Defendable Data & Equine Surface Solutions
The Defender© is a first-to-market, patent-pending system providing objective, repeatable surface condition data.
The Defender ©
The Defender© utilizes Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) across dirt, turf, and artificial surfaces to deliver preemptive surface depth intelligence that guides uniform and consistent daily preparation.
How Uniformity Is Maintained
- Measured, not assumed
Surface conditions are verified with depth-based data—before racing and between races—not inferred from appearance. - Continuous, not episodic
Data is captured every renovation pass, every race day, creating visibility across the full card. - Time-stamped and contextualized
Each scan is recorded with precise timing and paired with documented weather conditions to explain why surfaces change. - Depth-driven intelligence
Color-coded depth maps reveal uniformity and variation below the surface, where consistency is determined. - Trend-aware, not reactive
Gradual changes are identified early, allowing teams to guide conditions forward rather than respond after problems appear.
These applications enhance track consistency, durability, and performance by addressing critical subsurface factors.
About the Defender ©
Surface Intelligence for Uniform and Consistent Racing Surfaces
HOW IT WORKS
The Defender© is a first-to-market, patent-pending system providing objective, repeatable surface condition data. It offers the following key features:
- GPR arrays mounted to grooming equipment or utility vehicles
- Full-width surface coverage across dirt, turf, and synthetic
- Data captured every renovation pass and between races
- Processing into color-coded maps and depth profiles
WHY IT MATTERS & WHAT IT REVEALS
Because racing surfaces change gradually, not suddenly, the Defender© helps identify trends early, verify maintenance decisions, and document uniformity throughout the race day.
The Defender’s color-coded maps and depth profiles provide visibility into:
- Cushion depth variation
- Subsurface uniformity
- Moisture behavior by depth
- Changes caused by weather, traffic, or renovation
- Trends over time, not just single moments
CONSISTENT MONITORING
Daily & Between-Race Monitoring: The data capture is continuous and non-optional during grooming and renovation, providing time-stamped records and operational transparency.
Our technology is another set of eyes, constantly and consistently updating information the operator can use to maintain their surface. With our consistent record of data, we are confident in our ability to provide evidence that will defend and clear track conditions.
DAILY & BETWEEN-RACE MONITORING
The Defender© is designed for real-world racing operations, not one-time surveys. In addition to daily baseline scans, the system can be deployed between races, during renovation windows, following weather events, and after significant traffic or maintenance.
This allows track teams to:
- verify surface uniformity after grooming
- observe how racing compaction affects the cushion
- confirm that corrective actions are producing the intended result
ACCURATE DATA & DOCUMENTATION
The Turf Defender© shows all the data you need: cushion depth variation, subsurface uniformity, moisture behavior, and changes caused by weather, traffic, and maintenance.
This information is delivered in a consistent format that supports internal review, contractor coordination, regulatory transparency, and historical comparison.
*All scans are time-stamped and documented, creating a clear operational record.
The result is documentation, not opinion. This testing does not replace human judgment — it supports it with data.
OUR SERVICE MODEL
- Fully managed, prepaid infrastructure service
- Tracks do not own equipment
- 5-year agreements for continuity
- Consistent methodology across venues
Our goal is to continue providing high-quality services to our valued customers. We understand the importance of providing compelling data in defense of the surface in the event of public relations issues. Our team provides data and leadership to help guide our clients in this regard. Trust DDESS to deliver reliable and accurate track condition data and guidance.
Why Choose The Defender ©
01.
Data you can Defend
Providing a consistent, uniform surface for equine racing and training. Identify potential surface issues and create common sense solutions. Best practices outlined and implemented.
The Defender creates a living record of surface conditions, including:
- date and time of scans
- surface type and configuration
- direction of renovation passes
- documented weather conditions
- irrigation volumes and timing (when provided)
02.
Accurate Surface Data
Proprietary technology captures surface & sub-surface data day after day, race after race.
We are committed to ensuring that all participants have access to a uniform surface. Our Defender© unit technology takes a deep dive below the surface, delineates the base from the cushion in an easy to digest format at thousands of data points, thus pinpointing any potential anomalies long before they become an issue.
03.
