HISA Says Parx Turf Divots Filled; Track Had `Noticeable Lack of Moisture'

Eight days after turf racing was halted at Parx amid pressure from horsemen and HISA, HISA officials released their evaluation of the turf surface, saying that the holes had been filled, but the surface was noticeably dry.

Causes Trouble (Creative Cause) broke down on the grass in the Aug. 24 Parx Dash, leading his trainer, Harold Wyner, to walk the course and release a video that showed numerous holes, some of them up to a foot deep. Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's President Bob Hutt said he was ignored when he demanded Parx management do something about the issue, and ended up reaching out to HISA chief Lisa Lazarus.

Thursday night's HISA statement reads, in its entirety:

“HISA officials visited PARX Casino and Racing on Monday, September 2 and Tuesday, September 3, accompanied by turf surface experts. The team conducted a track evaluation, collected soil samples, and performed moisture and consistency tests, which will be compared with previous results. At the time of the evaluation, all divots had been filled with growing medium. However, there was a noticeable lack of moisture in the track surface. Track management explained the irrigation system was down for maintenance.

“HISA officials met with PARX horsemen and Jeff Matty, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, to provide updates on the ongoing review and demonstrate the Racing Services Testing Laboratory (RSTL) track surface testing procedures.

“On Wednesday, September 4, the irrigation system was operational, and a portion of the turf course was aerated. Track management has committed to completing additional steps over the next two weeks, aiming to resume turf racing on Monday, September 16 through September 21, concluding with PA Derby day. A representative of HISA's Track Surface Advisory Group will visit PARX for another evaluation prior to the track re-opening. HISA will continue working with PARX management to evaluate the ongoing efforts and develop a comprehensive long-term plan to upgrade the turf surface.”