Racing: Easy track to be dead

A change to track descriptions will be implemented by Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) from August 1.

The new descriptions will be the same as those used in Victoria, meaning there will be five categories rather than the four now used.

The new track readings will be fast (a dry and hard track), good (which replaces firm), dead (replaces easy), slow (soft) and heavy.

The fast description will be for tracks with a penetrometer reading of 2.0 or less with good being 2.1 to 2.5. The other categories will remain unchanged with dead being 2.6 to 3.5, soft 3.6 to 4.5 and heavy being 4.6 and more.

NZTR chairman Guy Sargent said there was concern within the industry over the current use of the penetrometer, particular on heavy tracks and when it rains on the day.

"There are occasions when the penetrometer tends to give false readings and that raises an integrity issue," Sargent said.

"We want to educate punters to look at the track descriptions and push the penetrometer readings into the background."

Penetrometer readings would still be available.

- NZPA