Big changes afoot at Lone Star Park
Written by Phil Cerroni
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie announced Jan. 25 that the main racetrack is being completely renovated along with major grandstand improvements to be in place in time for the upcoming 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:
“During the course of the previous Fall Meeting of Champions for American Quarter Horses, we noticed inconsistencies in the main dirt track that caused some 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. 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,” said Drew Shubeck, Lone Star Park President & General Manager.
The renovation project includes:
1) Removal of all cushion material in order to fully inspect the limestone base.
2) Reapplication of the cushion, allowing sub-cushion material to blend with saved cushion material.
3) 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
Also, the track recently announced its 2013 Stakes Schedule consisting of 11 stakes races totaling over $1.1 million. The schedule is highlighted by the $300,000 Lone Star Park Handicap (Grade III) for three year olds and up at 1-1/16 miles on May 27 and the $200,000 Texas Mile (Grade III) for three year olds and up at one mile on April 27. Check out www.lonestarpark.com for a complete stakes schedule listing.
Source: Lone Star Park
