Condition of Turffontein track

Had a look at the track yesterday, it is in a shocking state. At first it looked like the course had been dressed and that they were kicking up the dressing but no, that was the soil underneath they were kicking up. The roots are being damaged and the ground is solid.

My filly was tote favourite in the 3rd and broke down with a suspected fractured pelvis. We think she stood in a hole on the bend or just after.

Once again, the folly of selling Newmarket is clear for all to see. The inside track was also bad some weeks ago and scheduled racing was moved to the outside track.

unfortunately this is what happens when non horse racing people make these decisions ..money greed ..sorry about your filly mark

hi mark how is the filly?

Sorry to hear about your filly, Gajima.

A couple of us were discussing the poor condition of the track just yesterday as we caught the last couple of races.

Sorry to hesr sbout your Filly Mark - I hope it's not as bad as first thought - Jim

bad news - hope she is better than you thought

Thanks for the best wishes guys. The filly has not broken her pelvis but has badly torn muscles in her hind. She will survive but might not race again for a while if at all.

Sad state of affairs - small concelation that she has survived the incident

Perhaps they should water the grass at the track more often or postpone al Gauteng racing until rain comes.

I asked a question on a similar thread a few weeks back - but no one answered, so let's try again.

Has Turffontein got "sprinkler's?" and/or a "Bowser" vehicle to water said bone dry track???

Respectfully, Jim.

What i think is that cause it dont rain in the winter in Joburg and it gets frosty at night, thus the brown grass. The frost will kill off the grass even if you water for 10 hours a day, which will be a sin to do so.

Mori the idea is for the sprinklers to go on say 60 mins before racing to soften the top soil a tad and ease the 'jarring' effect of running on rock hard ground.

If you also sent a tractor around with some 'spikes' that could also help dispearse said water into the ground as well, it might just make a difference.
Not great addmitedly, but if it saves one Horseit will be worth it - no?

Jim