NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Colonial Downs racetrack is preparing for yet another season of successful racing.
This Monday, track officials will set fire to the Secretariat Turf Course — the widest turf course in North America which features an almost 12-mile-long dirt track.
The burn happens around the same time every year, usually a few months before the beginning of the horse racing season.
Organizers say the burning of the turf course helps prepare and nurture the ground for the thoroughbred season. The controlled burn takes what’s called the dead “cover” off the turf and allows it to grow back in a healthier state within weeks if not days.
Racetrack officials say this returns more nutrients into the soil and grass than basic lawn care.
As a precaution, the New Kent Fire Department will be on scene to provide brush trucks and other necessary supplies to help with the burn as well as set up a perimeter inside and outside the tracks to stop flames from spreading.
A crew of “fire swatters” will also be on hand to ensure the fire stays where it’s supposed to.
Hold your horses though! Monday’s burn is not open to the public. However, people will be able to see some smoke coming from the track for a few hours in some neighboring areas.
The burn is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. on Monday and will go until about 6 p.m.
The racing season is scheduled to start July 11 and continue through Sept. 7.
