The Impact of Climate Change on Horse Racing
June shattered records as the warmest month ever, marking the twelfth consecutive month of unprecedented global temperatures. Climate change is affecting every facet of life, including horse racing. Last year, relentless heat and scant rainfall ignited massive wildfires in Canada, deteriorating air quality and halting racing activities in both Canada and New York.
New Mexico’s Ruidoso Downs narrowly escaped a devastating wildfire recently, only to face severe flash flooding that canceled several weeks of racing. Experts link the intensity of these events to the warming climate.
Scientists caution that extreme weather events will become more frequent and severe. Hurricanes battering the East Coast and tornadoes altering their paths in places like Oklahoma are prime examples. These changes also wreak havoc on racetracks, causing significant damage and disruptions.
Mick Peterson, executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory (RSTL), emphasized, “What you ordinarily thought of as a New Orleans-type tropical storm is now going to be the norm in a lot of other parts of the country.” These weather patterns are incredibly challenging for dirt or turf tracks.
The Promise of Synthetic Surfaces
Synthetic tracks present a viable solution for track operators grappling with erratic weather patterns. These surfaces offer a buffer against the economic damage caused by climate change. “You need options,” said Peterson, “if you’re going to keep racing and maintain a consistent schedule.”
Research from McKinsey underscores the safety of synthetic surfaces. All five synthetic tracks in North America rank among the 15 safest, reducing the risks associated with dirt tracks in varying climates.
The maintenance simplicity of synthetic tracks is another advantage. For example, heavy rainstorms don’t necessitate a drastic change in maintenance approach, unlike dirt tracks. This consistency is crucial for the safety and reliability of horse racing.
Woodbine’s switch to Tapeta in 2016 exemplifies this. The synthetic surface provides uniformity despite fluctuating weather patterns, making it easier to manage and maintain.
Adapting Turf Tracks
Turf tracks are also feeling the climate pinch. “Mother Nature always seems to throw things at us that are new and different,” said Gregg Munshaw, director of agronomy at the Pinnacle Ag Research Center. The complexities of maintaining a turf course are mounting with evolving weather patterns.
Different grass types, soil compositions, and pesticide use are pivotal in turf management. For instance, warm-season grasses conserve water better than cool-season grasses, making them more suitable for hotter climates.
Track operators are adapting by switching grass types and altering growing seasons. Some are even considering widening turf courses to accommodate changing weather conditions.
NYRA’s plan to incorporate a Tapeta surface for three months every winter is a forward-thinking approach to these challenges. Synthetic surfaces provide a reliable alternative when turf tracks need a break to recover.
Water Usage and Heat Management
As temperatures rise, water conservation becomes critical. The choice between dirt and synthetic surfaces depends on regional climates. In hot, humid areas, synthetic tracks like Tapeta require less water than dirt surfaces, making them more sustainable.
However, experiences vary. In Southern California, maintaining synthetic surfaces like Hollywood Park’s Cushion Track required significant water due to the dry heat. Frequent watering prevented the track from overheating and maintained its integrity.
Peterson highlights the need for more research on the “temperature sensitivity” of synthetic surfaces. Different materials react differently to heat, impacting the performance and safety of the horses.
Despite these challenges, synthetic surfaces hold promise. Innovations in material coatings and ongoing research are crucial for developing surfaces that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Bryson
Thanks for the insight! With climate change being such a huge issue, it’s good to see horse racing adapting responsibly.
jaydenstardust
Does anyone know if synthetic tracks also reduce injuries for the jockeys? Just curious.
Katherine_Artemis
LOL, soon we’ll have horses racing in air-conditioned domes! But seriously, this is a smart move given the climate mess.
taylor
Is there any data on how horses perform differently on synthetic tracks versus dirt or turf?
isaiah
Interesting article! Can synthetic tracks handle the heavy weight and wear of racing as well as dirt tracks?
olivia
Great read! But what about the traditional charm of turf and dirt tracks? Will synthetic tracks kill that vibe?
IsabelleEmpyrean
Thanks for sharing this info. I’ve always worried about the horses’ safety in extreme weather. Synthetic tracks seem like a good solution.
carson7
Wow, synthetic tracks sound like a game-changer! How expensive is it to switch from dirt to synthetic? 🤔