Keeneland: Decision to scrap Polytrack reverberates through industry

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Wednesday announcement by Keeneland officials that they are scrapping their Polytrack surface after almost eight years was not unlike an earthquake, with aftershocks reverberating as word spread.

Thousands took to social media to express their opinions on the decision to switch, which came only after Keeneland conducted “research on every element of the racetrack for the last year,” according to track president Bill Thomason.

While Thomason repeatedly emphasized track safety during a Wednesday interview, he conceded that the decreased importance of a number of major Keeneland races, such as the Blue Grass Stakes, was a factor in the switch.

“The decision wasn’t based on just one race but on an overview of our racing program,” he said. “Keeneland wants to provide the highest level of racing and the safest surface possible.”

One fact omitted from the news reports was a cost estimate for the switch to dirt. Rogers Beasley, vice president of racing, said Thursday that no figure will be announced as a matter of track policy.

As for what will happen to the discarded synthetic material before construction begins on the new dirt track May 19, a track spokesperson said it will be placed into storage, and no decision has been made about what to do with it.

Meanwhile, Beasley said most of the horsemen based on the Rice Road side of the stable area have informed him that they intend to keep their stalls after the main stable area has been depopulated sometime after the 15-day spring meet ends April 25. They will have access to the five-furlong Polytrack surface used for training.

“There are about 350 stalls there,” he said. “I’d say a fair number for the number of horses displaced from the main stable area is about 200, although that’s always been a fluid situation.”