Hello my name is Alex Cho. I am a former jockey and a racing industry promoter with over 30 years of American racing experience. Using this outlet, I hope to inform and educate the mass population about the racing industry. My passion for the racing industry and my experiences will help me educate and help anyone who needs or wants more information. I hope I can help you in anyway. Alex Cho Current State of Course When we watch horses running on a racetrack, you see the beauty of its’ fluid motions and graceful stride that they are known for. However, watching a horse run hard, unbalanced, worn down course its hard to see the true beauty of the horse because you are forced to watch it struggle along the course. It becomes very hard on their legs and the horse has to use twice the amount of energy while racing causing it to become more tired then a horse racing on a stable course. The structure of as horse is actually very delicate. Four thin legs that are very fine boned from the forearm down to the hoof legs support a thousand pound body. Fractures can occur so easily because of their almost fragile legs. That is why that it is crucial for the surface of the course to be in top condition to help reduce the chances of injury for the horse as well as the jockey. For example, in order for the athletes to perform to their fullest capacity they play in updated arenas. A racetrack should be no different. With an even track the horse will feel the effects on their legs and joints causing them to perform to their fullest capacity. According to reports conducted by an independent survey, between June 2007 and late 2008 figures and statistics show that an average fatality is 1.47 per 1,000 starts however on Seoul race course it’s three times that at 4.03 per 1,000 starts due to poor race course conditions. Racecourses throughout the world are normally re surfaced every six months. However, Seoul’s racecourses have never been resurfaced since opening day in 1988. The only thing that they have done is added more material on top over and over. They never fixed the issues on the track just covered it up. Causing a drainage issue, which causes buildup on the course. Until now most epidemiologic studies on Seoul racecourse track show varying conditions at different location on the track has confounded surface type and injury rates. Soil and plant lab dated June 6, 2006. I agreed with the report that the material is too high in gravel because over load which would make the mix very abrasive. Also there were inconsistent high and low spots all over the track. It has been many years since soil samples of the track, however that the bottom has gotten even more uneven causing more danger to the riders. In addition to having poor course conditions, the weather conditions also play a very essential part of maintenance of the course. When it rains, courses become more dangerous because of the slop. The majority of horses do not like to run in the slop. It’s dirty and it creates puddles in random holes in the course. There is a solution to this issue. With the new materials and resurfacing it helps protect the animals as well as the jockeys from catastrophic injures, a necessity no one disputes. When the track is cared for meticulously so that the track is moist and smooth when it comes to post it will decrease the cancelation of races due to poor track conditions and help prevent injuries for both jockey and the horse. All this information described above goes into consideration when you are placing a bet in any form. Fans are more inclined to bet on a horse when they know that the course conditions are stable. When the course conditions are poor, the fan knows the surface plays a factor in setting the odds and betting activity. You’ll find some great information above and beyond what you get in my journal.