred Racing SA. iv Contents Foreword .................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgments................................................................................................... iv Executive Summary................................................................................................. vi Introduction .............................................................................................................vi Objective.................................................................................................................vi Methodology ...........................................................................................................vi Results................................................................................................................... vii Recommendations ................................................................................................ viii 1. Introduction........................................................................................................... 1 2. Objective ............................................................................................................... 2 3. Methodology ......................................................................................................... 3 4. Results................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4 Epidemiological approaches to identifying risk factors for MSI ............................... 4 Incidence and description of MSI ............................................................................ 5 Track related risk factors for MSI ............................................................................ 7 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 10 References............................................................................................................ 11 5. Racetrack Design & Performance Database Survey ....................................... 14 6. Discussion & Conclusions ................................................................................ 42 7. Recommendations ............................................................................................. 47 8. References .......................................................................................................... 48 v Executive Summary Introduction During a comprehensive survey of turf composition and management of grass racetracks in Australia (RIRDC Project TGT-1A), a diverse range of situations and practices were found, many of which were based on local opinion and experience in the absence of more uniform, recognised techniques. A recommendation from this project led to annual Racecourse Managers Conferences which have assisted information exchange and wider knowledge of better practices. A Racetrack Management Manual (RIRDC Project PTP-15A) has been prepared to assemble all this information. At the 5th Conference, in 2000, a research and development forum was conducted which identified more precise definition of quality standards and best practices as now being required, particularly applying to track construction, management, performance and assessment. This led to a workshop, held in March, 2001, which considered priorities for racecourse R & D, and resulted in agreement to collect all currently available information about track design, maintenance and performance and attempt to relate this data to horse performance and injury. It was considered that compilation of data on recent racetrack constructions and subsequent performance, together with any other relevant records on race and training tracks, to evaluate the degree of success of the various techniques, would be an essential first step to guide development of quality standards relative to horse performance. This exercise would have the added benefit of pointing the way to a uniform approach to collection of data on racetrack performance and management. It would also provide the industry with an account of the different approaches and experiences, to assist better, future decision making, and highlight areas of limited knowledge needing more research and development. Objective Compilation and analysis of data on race and training track construction and performance as a basis for development of quality standards and monitoring procedures relevant to horse performance and injury. Methodology A database was designed, differentiating between turf and non-turf tracks, race and training tracks, with details of re-constructions including reasons and results, performance records and maintenance practices, with the aim of identifying and defining effective and non-effective techniques. An international scientific literature review was conducted for information pertinent to design, performance and maintenance of horse race and training tracks. This was assisted by reference to overseas