Keeneland switching back to dirt after spring meet

Keeneland announced Wednesday that it is converting its main race track from

synthetic Polytrack material to a state-of-the-art dirt surface, with a drainage

system that will be the first of its kind in North America.

The conversion will take place over the summer, with construction scheduled

to begin May 19 and be completed August 15. The track will reopen for training

September 1. The fall meet begins October 3.

"Keeneland's mission is to provide the highest level of racing possible, and

in order to accomplish that goal going forward, a dirt surface is preferable,"

Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. "This dirt track will be a

'next-generation' surface, the most extensively researched and most

sophisticated in North America. We believe that with the new materials and

research available to us today we can build a world-class dirt track that is as

safe as our synthetic surface for horses and riders. Their safety absolutely

remains our top priority."

Keeneland, along with a team of experts who consulted with noted track

specialist Dr. Mick Peterson, executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing

Laboratory, has been working for more than a year to conduct testing on

materials, water drainage systems and race track design. Officials have learned

from research that proper maintenance of the surface is just as important as the

selection of materials from a safety and consistency perspective.

"This is not a decision that we have undertaken lightly," Thomason said.

"From the outset of the synthetic surface installation in 2006, we have always

said that this is a journey and not a destination. The racing landscape has

changed, and for that reason we have an obligation to our horsemen and to our

fans to evaluate where the industry is going.

"Owners and trainers, especially those who compete at the highest levels of

the sport, overwhelmingly prefer dirt tracks. In keeping with our mission and

the quality that is expected of Keeneland, we have to be more competitive in

attracting the top horses and Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup contenders and in

hosting major racing events.

"Surface consistency from track to track is also an important safety

concern," Thomason continued. "Similar to what Del Mar is facing in Southern

California, Keeneland's regional racing circuit is made up primarily of dirt

tracks in Florida, New York and Louisiana."

Keeneland installed its Polytrack surface during the summer of 2006, and held

its first race meet over the surface that fall. Since then, the surface has

consistently ranked as one of the nation's safest.

"We are proud of our Polytrack surface; it has set the standard for safety in

the industry," Thomason said. "The amount of science and research that has been

conducted with regard to synthetic surfaces around the country has helped

elevate all racing surfaces."

Thomason said that in light of the main track renovation, Keeneland will work

with resident horsemen to provide ample time and accommodations for summer

stabling. Keeneland's five-eighths mile training track will remain a Polytrack

surface and be open during the summer months.

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