title: Effect of track maintenance on mechanical properties of a dirt racetrack: a preliminary study.
abstract: When Thoroughbred racehorses experience catastrophic injuries, the track surface is often discussed as a factor. The present study investigated the mechanical properties of the surface and found that significant changes in a track occur during routine maintenance. Questions regarding the relative importance of track variability and hardness require further investigation.
authors.affiliation: College of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04473, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: McIlwraith
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D012987:Soil; D013177:Sports / Q000592:standards; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D012987:Soil