Racing Surfaces

Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory

Consistent surfaces for racing, training, and showing

Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory (RSTL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Lexington, Kentucky that coordinates and performs testing of surfaces primarily for the Thoroughbred racing industry. Testing includes all types of surfaces used in horse racing as well as other equine sports surfaces.

Procedures for all tests and the equipment developed by Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory are in the public domain with the exception of applicable international standards. RSTL serves as a reference laboratory for the horseracing industry and provides on-site and material testing for all tests required by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA).

Comparative data based on on-site and lab testing is shared with racetracks and training centers on a regional basis. Test results, as well as real time data, are available in conjunction with a track maintenance database to support collaboration with the University of Kentucky and other researchers. Surfaces data is also used to support HISA and the Track Surfaces Advisory Group (TSAG). RSTL also coordinates educational and outreach activities under the guidance of TSAG.

Our Services

Pre-Meet Testing

Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory performs on site seasonal or pre-meet testing based on the protocols developed as the Maintenance Quality System (MQS). The pre-meet testing includes surface testing using the Orono Biomechanical Surface Tester (OBST), base inspection using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), checking crossfalls, verifying pole distances and rail heights, and taking standard material samples from the racetracks for lab testing. The MQS testing also satisfies current surface testing requirements for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

Lab Testing

Lab testing is provided for dirt, turf and synthetic materials. Basis tests are available such as Particle Size Distribution (PSD), Organic Content, Particle Shape, and Salt Content. These are complemented by tests suited to synthetic tracks such as wax separation, thermal analysis and wax chemistry. Turf testing includes the ability to characterize profiles of materials from small samples using laser diffraction. Performance testing includes Permeability, Water Holding Capacity, Bulk Density and Triaxial Shear.

Daily Monitoring

The Maintenance Quality System includes daily monitoring of moisture content, cushion depth, penetration, surface temperature, maintenance routines, and weather data. RSTL provides the free use of the MQS database for all Thoroughbred racetracks to provide online storage and access to the daily monitoring records. Data entered into the MQS database is automatically fed to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to meet the requirements for record keeping.

Supporters

The laboratory will commit to providing laboratory resources with timely response for all relevant tests. The laboratory results database will be developed in conjunction with the maintenance database and the injury database developed by the Jockey Club. As new methods tailored to the unique needs of a racing and performance horse surfaces evolve, the laboratory will serve a necessary role in the development of standards for racing surfaces.

Additional Sponsors

Woodbine Racing Association, Finger Lakes Racing Association, Keeneland Association and Turfway Park.