Innovation
Our DDESS Defender© unit is state-of-the-art proprietary technology developed by our team that solves and addresses current challenges in the equine racing industry.
04.
Support
We empower horse racing track operators with cutting-edge technology and decades of expertise. The Defender© utilizes Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) across dirt, turf, and artificial surfaces to deliver preemptive surface depth intelligence that guides uniform and consistent daily preparation. Using GPR, our surface experts capture cushion depths daily ensuring unparalleled surface uniformity.
05.
Determining your Needs
Our initial visit to your track or facility is to gather data, from surface material samples to a deep dive by our DDESS Defender© unit to get a clear picture below the surface, from there our team of experts analyzes the material and reviews the captured data to formulate a plan of action in ensuring your base and surfaces are uniform, consistent, and Defendable.
The Defender©
Surface Intelligence for Uniform and Consistent Racing Surfaces.
We deliver defendable data and solutions to all surfaces including Turf, Dirt, Synthetic, Standardbred and Thoroughbred. Whatever your surface type, size, usage and traffic, our company has the solutions.
Mission Statement:
The Defender© first-to-market, patent-pending system for surface condition insight — helping racetracks, regulators, and industry teams make informed decisions.
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Who Benefits from The Defender's Data
01.
FOR TRACK OPERATORS
The Defender supports daily operations by providing:
- clarity around surface preparation
- insight into how surfaces respond to racing and maintenance
- a factual foundation for decisions
- consistency across racing days and meets
It integrates into existing workflows without disrupting them.
Event Accountability: In case of an unlikely event, The Defender© can prove your surface was indeed uniform and consistent.
02.
FOR REGULATORS & INDUSTRY SHAREHOLDERS
The Defender provides:
- objective, repeatable surface condition records
- consistent methodology across venues
- transparency without outcome claims
- data that complements existing oversight processes
It does not make promises. It documents conditions.
Real-Time Depth Data: The Defender© system captures depth data every lap, providing continuous monitoring of the racing oval’s surface integrity thus defending your surface.
03.
FOR CONSULTANTS & TRACK MANAGEMENT
Maps are paired with clear depth scales and plain-language reports, so results are usable by superintendents, track management, consultants, regulators, and industry shareholders.
This information is delivered in a consistent format that supports:
- internal review
- contractor coordination
- regulatory transparency
- historical comparison
The result is documentation, not opinion.
Guided Surface Preparation: DDESS uses color-coded heat maps to guide uniform surface preparation, ensuring consistent surface depths and base integrity daily.
04.
HORSES & THEIR RIDERS
Knowing track surface conditions before a race is one of the most important surface tools available to reduce risk to both the jockey and the horse. Surface awareness directly affects traction, balance, speed, fatigue, and injury risk, and it allows smarter decisions long before the starting gate opens.
No Guesswork: Eliminates guesswork with precise, Defendable Data, enhancing trust in track maintenance and surface standards.
Our Team: Your Trusted Experts in Equine Surface Solutions
At DDESS, our world-class team is dedicated to ensuring your horse racing track is consistent, uniform, and crisis-ready. With The Defender© unit and decades of expertise, we deliver data-driven solutions to defend your track surface.
- Subsurface Data Specialists: Industry leaders in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), capturing precise cushion depth and sub-surface data daily to guarantee track uniformity.
- Material Testing Experts: Partnered with regional laboratories, our team conducts unbiased surface sample analysis, providing clear, actionable results to validate track quality.
- Surface Specialists: Our affiliated experts, with decades of experience across turf, dirt, and synthetic tracks, offer thoughtful, unbiased recommendations and maintenance protocols to ensure uniform and consistent surfaces.
- Public Relations Professionals: With extensive PR expertise, we craft clear, data-driven messages to defend your track during crises, securing impactful press coverage to protect your reputation.
- Your Proud Partner: We’re committed to delivering uniform surfaces by working closely with your team to uphold the highest standards in equine surface uniformity and performance.
Backed by industry leading expertise, we use The Defender© unit data to craft clear, data-driven messages, securing impactful data to guide and defend your track’s surface.
Contact us to connect with our team and explore how we can defend your track today.
Learn more about DDESS
We are looking forward to educating you on how our DDESS Defender© unit works.