Crayford have adopted a new track preparation policy and are already reaping the benefits in terms of reduced injury rates according to Ladbrokes Coral Director of Stadia Ian Smyth.
Smyth recently introduced a more sophisticated system for collating injury data and now has two months worth of quality data for all four tracks under his control. He has also implemented some changes in track preparation at Crayford and the benefits are already showing up in the figures.
He said: “The first point is that some of the rumours in circulation about significant injury rates at Crayford during the summer are simply false. They have been blown out of all proportion. But I wanted to know whether we could reduce them further and I think we have.
“We have re-assessed how we prepare the track and some of the practices and routines that were in place. For example, we are now applying more water than previously which is leading to the track running quite a bit slower. The net result is a significant reduction in injuries.
“I have spoken to a number of owners and trainers and they can also see the positive effect in the change in routine.”
So will he employ similar schemes at the other three tracks?
Smyth said: “Not necessarily, all four tracks are different. I plan to look even closer at the types of injuries at each of the tracks and see if we can understand them better. But I am taking advice from people like Gordon Bissett, Jason Begg and Gavin Smith and looking to tap into their expertise of track preparation. It is still early days but very promising.”
