October 26, 1998. Copyright, 1998, Graphic News. All rights reserved

DIGGING THE DIRT IN KENTUCKY
By Midge Todhunter

LONDON, October 26, Graphic News:  Of the seven races at the BreederÕs Cup Championships, only two are held on turf Ð the other five are all run on the dirt track at the Churchill Downs course, which could pose real problems for many of the overseas challengers, unaccustomed as they are to racing on artificial surfaces.
Blitzing around the dirt track at speeds of up to 45mph, the horses inevitably fling (with similar velocity) clumps of the oily sand-like covering in their wake. Known as the Ôkick-backÕ, this ferocious hail from the tightly bunched pack racing in front can be a daunting factor to even the bravest of equine souls, waiting behind with a well-timed run Ð especially if it rains.
In dry conditions, it gives a good running surface, albeit with a continual bombardment of sand from the pace makers. But when itÕs wet, the horses come back plastered and jockeys can use more than four sets of goggles per race, pulling down each pair as they become clogged up.
When a turf course takes in the rain, the going changes to soft or heavy. But when the dirt surface becomes wet, it is referred to as ÔsloppyÕ. It turns to a soup-like consistency, which splatters out on impact with the pounding hooves.
The sharp sand and underlying hard surface can also be abrasive to the pastern (the first rounded joint above the hoof) area of the horses so ÔrundownÕ pads are fitted to most of the runners as a precaution against injury.
As with every track across the American continent, the Kentucky course is a left-handed oval. Plenty of these top class contenders have made their reputations on the right handed routes of Ascot and Longchamp Ð another thought when it comes to horses for courses.
To add pessimism to technicalities, donÕt forget the mighty Dayjur Ð probably the best sprinter of the last decade and certainly unbeatable at the time in Europe, who went to America to conquer the world in 1990.
But the slowly setting sun had cast long dark shadows (peculiar to that great continent) across the track. After setting a blistering pace from start to  finish, Dayjur baulked and stopped to jump one such shadow, right on the winning line. He lost the race in a photo.
/ENDS

Sources: International Racing Bureau