NYRA forms committee to evaluate synthetic tracks and injuries

The New York Racing Association formed an all-weather surfaces committee to evaluate the impact of various racing surfaces on equine injury rates. In addition to the analysis of safety metrics from tracks using all-weather racing surfaces, the committee is studying the feasibility of broader adoption of all-weather surfaces nationally.

The committee is chaired by NYRA CEO and resident David O'Rourke, who convened a group of leaders at the request of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority as part of HISA’s strategic response to several clusters of equine fatalities in 2023.

NYRA is in the process of constructing a one-mile Tapeta track as the fourth racing surface at the new Belmont Park. Previously, NYRA installed a Tapeta pony track at Belmont to provide an additional training option in inclement weather while also providing NYRA with information on the performance of a synthetic surface in the Long Island climate.

“Embracing science and technology will ensure the continued success of Thoroughbred racing in the United States,” said O’Rourke. “All-weather racing surfaces can play an important role in our collective efforts to improve safety, and I thank Lisa Lazarus and HISA for the opportunity to advance this discussion among decision makers in the sport.”

The committee first met in October 2023 and will convene regularly in the coming months. The committee’s findings and recommendations will be shared with HISA’s racetrack safety committee and with other stakeholders across the sport when complete.

“HISA is grateful to NYRA and to David O’Rourke for leading this effort, and to all the members of the committee for their dedication to equine safety,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “This committee’s work will be essential in deepening our understanding of all-weather surfaces, and we look forward to reviewing the results when complete.”

In addition to O'Rourke, members of the committee include Gatewood Bell, vice president of racing, Keeneland; Drew Fleming, president and CEO, Breeders' Cup Ltd.; Craig Fravel, executive vice chairman, 1/ST Racing and Gaming; and Josh Rubinstein, president, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.