Woodbine's new Tapeta track open for training

Training on Woodbine's new Tapeta main track began on the morning of March 18, with 17 horses recording timed workouts over the surface that was installed following the 2015 meet.

"We've had great feedback this morning from horsepeople after our first full training session over the Tapeta," said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group, in a statement. "It's important for us to have a surface that will endure through hot and cold climates. We're very much looking forward to opening day and unveiling the next generation of horse racing surfaces."

Irwin Driedger, Woodbine's director of Thoroughbred surfaces, oversaw the installation of the new synthetic main track. The new track replaced the Polytrack surface which had been in place since August 2006. 

The installation started in November 2015, after that year's meet concluded. The former Polytrack surface was scraped, so that more than 10,000 tons of Tapeta could be moved in.

"It took about 600 truckloads of Tapeta. We had to level it off and make it nice and smooth and make sure we have the right amount of Tapeta in all the areas of the track," said Driedger. "We've been working on it for the past two weeks to ensure that it is consistent. We've measured every ten feet with a prod, so we know we have the amount of material we're supposed to have."

Trainer John LeBlanc Jr., who gallops most of his own stock each morning, sent 12 horses out to train over the main track.

"They've all taken to it really well. I'm very pleased with that," said LeBlanc Jr. "There hasn't been any kickback. Today was a good day for us to take our first time out over it. The temperature is just perfect. It's not below freezing, the moisture is there and it's tight. It was a great first day."

Josie DePaulo, assistant and wife of trainer Mike DePaulo, took most of her barn to the new Woodbine main track to train.  

"They've been training fantastic over it so far. There's no kickback and they're not sinking into it, they just seem to be floating over it," said DePaulo. "So far, I'm thrilled with the Tapeta. It's perfect for the horses and I think it'll really help with keeping them sound." 

Jockey Sheena Ryan, who finished 15th in the standings last season with 20 wins from 251 starts, is also keen to test her skills on another Woodbine innovation slated for later this summer.

"I took three horses over the Tapeta this morning. It's great. The horses liked it and they travelled over it well," said Ryan on Friday. "The color is different. It looks really nice and it doesn't seem as sticky and deep as the 'Poly' was towards the end of last year. This surface is lighter and a little more bouncy. Everyone I've talked to out there so far really likes it."

Woodbine's 60th season begins Saturday, April 9. It will feature 101 stakes races worth more than $20 million in purses.