Synthetic tracks - a Silver Bullet? - maybe not

[Mark D]

https://www.racenet.com.au/news/group-i-winning-trainers-label-synthetic-track-unsafe-20190722

 

[Chief Stipe]

Group I-winning trainers label Synthetic track unsafe

Colin Little described the Pakenham Synthetic track as unsafe on Sunday. Photo: Darryl Sherer.

Article Author

Brad Waters 9:14AM22 July 2019

 

Safety concerns stemming from significant kickback from the track prompted a pair of Group I-winning trainers to pull horses out of Sunday’s Pakenham Synthetic meeting.

Stewards granted Caulfield trainer Colin Little permission to scratch the favoured runner Peko from the second last race of the day less than 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.

The withdrawal of Peko prompted significant betting reductions but Little told Racing Victoria the Pakenham Synthetic track was not up to standard for safe racing.

“I’ve scratched the horse because I think the track is unsafe,” Little said.

“I’ve been a disciple of this track, it’s been through a lot, but it has gone pear-shaped.”

Australian Derby-winning trainer Pat Carey scratched Habesha on behalf of the owner 27 minutes before the last race of the day.

The stewards’ report noted Carey also withdrew his charge because of “his concerns regarding the condition of the synthetic surface and the kickback being experienced”.

The Pakenham Synthetic track held four races on Sunday after the first six races of the day were jumps events conducted on the venue’s turf track.

Pakenham’s Synthetic course will host another nine-race card on Tuesday.