Turf course has been resurveyed; run-up distances will vary greatly by rail settings

Del Mar has changed the position of furlong markers on the turf course and altered the run-up distances between the gate and the start of the timing mechanism after conducting a survey of the course after the summer meeting in early September.

In several instances, the run-up to the point when the race time will begin is longer than previous seasons, according to a statement released by the track Friday. The relocation of furlong markers on the course will result in more accurate fractional timing, officials said.

The changes took effect with the start of the autumn meeting Saturday.

The changes will be primarily used when temporary rails are set at various distances away from the inside permanent rail. Del Mar has five rail settings on the turf course – the normal position, and 8, 16, 24, and 30 feet from the permanent rail. The rails are moved to preserve portions of the turf course.

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“The challenge was when we moved the rail around,” track president Josh Rubinstein said in an interview Thursday.

During the second half of the summer meeting, many turf races were hand-timed to ensure accuracy.

Run-up distances will vary significantly depending on rail settings and race distances. The track runs turf races at six distances, ranging from five furlongs to 1 1/2 miles.

A mile race will have a 63-foot run-up in races without a temporary rail setting, 130 feet when temporary rails are set at eight feet, and 144 feet when temporary rails are at 30 feet.

The differences in races at 1 1/16 miles are greater with an 8-foot run-up without a temporary rail setting, to 189 feet when the temporary rails are at 30 feet.

“If you change the run-up by 30 or 40 feet, the horses will travel at a higher rate of speed when the timing starts,” Rubinstein said. “We’re likely to see quicker times.”