By Bloodhorse.com
DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2015) — Del Mar‘s change from a synthetic surface to dirt on its main track is nearly complete, with horses expected to train on it starting in mid-May.
About 31,000 tons of dirt has been put down on the mile oval to replace the Polytrack surface that was in place for eight years. The same dirt, referred to as “El Segundo sand,” is currently used at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.
Crews are expected to be done reinstalling the main track’s inner rail by April 24. They will then adjust the outer rail, with some sections being extended upward by nearly a foot to meet safety standards. The winner’s circle was also raised to adjust for the new surface.
Track superintendent Richard Tedesco says horses will be able to train on the surface by May 15.
Del Mar opens its summer meet July 16.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/91465/del-mars-switch-to-dirt-nearly-complete#ixzz3YBOODnvO