GMAX Timing for Del Mar Turf After Summer Course Survey

Del Mar announced Oct. 30 that the GMAX timing system will be in use for turf races during the fall meet that begins Oct. 31 after a survey of its turf course. Turf races were hand-timed there this summer following timing inconsistencies with GMAX, a GPS timing system Equibase operates in partnership with the British company Total Performance Data. 

Following the season, in conjunction with Equibase and GMAX, Del Mar re-surveyed its seven-eighths grass oval for its different race distances. The survey also included the run-up distances from where the starting gate is positioned for each race to the point where the timing mechanism is triggered, the track said in a release.

Del Mar has modified several starting gate and turf rail positions. Additionally, the survey results led the track to correct some historic variations in how distances were calculated. Adjustments have been made to the pole locations along the turf course, the track stated. 

"The integrity of timing data is critical, and we know we have to get this right. We believe the adjustments made as a result of the survey, while relatively minor, combined with GMAX's GPS technology, will provide for more accurate and consistent timing," said Del Mar's president and COO Josh Rubinstein. 

Del Mar officials noted that in some cases, due to the gate positions, the run-up to where the timing begins may be slightly longer than it was in the past, which could result in slightly faster times. 

Approximately 40% of the track's races are run on its turf course, where races are carded at five furlongs, a mile, 1 1/16 miles, 1 1/8 miles, 1 3/8 miles, and 1 1/2 miles. There are five rail positions: zero, 12 feet from the inside, 18 feet, 24 feet, and 30 feet. Rail adjustments and are necessary to preserve a turf course, which can become worn by divots.

Del Mar's 15-day season will run through Nov. 29. Seven of its nine graded stakes this fall are on turf.