Del Mar's synthetic surface separates

DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) - Del Mar closed its track during training hours after it was found that materials in the synthetic surface had separated, causing inconsistencies in the surface.

The eight-race card went on as scheduled later Thursday.

No horses were injured during the abbreviated training session that was canceled when inconsistencies in the Polytrack surface were noticed. A rototilling procedure that had been scheduled for next Monday - after the first week of the track's summer meet - was moved up to Thursday.

In the procedure, equipment that digs deeper into the track materials is used to totally remix its elements of sand, fiber, rubber and wax. The remixed material is then fluffed and smoothed to give the track its consistency.

Del Mar's 37-day meet began Wednesday and runs through Sept. 8.