By American Farriers Journal

An online survey of New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association members was almost evenly divided over whether Aqueduct should install a synthetic racing surface.

New York Racing Association (NYRA) CEO Chris Kay told a May meeting of the New York Racing Franchise Oversight Board that his organization was considering budgeting between $9 million and $12 million to install a synthetic track in 2017.

“We believe having a synthetic track at Aqueduct would be very helpful in bringing horses from other locales,” Kay reportedly told the Franchise Oversight Board.

He also cited synthetic tracks for having a better safety record for catastrophic injuries.

The NYTHA survey was sent to members May 9. On May 26, the organization reported that 48.4% of respondents did not support a synthetic track at Aqueduct, while 46.1% said they supported the idea. Another 5.5% were undecided.