I think I know what a dead rail is, but I\'m not sure I understand how one arises. Too much water? Too little water? Too much cushion? Why would one have arisen on Derby Day? Would the wind have made it difficult for the track superintendent to produce a \"fair\" surface. I\'d be interested in anyone\'s insights.
I\'ve always thought its moisture content even though I don\'t have anything solid to base that upon. Tracks generally drain towards the infield and have an infield retention pond.
The other factor could be compaction and the notion that for whatever reason harrowing has a different effect upon the outer part of the track as compared to the rail.
The horses do run the rail more than the outer part and that could be a factor as well.