Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, Texas, announced Jan. 25 that the main racetrack is being completely renovated along with grandstand improvements to be in place in time for the 13-week 2013 spring Thoroughbred season beginning April 11.
The main track reconditioning is currently underway and will feature a new base and mixture to ensure track safety and consistency.
Drew Shubeck, Lone Star Park president and general manager, said that during the previous fall Quarter Horse meet, inconsistencies in the main dirt track were causing track bias during races.
"A complete investigation by independent, top track and soil experts, found that remnants of the previously used cushion material remained in broad areas of the track," he said. "This material caused difficulties grooming the track each day in order to achieve a uniform distribution of cushion from the inner rail to the outside of the racetrack,"
Shubeck said the renovation project includes removal of all cushion material in order to fully inspect the limestone base; reapplication of the cushion, allowing sub-cushion material to blend with saved cushion material; and washed sand, clay and organics will be blended to achieve optimum blend of cushion materials.
"Our first and foremost objective is to have a safe and consistent racetrack surface and we believe these renovations will do just that for our horsemen," said Shubeck.
The changes to the main racetrack are not the only improvements being made at Lone Star Park.
Returning customers will notice a significant change on the fourth floor of the 280,000-square foot, glass-enclosed, climate controlled grandstand. The main 1,200 seat Silks Dining Terraces are undergoing a dramatic renovation including new tables and chairs and a completely redesigned television presentation.
Additionally, a new menu will be launched in time for the spring meet.
