4 – EQUIPMENT
A sand surface requires certain maintenance procedures to be conducted on a daily and weekly basis to achieve particular results.
To see videos of track maintenance in action - please click on the image below.
(a) Track should be level:- A trailing grader blade is being employed to ensure the track surface is level from side to side and around the circumference of the track. The blade is shaped and sits on two wheels. The blade can be moved sideways and tilted to the required position by the operator from the tractor cab.View Grader Video
If the blade is set at track level and pulled around the circumference it will shave off any humps and fill any hollows. It ensures your cambers are shaped appropriately and will therefore assist a greyhound in entering and exiting a bend.
The blade can also be used to 'turnover' the track surface and cut a new base to ensure the drainage and levels are sufficient to promote a proper working tack. This activity would generally occur once a year.
(b)The 'pan' needs to be broken:- Due to racing activity and tractor work, the surface will compact and become firm. A track exhibiting a hard pan an inch or so below the surface needs to be broken. The use of a power harrow has been adopted by a number of tracks in Ireland and the U.K.
The power harrow has the advantage of breaking the hard surface and mixing the sand that may have settled to the bottom. The Board are trialing the power harrow and have found it to perform an efficient job. This activity should normally occur on a weekly basis, unless weather conditions are unfavourable.View Power Harrow Video
On completion of power harrowing, the track must then be tyre packed to ensure the surface is not loose and finally sealed by plating with a rubber mat.
5 – CAMBERS
The purpose of a camber is to ensure excess water can drain from the track surface and assist the greyhound in cornering a bend. The theory on cambers is the subject of regular debate. It is suggested the bigger the camber the greater assistance for the greyhound.
A number of racing countries now hold the view that the camber on a bend should not be severe, as it tends to place extra pressure on the joints and forces runners to take the same line into a bend causing traffic problems. If the camber can be lowered, it will have the advantage of reducing stress on the joints and allow the greyhound to use more of the bend.
If there is a collision on a bend, the greyhound will be in more of an upright position and therefore less likely to be knocked over. The Board have examined how the lowering of cambers may improve entry and exits on bends, observed what other jurisdictions are changing and found the results to be encouraging.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that there are many views on how best to improve the current sand surface and how the newly developed synthetic surfaces may be the way forward. The decision can only be based on objective analysis of results and what is best for the greyhound.
The one unifying thread among all greyhound enthusiasts is that we are all striving to ensure that the safest surface is provided for these fine 'athletes' and that through open dialogue and debate we can ensure we deliver the professional service required to the industry stakeholders.