Synthetic surface for Santa Anita?

Santa Anita is looking into the possibility of removing its dirt surface, where the majority of the track’s 36 horse deaths since December have occurred, and going back to a synthetic surface.

That’s according to Dr. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer for the Stronach Group, which owns the track.

“We haven’t ruled anything out,” she said Wednesday.

The drastic measure is being explored as a way to curtail the spate of deaths at the track, which is hosting the Breeders’ Cup world championships this weekend for a record 10th time.

In 2007, Santa Anita installed a mixture of silica sand, synthetic fibers, elastic fiber and granulated rubber with a wax coating after the California Horse Racing Board mandated the change for all of the state’s thoroughbred racetracks.

The surface experienced drainage problems the following year that cost the track 11 racing days and it was eventually replaced by another brand of synthetic that failed to perform adequately under the extreme temperatures in Arcadia.

Statistics showed synthetics reduced the number of equine fatalities in California.

However, trainers and bettors were among those opposing the surface change and Santa Anita returned to dirt in 2010.

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