HISA will evaluate Parx turf for holes in the course

The turf course at Parx will be evaluated after the Pennsylvania track suspended its races on the surface amid concerns about holes in the surface.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority began an investigation of the course was made aware of concerns over the weekend, Mandy Minger, director of communications for HISA, told Horse Racing Nation on Thursday.

"Parx management has informed HISA that they have arranged for Racing Services Testing Laboratory to test and evaluate the turf surface," Minger said. "Additionally, HISA has requested that members of the track surface advisory group visit in the coming days to assess the condition of the surface. A HISA official walked the track on Wednesday, Aug. 28, to record additional video of the entire turf course in advance of these visits. Parx management has suspended turf racing until further notice."

According to Paulick Report on Wednesday, horsemen complained about the course to track officials. A video and photos obtained by Paulick Report showed holes in the backstretch that could be six inches deep or more and apparent tractor tracks.

In a Saturday turf race, 5-year-old Causes Trouble fell and injured his left front leg and was euthanized after being vanned off, according to the report.