In addition to the penetrometer, which remains the reference tool, France Galop is now offering a much greater range of information regarding the going in flat pattern races (Groups 1, 2, 3 and Listed). This new service will be used for the first time in France on Aug. 7 at the Deauville racecourse, during the Deauville Barrière Meeting, which boasts a high number of Group and Listed races.
France Galop has chosen the GoingStick, a device developed by the British technology company TurfTrax. Measurements taken will provide unprecedented data resulting from a method that takes into account the penetration and, what is new, the shear of the turf. In the United Kingdom, publication of GoingStick readings is mandatory for all turf meetings.
The additional data published for major events is in line with international standards and will be of interest to French and international trainers with starters in these pattern races, as well as punters and racecourse groundsmen.
A total of 68 race meetings per year will benefit from this technology.
The British TurfTrax developed technology is an established method used in England, Ireland, Germany, Australia, and Japan. Readings collected at racecourses that use the GoingStick can be found in English and French on https://www.turftrax.co.uk/
Based on the model of the penetrometer, which remains the reference tool at all French racecourses, a series of readings will be taken on the day before the meeting with the GoingStick.
At each point, the GoingStick takes two measurements to produce an overall reading:
1. The bevelled blade is first driven into the track, measuring the amount of force required to push the tip into the ground
2. The device is then pulled back to a 45-degree angle, measuring the energy needed to pull back to an angle of 45 degrees from the ground
The information published during Group and listed races will be assembled on the TurfTrax website, accessible free of charge and without the obligation of creating an account. It will be presented in a detailed chart that will offer a wider range of data.
Tests carried out by France Galop over the past year have shown that ground readings measured with the GoingStick are consistent with that of the penetrometer. One essential difference is that the TurfTrax data is published according to the British scale.
Comparison of the two scales:
Penetrometer scale: The penetrometer scale, which has been in use in France since 1970, has 10 levels. It is expressed in mm and gives an average reading of ground penetration taken at various measuring points across the whole track (each time at 2 and 3 meters from the rail): at each measuring point, a weight of 1kg is dropped 3 times from a height of 1m along the penetrometer, which falls onto a 1cm² rod. The penetrometer then reads the depth to which the rod has sunk.
TurfTrax GoingStick scale: The GoingStick scale, which is also based on measurements taken along the track, is based on resistance. The greater the resistance, the firmer the ground, and vice versa. This scale has 7 levels. However, the British do not have a description for “very soft” or “holding” ground, but go straight from “soft” to “heavy.”
Information is published on the TurfTrax website (https://www.turftrax.co.uk/) in an identical manner to the penetrometer readings published on the France Galop website, namely:
– Entries at 10:00 am
– Final declarations at 10:00 am
– Pre-race race meeting before 10 am
– Race day at 10:00 am
GoingStick ground readings will be available on the Turftrax website and will be presented in form of a map showing the layout of the track. Where appropriate, different colors may be used to show any differences in ground conditions from one area to another.
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