In California, the Horse Racing Board require that running rails be 24 inches in from the vertical upright (or post) and that a cover be placed over the back of the rail to protect riders from colliding with the goose neck.
This system is referred to as the ‘covered safety rail’ and is common on many racetracks around the United States. Previously, the two main systems in use were manufactured from either plastic or heavy sheet steel. Over time, the plastic option was prone to deterioration, becoming brittle and warped, thus leaving conspicuous protrusions. Traditional metal rails were hard and heavy and considered to be expensive. An alternative was consequently sought.
To meet the Board’s requirements, Steriline Racing proposed an aluminium rail and developed a system of interlocking steel cover sheets. The latter being positively joined by purpose designed metal strips.
The unique method developed for connecting the steel cover sheets to the aluminium rail catered for the differing expansion rates of the two metals
The fold pattern of the cover will carry the weight of a person walking on the surface but will absorb impact in the event of a rider falling over the rail.
The rail face can withstand more than double the likely force of a horse striking the rail during the normal course of racing.
The rail face also presents a smooth, curved profile, with an absence of angles. Rail joints are maintained in positive alignment, providing a smooth unbroken line around the track.
The design principles of impact absorption used in motor vehicle manufacture and
roadside barrier construction was adapted to increase the safety of the rail. While attention to the design of the rail and cover joints prohibits uneven joint expansion.
Exposed sections of the rail are protected by ‘blanks’ to minimise injury in the event of a horse colliding with the end of the rail.
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