"The differences between dirt and synthetic were only amplified last week when news came that Santa Anita’s all-weather surface is going to be torn up and replaced by a traditional dirt course. That was greeted with widespread delight by many Californian horse professionals, a short-sighted reaction that is hardly positive for an American industry under pressure to clean up its act, never mind the impact on those trying to make racing’s world a smaller and more inclusive place."

"Dirt champions break their rivals with a remorseless rhythm. These new tracks, like turf, favour horses that can rip through the gears. Only the most hopeless reactionaries could suggest that such horses lack 'class'."

"In a move heavily laden with significance for the entire US racing industry, Santa Anita is to replace its troubled all-weather strip to return to a conventional surface." See comment: "I'm disappointed because the European horses won't be as effective in the BC and I can't win as much money on backing them through the Yankie Tote."