Gulfstream Expects Tapeta Ready Week of Sept. 23

Gulfstream Park is expected to begin carding races on its new Tapeta synthetic surface beginning the week of Sept. 23, according to 1/ST Racing, owner and operator of the South Florida track. With the installation of its Tapeta racing surface nearing completion, Gulfstream will become the first pari-mutuel facility in North America to be able to conduct racing on dirt, turf, and synthetic surfaces.

Workers began laying the Tapeta over the base of the track late last week. Horses can begin jogging and galloping on the Tapeta after the inner safety rail is installed. 

The multi-million-dollar project, which also includes a new drainage system, will leave Gulfstream with a Tapeta track a mile and 70 yards in circumference that is outside its seven-eighths mile turf course. Its main dirt track, on the far outside, is 1 1/8 miles.

When the all-weather Tapeta is ready for racing, the track plans to pause the use of its turf course for a period this fall while it is rested and reseeded in preparation for the track's Championship Meet that begins in December.

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

"The Tapeta surface is a truly exciting addition to Gulfstream Park," said Aidan Butler, chief operating officer of 1/ST Racing. "The three unique surfaces plus the new drainage system will allow many options for the horsemen, provide bettors interesting wagering opportunities, and protect our turf course during inclement weather. We are very much looking forward to this new chapter in Gulfstream's history and thank everyone for all their hard work in getting it done."

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

"The new Tapeta track is a significant advancement for Gulfstream Park," Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association president Stephen Screnci said. "It creates flexibility that will benefit our horsemen in a number of ways. It will be easier to preserve the turf course. There will be more opportunity to run when races are rained off the turf, and more options in the condition book. Perhaps most important, fewer scratches in off-the-turf races generates increased handle and increased purses. This is good news for South Florida racing."