Turf burned– on purpose

Flames leap from the grass track at Colonial Downs during a controlled burn that will help replenish nutrients in the soil.

Colonial Downs photo

On a day when several brush fires popped up unexpectedly in Central Virginia due to warm temperatures and breezy conditions, Colonial Downs intentionally set fire to its Secretariat Turf Course on April 10.

The two-plus hour controlled burn will help the nation’s widest grass racing surface come back lusher and greener than ever in time for the track’s summer thoroughbred racing season that starts June 8.

Track superintendent J.D. Thomas organized and oversaw the controlled burn which began at 6 p.m.

“The ultimate goal of the fire was to cut the dead cover off the top since dead leafs will not re-green, and to also drive nutrients back into the ground so the grass can begin regrowing immediately,” said Thomas.

This is the second straight year Colonial Downs has burned its turf course, and according to Thomas, may be the only track in the country to utilize this strategy. The grass oval is 180 feet wide and one and one-eighth miles around.

The next morning, Thomas top-dressed the now black surface with crumb rubber, the final aspect of the two-day growth program.

“The small rubber beads absorb sunlight, help with compaction and drainage, and ultimately create a bounce to the turf course,” added Thomas.

About 90 percent of Colonial Down’s thoroughbred races are held on the grass, while only 10 percent take place on the dirt surface.

An aerial photo taken the next day clearly shows the burned over track surface at Colonial Downs.

Stran Trout photo