Tapeta Surface at Gulfstream Park Nears Completion

Synthetic racing will soon join dirt racing on the wagering menu at Gulfstream Park.

The Florida track began notifying horsemen Sept. 2 that its Tapeta track, which is being installed on the outer portion of its turf course, would be ready for use in approximately two weeks. At that time, the turf course will be rested and seeded in preparation for racing later in the year.

The notification said that the races scheduled for turf in the condition book will be moved to the Tapeta, which will require adjusting distances scheduled at 7 1/2 furlongs and a mile to a longer distance of a mile and 70 yards on the Tapeta.

Gulfstream Park spokesman David Joseph confirmed the accuracy of the horsemen announcement.

The Tapeta was added to reduce wear on its turf course and to retain field size when rain forces races off the grass. Synthetic tracks handle inclement weather better than dirt and turf and remain fast when they drain efficiently.

Many observers feel turf-specializing horses are more likely to transfer their form to a synthetic surface than to a dirt one.

In North America, Tapeta is the surface in use at Turfway Park, Golden Gate Fields, Presque Isle Downs, and Woodbine—though it is the main track at those facilities. Tapeta is comprised of silica sand, wax, and fibers.

Gulfstream will continue to offer dirt racing on its main track.

With the closure of Gulfstream Park West, formerly Calder Race Course, Gulfstream runs year-round in South Florida.

Gulfstream vice president of racing operations, Mike Lakow, told Horse Racing Nation that Gulfstream may not run on its turf course until its Championship Meet, which begins in December. He left open the possibility it could be used earlier if the growth of the new grass course is rapid.

Ultimately, Gulfstream plans to card a variety of turf, synthetic, and dirt races.