Newsday Interviews Peterson for Article on Belmont Stakes Horse Race
Mick Peterson, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Maine, spoke with Newsday for a report about the 147th Belmont Stakes thoroughbred horse race held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Belmont is one of several elite tracks at the center of a national movement to push for more precise maintenance and measurement of racing surfaces and conditions that affect them, according to the article. Glen Kozak, vice president in charge of facilities and racing surfaces for the New York Racing Association, and other top track managers consult with Peterson on track safety, the article states. Peterson’s lab analyzes track samples, and he also visits tracks to test for safe, well-maintained surfaces. “Our philosophy has been that tracks should not vary,” Peterson said, adding the load on horses’ legs and other factors should be as consistent as possible.