One of our regular partners and specialist in the construction of racetracks for horses, Marc Gernay, is very active in equestrian sports at a high level. Through his years of experience and passion in this world, Marc is very closely involved in the construction of top racing tracks at the highest level for real competition horses trained to win prizes. His past as a road builder combined with his passion for equestrian sports makes Marc the perfect person for the construction of tracks and race tracks. Ghent Aggregates is a loyal partner for the supply of quality materials for this.

In the spring of 2021, we built a 3.2km-long track for a private stable where top horses are lodged, bred and trained. The private investor naturally consulted Marc, who wanted him to build the perfect track with the right materials. For these top racehorses, it’s vital to take care of their ankles. Perfect cushioning, drainage and at the same time solid drag for the cart behind the horse are primordial to train and raise young foals in perfect conditions, without inflammation or overloading. Together with Ghent Aggregates, the right lava with the right grain structure was sampled, compiled and then supplied.

A total of more than 3,000 tons of lava was supplied for the entire project. Given the favorable position of Ghent Aggregates in the port of Ghent, this was an easy job. Thanks to our space storage and shipment and transport possibilities, the materials were then processed on site by the contractor on demand. The contractor ‘Vanden Buverie’ was working here with a solid team, heavy equipment and with the necessary technical support from Marc. This contractor has specialized equipment for earthworks, concrete works and complete construction in general and is a fixture in the contracting industry. Together with precise logistics and delivery by ship and by axle, the entire project was completed in no time.

The construction consisted of multiple layers, with the penultimate one consisting of a specially calibrated LAVA 0/8 to provide necessary support and cushioning, and a top layer consisting of a coarse LAVA 0/5 with the right properties for footing and deposition for the horse. Sieve analyses and proctor tests were carried out beforehand to start determining the right compositions, with satisfactory results at the end of the yard!

Meanwhile, Ghent Aggregates guarantees the supply of additional materials for repairs and resurfacing where needed. In the future, we will again select the right materials to bring the layers to the right level after wear and tear and intensive use.

Are you looking for more info on racehorse tracks, construction and/or the right materials for these applications?
We have the right materials for every equestrian sport in our offer:

• Trotting or racing track: different types of lava or crushed quartzite sands
• Jumping and training track: Fontainebleau sand 0/1 with or without textile fiber
• Cheaper solutions: White Sand M31 or M32 (little draining), or Horse track sand 0/1