Abstract
BackgroundRacetrack surface is a risk factor for racehorse injuries and fatalities. Current research indicates that race surface mechanical properties may be influenced by material composition, moisture content, temperature, and maintenance. Race surface mechanical testing in a controlled laboratory setting would allow for objective evaluation of dynamic properties of surface and factors that affect surface behavior.ObjectiveTo develop a method for reconstruction of race surfaces in the laboratory and validate the method by comparison with racetrack measurements of dynamic surface properties.MethodsTrack-testing device (TTD) impact tests were conducted to simulate equine hoof impact on dirt and synthetic race surfaces; tests were performed both in situ (racetrack) and using laboratory reconstructions of harvested surface materials. Clegg Hammer in situ measurements were used to guide surface reconstruction in the laboratory. Dynamic surface properties were compared between in situ and laboratory settings. Relationships between racetrack TTD and Clegg Hammer measurements were analyzed using stepwise multiple linear regression.ResultsMost dynamic surface property setting differences (racetrack-laboratory) were small relative to surface material type differences (dirt-synthetic). Clegg Hammer measurements were more strongly correlated with TTD measurements on the synthetic surface than the dirt surface. On the dirt surface, Clegg Hammer decelerations were negatively correlated with TTD forces.ConclusionsLaboratory reconstruction of racetrack surfaces guided by Clegg Hammer measurements yielded TTD impact measurements similar to in situ values. The negative correlation between TTD and Clegg Hammer measurements confirms the importance of instrument mass when drawing conclusions from testing results. Lighter impact devices may be less appropriate for assessing dynamic surface properties compared to testing equipment designed to simulate hoof impact (TTD).Potential RelevanceDynamic impact properties of race surfaces can be evaluated in a laboratory setting, allowing for further study of factors affecting surface behavior under controlled conditions.
Highlights
Racetrack surface is considered a risk factor for racehorse injuries and fatalities, but epidemiologic evidence, likely confounded by simultaneous risk factors, is contradictory providing no clear direction for desirable racetrack surface composition [1]
Clegg Hammer measurements were more strongly correlated with testing device (TTD) measurements on the synthetic surface than the dirt surface
Laboratory reconstruction of racetrack surfaces guided by Clegg Hammer measurements yielded TTD impact measurements similar to in situ values
Summary
Racetrack surface (layered material structure) is considered a risk factor for racehorse injuries and fatalities, but epidemiologic evidence, likely confounded by simultaneous risk factors, is contradictory providing no clear direction for desirable racetrack surface composition [1]. Standardized, objective evaluations of equine racetrack surfaces and relevant confounding factors are needed to resolve this debate. Research examining race surfaces used subject-based (racehorse) methods, including observational studies [2] and instrumented horse measurements [3,4,5,6,7,8]. Simulated hoof impact testing devices [9,10,11] were developed to provide standardized, objective race surface measurements. Race surface measurements in a controlled, laboratory setting may elucidate the relevance and influence of such factors. Current research indicates that race surface mechanical properties may be influenced by material composition, moisture content, temperature, and maintenance. Race surface mechanical testing in a controlled laboratory setting would allow for objective evaluation of dynamic properties of surface and factors that affect surface behavior
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
