Track closed for re-sanding

The Caymans Park racetrack is scheduled to be closed for the next three-days to facilitate the re- sanding of the surface.

Aldien Anderson, manager of racetrack operations, at Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVRE), said the work on the track would be from April 12-14, during which time no exercise activities would be allowed to take place.

"The process in sanding the track involves going through and putting down a continuous layer all around the track until we think it is even," said Anderson.

"This will help to improve the surface, maintain that cushion so that it is conducive for the horsemen and help to mitigate against track-related injuries and it will also help to contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

"This is one of the maintenance activities that is conducted yearly depending on weather conditions and other factors that we may encounter through the year," Anderson said.

He underscored that closure of the track would be of inconvenience to a number of the horses but they have no other alternative because SVREL wants to ensure that the work is done to world-class standard.

"It is a maintenance process that we have to go through from time to time and so it is an inconvenience yes, but it will serve the overall industry well in the future," said Anderson.

"Different tracks abroad close for months to facilitate this type of activity but we have been fortunate in terms of the reviews that we have gotten when international professionals look at our track surface, we have good reviews about it when they compare it to other surfaces that they are exposed to in North America," he said. Meanwhile, Ryan Darby, president of United Racehorse Trainers Association (URTA), said his organisation welcomes this move by the promoters but he stated proper notice must be given so that they prepare their horses in advance. "We need the track to be cushion as best as possible but closing the track for three days, I hope that this will be done with consultation with the stakeholders so that we can plan in advance for this process," said Darby.