Lexington, KY (March 28, 2006)-Woodbine Entertainment Group officials have announced that the Ontario-based racing and entertainment entity will install a Polytrack surface on its one-mile main dirt track at Woodbine. Construction will begin in early July.

"At Woodbine, we're proud of our quality racing program and are committed to being a leader in our business," said David Willmot, Woodbine Entertainment Group's Chairman and CEO. "We have a responsibility to help ensure the safety of our sport's athletes-both human and equine-and we're convinced that Polytrack is a safer racing surface. We also believe our customers will welcome the opportunity to wager on racing that is safe, consistent and competitive."

Revolutionary in its design, Polytrack is an entire system, encompassing a specially designed top layer that works in tandem with a unique vertical drainage structure. The top layer-comprised of silica sand, fibers and recycled materials- provides a soft cushion for the horse and rider. It is covered in a wax coating that allows water to flow freely through the top surface to the sub layers below and helps avoid a freezing or inconsistent racetrack-even in inclement weather. The sub layers include porous macadam and dense aggregate rock that provide a solid foundation while vertical drainage pipes carry water away from the track. Together, these elements provide a safer, more consistent racing surface compared to a conventional dirt track.

Woodbine is the second North American racetrack to install Polytrack as its main racing surface. Turfway Park, located in Northern Kentucky, installed Polytrack in August 2005 and is experiencing significant improvements in horse and rider safety, fewer cancelled racing days and major increases in mutuel handle. In September 2004, Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington, KY., installed Polytrack on its 5/8-mile training track, making it the first public facility in North America to offer the synthetic surface. Last year, it announced plans to install Polytrack as its main racing surface in time for the 2006 fall meeting, pending approval from its board in April.

Martin Collins of England pioneered Polytrack more than two decades ago. Martin Collins Surfaces and Footings is a joint venture of Keeneland and Martin Collins International to distribute Polytrack in North America.

"I would like to commend Woodbine for its decision to install Polytrack. They always have been a leader in our industry and this step continues that tradition," said Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson. "Part of Keeneland's mission is to improve the industry and we believe that Polytrack is poised to make a major impact on our sport."

Collins, who has overseen Polytrack installations all around the globe, is pleased that Woodbine is now added to the roster of worldwide clients.

"We are confident that Woodbine, its horsemen and its fans will be thrilled with Polytrack. Our customers are some of the best horsemen in the world and we are looking forward to adding Woodbine to that impressive list."

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