ALBANY — Aqueduct may leave the dirt in the dust.
The Queens racetrack is looking at installing a synthetic surface at its inner track following a spike in horse deaths.
An investigation at Aqueduct last winter found the unusually dry and mild weather may have led to unexpected conditions at the dirt track that contributed to the problem.
The investigation report, ordered by Gov. Cuomo and released yesterday, also found the New York Racing Association put profits ahead of horse safety while Gov. Cuomo’s own Racing & Wagering Board failed to enforce key regulations. Cuomo is proposing beefed up rules and restructuring to better protect horses.