At the commencement of the 2024 synthetic track racing season, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) commissioned Professor Chris Rogers, and the team at Massey University, to produce a comprehensive track discussion document. The objective was to consolidate the latest international research on racing surfaces, with a particular focus on the physical properties of synthetic tracks and how surface management influences hoof-surface interaction.

The document provides a detailed summary of the physical characteristics of New Zealand’s synthetic tracks, current maintenance practices, and performance metrics. It also draws on global literature to contextualise New Zealand’s synthetic racing environment and describes the physical properties of synthetic racing surfaces, as well as how management can alter the hoof- surface interaction.

Key Findings from the International Literature and Domestic Racing Venue Engagement:

• Different track surfaces exhibit distinct hoof-loading profiles. Synthetic tracks demonstrate a more acute end to the deceleration phase of the hoof compared to turf tracks.

• Horses adapt limb tension at impact based on their previous experience with a given surface.

• Injury rates on New Zealand synthetic tracks are in line with international benchmarks, though slightly higher than those observed on domestic turf surfaces.

• Horses are recording faster speeds on synthetic tracks compared to turf tracks during the synthetic season.

• Like turf tracks, synthetic surfaces are responsive to environmental conditions such as temperature, as well as to maintenance and preparation protocols.

NZTR to Implement Quality Assurance Programme

One of the key recommendations from the Massey University report is the establishment of a coordinated NZTR Quality Assurance Programme. This initiative aims to ensure a consistent and uniform racing surface at the three synthetic venues: Cambridge, Awapuni, and Riccarton Park Racecourses.

“The goal of commissioning this document was to ensure that our maintenance and preparation practices were best practice internationally, and to also understand further what factors alter the surface and how we can manage these effects more consistently” said NZTR COO Darin Balcombe.

“The development of a quality assurance programme will provide all synthetic venues with consistent management practices, leading to improved track performance.

“This coordinated approach will provide industry participants with confidence that each synthetic track is being prepared to its optimal specification, in alignment with the report’s recommendations and Martin Collins’ international best practices,” said Balcombe.

The full synthetic track discussion document can be found here