June 22, 2010 Contact: Joan Lawrence (646) 335-6833
RECORD TURNOUT AT THE 9th ANNUAL TRACK SUPERINTENDENTS’ FIELD DAY AT BELMONT PARK
Representatives from racetracks and organizations from around the racing industry convened on June 13-15 at the ninth annual Track Superintendents’ Field Day hosted by the NTRA at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. A total of 105 people attended this years' event, with 26 tracks fulfilling NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance requirements for safety training and continuing education.
The gathering featured numerous discussions and demonstrations on the latest technologies affecting track maintenance. Topics included the testing of moisture and compaction on turf courses; injury prevention; turf track renovations; and a discussion of types of fertilizers and seeds. Speakers included veterinarian and University of California-Davis researcher Dr. Sue Stover; track surface expert Dr. Mick Peterson of the University of Maine; Dr. Rob Holland of Pfizer Animal Health; Ed Bowen of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation; New York Racing Association (NYRA) blacksmith Joe Campbell; John Seib of All Pro Horticulture; and Roch Dold, Dwight Ange and Kent Hughes representing John Deere.
“Among the highlights was a session featuring Joe King, Don Orlando, Jerry Porcelli and Glen Kozak, who together represent 70-plus years of experience as Track Superintendents for NYRA,” said NTRA Chief Financial Officer Vicki Baumgardner, who attended the event. “NYRA was a terrific host, and we also appreciate the contributions by representatives from several other accredited racetracks, including Del Mar, Monmouth Park, Santa Anita, Turfway Park and Woodbine.”
The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and Rye Brook, N.Y. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA Web site, NTRA.com.
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