I worked at the Pukekohe training centre for almost 2 years, and alot of that time was spent on the new sand training track put in. Kathy is exactly right in what she says about the track being compacted before rain. I remember a number of times when rain was forcasted or if I woke up and heard rain I would have to go down and "seal" the track so it didnt get water logged, and man did I hear about it if I didnt do it properly! I got on to a very good website, and if rain was forcasted for overnight i would seal it anyway and wake up early, if no rain what I would then go and open it up with a heavy harrowing machine. Whether it be a horse or a dog all racing starts at there feet and if the surface is uneven or unsafe there will be problems.
Gary Noakes