From DMTC
ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2014)—Under the direction of Track Superintendent Dennis Moore, Santa Anita’s one mile main track has been totally renovated and its original sand and clay mix has been replaced by a single-source natural material known as El Segundo Sand. The track, which has been closed to training since July 11, will reopen for use on Sept 2, in advance of Santa Anita’s 2014 Autumn Meet, which begins Sept. 26.
A naturally occurring, indigenous soil, El Segundo Sand will help to ensure balanced drainage during periods of wet weather and a uniform, safe cushion year ‘round.
“It’s been my experience that the best surfaces around the country are all comprised of naturally occurring soils that are typically indigenous and not made by man,” said Moore, who was hired by Santa Anita this past December following a highly successful tenure at the now-shuttered Hollywood Park. “This entire project has gone even better than any of us had hoped for. We’ve removed and installed about 21,000 yards of material and we are extremely pleased with its uniformity and with the way it’s settled in.
“We expect this new surface will provide the safest and most consistent playing field available for our horses, riders and the betting public. That said, we all know that in this business, there will always be issues from time to time. We’re excited to get horses on it and we look forward to opening day Sept. 26.”
Santa Anita’s 24-day Autumn Meet will be highlighted for an unprecedented third consecutive year by the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Closing day is Sunday, Nov. 2. Santa Anita’s stable area will re-open to horsemen on Aug. 31.
For more information on Santa Anita’s 2014 Autumn Meet, please visit santaanita.com, or call (626) 574-RACE.