Comprehensive, science-based discussions and demonstrations on maintaining safe racing, training and event surfaces, along with an explanation of how to participate in the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) racing surface regulations and the processes for HISA implementation and reporting, highlight the NTRA Racecourse Managers’ Conference and Workshop held March 6-8, 2022, at South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.
GGT Footing personnel were thrilled to have the opportunity to learn all the latest techniques for testing footing surfaces, for maintaining surfaces and for full reporting of data. Although the main topics were racecourse facilities, the GGT Footing recipe created by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at the Fairhill five-star event in Maryland was displayed for footing testing and all info was discussed on how to collect the information and how to keep the surface for best safety performance.
All this information is very transferable to modern day arena surfaces.
SOME OF THE SPECIAL GUEST’S SPEAKERS WERE:
Michael “Mick” Peterson, director of the Racetrack Safety Program and a professor in the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Kentucky, also serves as executive director of the Racing Surfaces Laboratory.
To measure surface consistency and response, Peterson developed the Orono Biomechanical Surface Tester (OBST). The influence of maintenance and weather changes in composition can be understood by using this device to test the surface. Data collection for maintenance, weather, track design and usage rates can help supply guidance for decisions related to the maintenance and best design for a surface.
Dennis Moore, Racetrack Consultant and Superintendent, will prove the use of lasers for grade measurements and how to check grades on horse racing and arena surfaces.
The Equine Sports Turfgrass Alliance, a group of university and industry professionals developing education and research for the equine sports turfgrass industry, will host a session on the development of testing methods for surface testing of cross-country courses in British and North American Eventing.
Glen Kozak, Senior Vice President of the New York Racing Association (NYRA), will lead a panel that discusses the HISA Surfaces Regulations and the process for implementation and reporting.
Oliver Hoberg, Footing Expert for the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the international governing body for equestrian sports, and Lars Roepstorff from the Swedish University of Agriculture, a veterinarian and equine surgeon and one of the world’s leading experts on equine footing surfaces, will discuss the use of FEI criteria and practical implications for FEI 5* events and Olympic equestrian facilities.
Kaleb Dempsey, Materials Engineer at Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory (RSTL), will show the integrated track tester which can measure moisture and cushion depth on dirt tracks as well as monitor the condition of turf tracks; and
Mackenzie Rockefeller, Manager at Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, will show the new Maintenance Quality System (MQS) database developed by The Jockey Club which will allow reporting for the HISA data to be produced automatically.
Cynthia Brewster Keating, National Sales Manager and Barbara DiPalma -National Retail Account Manager represented GGT Footing.
West Coast GGT Footing dealer and arena builder, Dean Hendrickson from West Coast Footings got hands on demos on the OBST hoof machine.
GGT Footing™ is the equine footing division of Polysols, Inc. Located in Spartanburg Sc. Originally based out of Germany, but due to demand in the USA, a plant was opened ten years ago to accommodate the growing needs. We also have accomplished arena builders around the world, ready to serve your every need for arena footing. Now offering a full line of Arena textile additives, specialty CONDITIONER s, stall Ez mats, arena butterfly matting systems, moisture control. Underwater ebb and flow systems and water free solutions by our installers. Our products are used in private back yard farms to World Class Olympic level venues. GGT Footing is a world class product that you can afford!
For more information on GGT Footing™ Visit http://www.ggt-footing.com/
Cynthia Brewster Keating
National Account Manager
GGT Footing
cynthia.keating@polysols.com