Keeneland’s conversion of its main track from a synthetic surface to a dirt surface is progressing on schedule.
More than 16,000 tons of Polytrack have been removed from the track, and a new drainage system along both the inside and outside rails is currently being constructed.
This unique system will work in tandem with the existing vertical drainage system located beneath the track that was installed during the 2006 renovation.
The track’s asphalt foundation is being covered with a TenCate Mirafi geofabric designed to maintain the integrity of the 25,000 tons of Class I sand that will rest on top of it to form a base for the dirt surface.
The depth of the Class I sand will range from two inches at the rail to as much as 18 inches near the center of the track and will act as a grade to direct water toward the rails. The dirt surface will be a consistent six inches across the track.
Interlocking EcoRain drainage cells, made of 100 percent recycled polypropylene material and filled with pea gravel, are stacked horizontally underneath the rails. These drainage cells will eventually be topped with a flexible porous paving material called Flexi-Pave, which is made of 100 percent recycled tires.
This system will collect and discharge the water into the vertical drainage system and away from the track.
