The California Coastal Commission gave unanimous approval to plans by Del Mar to replace its dirt surface with synthetic Polytrack, track officials said.

The commission voted Dec. 12 on the Del Mar agricultural district plan, which was supported by the city of Del Mar. Commission staff previously recommended approval of the project.

Citing the need for improved safety of riders and horses, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club sought the switch in accordance with a California Horse Racing Board mandate for all major tracks in the state to convert to synthetic surface by 2008. Del Mar, which saw 18 horses euthanatized during the seven-week 2006 meet, would be the second track to respond, following Hollywood Park.  Golden Gate Fields recently announced that it plans to install Tapeta Footings with construction starting in May 2007.

The $8 million Del Mar project, according to commission documents, calls for removal of the top seven inches of the dirt surface and storage of the material on the practice track infield; installation of a new drainage system, rock filtration system, permeable asphalt layers, and seven inches of Polytrack material