Training Surfaces
The best Training Surfaces in Florida
The lighted one-mile dirt track at Oak Ridge Training Center is meticulously maintained for the safety and comfort of the racehorses who train on it. The limestone base and six-inch sand and clay cushion allow the track to drain quickly and provide the flexibility to adjust the surface depth when it’s harrowed. The track re-graded regularly to maintain a consistent and level training surface. It is harrowed daily before opening for training at 5AM, and during the winter season, there’s a morning break during which the track is harrowed again. At the end of the training period each day, the track is harrowed and sealed, and then overnight watered (with up to 20 loads) to provide a consistent level of moisture day in and day out. This attention to detail and diligent maintenance of the track help to make Oak Ridge the best thoroughbred training center in Florida.
7/8-Mile Turf Course
Oak Ridge’s 7/8th mile Celebration Bermuda turf course is thick and lush thanks to a state-of-the art irrigation system and meticulous maintenance. It’s available for training year round, in the wintertime it’s overseeded with winter rye grass. The dirt track closes early on Wednesday so that the turf course is available to all trainers based at Oak Ridge. In addition, the turf course is available by appointment on all other days starting when the dirt track closes for the day.
