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TurfTrack Safety and DurabilityTurfTrack Safety and Durability
 Dear Reader,Re: Safety features of StrathAyr tracks.
I am pleased to write to you to provide updated information on the prevention of racetrack injuries and fatalities in general and to specifically highlight the important role that StrathAyr can play in helping to minimize breakdowns and improve the safety of horses and jockeys alike.
StrathAyr Natural Turf Tracks are built on a design concept involving a high drainage reinforced root zone turf track system. Reflex mesh elements, precisely engineered into the track, provide a support growing medium resilient hardwearing turf surface and drainage that allows for the provision of optimal racing surfaces in the widest range of weather conditions. In addition the Reflex mesh elements enhance the natural cushioning resilience of turf.
The StrathAyr system was pioneered in placeHong Kong 20 years ago. The attached report by Dr Andrew Clarke incorporates data which shows that after up to two decades of operation the StrathAyr type tracks in CityHong Kong, country-regionSingapore and country-regionplaceAustralia provide some of the safest racing with some of the lowest breakdown and catastrophic injury rates in the world today.
Dr Clarke's report highlights difficulties in comparing results from different countries and different tracks around the world as injury statistics and track condition are recorded using different approaches and systems. StrathAyr is heartened to see the planning of a coordinated international effort by Dr Tim Parkin, working with colleagues around the world, to collate, compare and contrast injury rates and a range of risk factors including track condition to further decrease breakdowns and fatalities. StrathAyr will also continue to work to gather more of our own data. We commit to deliver this information and research updates of the international studies as they become available.
The price horses pay for racing and training on hard tracks is highlighted in the attached report. The scientific data is unequivocal - hard tracks increase the risk of injuries. The science supports the observations and feedback StrathAyr has received from jockeys, trainer's, owners, and a wide range of racing identities and executives highlighting the improved safety provided by StrathAyr Turf Tracks.
There is a human cost as well. Injured and falling horses are a risk to jockeys. There is an old saying that goes “It is not how hard you fall but rather how soft you land” and the same applies with StrathAyr with horses and jockeys alike. StrathAyr decreases the risk of falling in the first instance but if a fall does occur the enhanced cushioning provided by the Reflex elements will help to cushion the fall.
Dr Clarkes paper can be viewed on our website and we will be happy to provide hard copies of the Bibliography references, as well as any other assistance required.
With kind regards,
 Bill Casimaty
Chairman
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