New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today announced an independent review into the performance of the country's three synthetic racetracks.

The review, to be led by Massey University, will involve independent world-leading experts from the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, based out of The University of Kentucky.

The review will analyse all existing data as well as carry out additional testing to better understand the performance of New Zealand’s synthetic tracks.

The current stated objectives of the review are:

• Provide a concise summary of the hoof limb interaction on synthetic and turf tracks based on the published literature
• Provide a description of the synthetic tracks in New Zealand, their physical properties, the management techniques employed and the current metrics on horse use and performance

Analysis by Massey University of the 2023/24 racing season revealed that New Zealand remains one of the safest horse racing jurisdictions in the world, with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts.

While still world leading, the fracture rate on synthetic tracks appears higher than turf at 0.81 per 1,000 starts.

Although the data pool remains small due to the limited number of starts when compared to turf tracks, it is hoped the review will help explain the disparities as well as highlight areas of improvement. This in turn should lead to improved track performance and help alleviate any industry concerns.

“The review is part of our commitment to industry stakeholders to seek continuous improvement and investigate any concerns,” says NZTR Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe.

“NZTR is aware of the concerns raised which is why we are engaging the experts to lead this review and identify what we can do to improve conditions at Cambridge, Awapuni and Riccarton."

Chief Technology Officer, Kaleb Dempsey from the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory is due to fly out to begin work within the next few weeks. He will be followed by Professor Mick Petersen in early 2025. Prof. Petersen is a highly regarded world expert in racetrack surfaces and is the Director of the Racetrack Safety Program at the University of Kentucky.

The report is expected to be published mid-2025.