October
JuneThe future is here
Synthetic racecourses are far too few, but on the rise, and here to stay.
Victoria and Tasmania have seen the benefits, but NSW is sadly lagging.
Most owners need the chance of a prizemoney cheque. Many battling jockeys need the riding fees. And punters like to know their form study will stand up, rain or shine.
Race clubs can’t afford washouts.
Staff need their wages. Betting agencies need the turnover.
Trainers and breeders will eventually come around, but don’t rush them — they still talk furlongs, miles and pounds, 45 years after metrics were introduced.
Sure, some horses don’t handle synthetic, but many don’t handle heavy turf.
Australian mudlarks will eventually follow the dodo and dinosaur, as breeders stop shuttling European wet-turf sires to Australia.
The UK is even building the odd synthetic track.
Synthetic isn’t cheap to install, but turf is expensive to maintain.
Another major plus is the lack of bias trouble, present at most artificially watered turf racetracks.
Geelong and Pakenham, race clubs with both surfaces, would know the comparative cost figures, but surely after factoring in the lack of meetings lost, with synthetic the whole racing industry wins (except mudlarks).
Flemington (Vic)