Racing in Gauteng without Sand!

Bob Brogan wrote: Rob , do you see a point to having the vaal at all anymore ?

Englander wrote: Rob, I am going only from memory and comments I have read on ABC and I have no conclusion come the end, just thoughts really.

There seems to be a big issue about using Polytrack in the Gauteng area due to the "seasonal" weather conditions, as in identifying which surface of the "poly" type would work on a permanent basis without there being very big ongoing maintenance costs. Not saying that is necessarily correct, but it is the impression I have gleaned.

As for my memory, I have perhaps been "involved" in SA racing for maybe 6 years now, I don't remember the Vaal sand track having many issues in the first four of those years, it is only in the last two years, on a pretty much continuously worsening position, that the problems have raised their head. That, and again also partly based on comments here, suggest to me that the surface was fine but the maintenance "of late" has been negligent.

The above two paras together suggests, and is only suggests, to me that the restoration of the Vaal sand surface would be the better option for an all-weather surface.

They have perhaps opted for a third grass track so that there will be less racing on each and therefore they can maybe maintain each course better. Historically maintenance just about everywhere has seemingly been a problem (why??) so it would be something I would not have great confidence in but that is for the powers that be to get a grip of. The Vaal, even Gauteng in general, grass surfaces seem reknown for being somewhat horse unfriendly, hence why it would seem many came to rely on the sand surface. If the courses are not maintained well then I am sure many more horses will now have much shorter careers.

I am with Frodo in thinking that any course closure cannot be a good thing and too many have already been lost in recent years. I have no issue with the long straight at the Vaal and in fact, completely the opposite to Bob, especially with the camera angles etc elsewhere, find it one of the best for "entertaining" viewing of races.

gregbucks wrote: As a sport and not necessarily betting sand racing must be the most boring on planet earth imo but my question is what happens to all those horses that only run on the sand...??

Englander wrote: Rob, sorry, I misread your meaning, probably somewhat stupidly in hindsight lol. My comments were not intended to re-open the debate re sand/poly and I actually agree it is one that needs to be buried now (with the authorities shouldering the blame!).

Part of my intended point though as to why they have gone with the extra grass track alone for now, is that they possibly can't identify what they deem to be a suitable poly surface for the region. From the comments on other ABC threads, there seems to be quite a few who don't think the options currently available would work, though personally I have no clue and may be misunderstanding again. I was simply mentioning the sand because (again possibly, however unlikely) the powers that be may deem that it actually is the best surface suitable of the current available options but don't want it. No point building another "all-weather" track until they are sure it is ultimately not doomed to be another failure.