Santa Anita’s new synthetic track

Santa Anita will introduce a new chapter in its racing history this winter, as its freshly installed $8 million synthetic track transitions from a training ground to a competitive racing arena. Craig Fravel, 1/ST Racing's executive vice chairperson of racing and gaming, expressed excitement about the prospect during the final day of racing at Golden Gate Fields.

Fravel anticipates that the synthetic track will debut for racing during the winter-spring meet of 2024-25, offering a new dimension to Santa Anita's racing calendar. He noted that during the fall meeting, which typically sees drier weather conditions, races are unlikely to be scheduled on the innermost track due to minimal rainfall. However, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the face of climate change.

Santa Anita's decision to incorporate races on dirt, turf, and all-weather tracks follows the pioneering example set by 1/ST-owned Gulfstream Park in Florida almost three years ago. Fravel discussed ongoing logistical considerations regarding race distances and scheduling, indicating that decisions are still being deliberated.

The dimensions of Santa Anita's tracks present unique challenges and opportunities for race planning. The main track spans a mile, the turf course stretches seven furlongs, and the synthetic track, previously reserved for training, measures just under 6 1/2 furlongs. Manufactured by Tapeta Footings of Maryland, the all-weather surface made its debut at Santa Anita on March 2, marking a significant step towards diversifying racing options at the iconic venue.