by Frank Angst

Several leading jockeys, trainers, track officials, and veterinarians are scheduled to participate in a one-day forum to consider the installation of synthetic surfaces in New York.

Currently the main tracks at the state’s four Thoroughbred tracks are dirt but the New York State Task Force on Retired Racehorses is studying the advantages and disadvantages of switching to synthetic surfaces. The one-day forum, featuring five panels, is scheduled for July 29 at Fasig-Tipton in Saratoga Springs.

“Safety is now at the forefront of issues affecting the racing industry, and it is incumbent upon this task force to undertake a cost-benefit analysis to help determine if these artificial surfaces are the best and safest route for our horses and the jockeys who ride them,” said New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman Daniel Hogan, who co-chairs the task force with New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker.

The 13-member task force was established last year to study artificial surface issues, as well to look into creating opportunities for retired race horses.

“If New York wants to continue to offer the best and safest racing anywhere in the world then we need to find ways to help reduce injuries as they arise and keep horses running more productively and safer over time,” Hooker said. “I look forward to hearing the comments from the racing industry as we move forward in improving our tracks and safeguarding our horses.”

Current scheduled participants include trainers, Todd Pletcher, Nick Zito, Mark Casse, and Dale Romans; jockeys Edgar Prado, John Velasquez, Garrett Gomez, Javier Castellano, and Alex Brown; New York Racing Association President Charles Hayward; Turfway Park President Bob Elliston; Rick Arthur, D.V.M., equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board; and several other veterinarians and racing surface experts.

Frank Angst is senior writer for Thoroughbred Times