ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL. -- There are new tables on the apron, they've upgraded the seating in the clubhouse boxes, and I'm standing in the horsemen's viewing area at the home track on a quiet Thursday morning, wondering why I ever left. Scratch that. I know why I left. The editor says go to Saratoga, I go to Saratoga. And let's face it, the competition is a little tougher in New York, which equals more races that need covering, more writing for me to do. But the memories born at Arlington Park, 20 minutes from my parents' house, come flooding back today. I got my start here under the green- and white-striped awnings, watching horses circle in a paddock surrounded by lush red and white Impatiens. It feels good to be back. I remember interviews with Earlie Fires, conversations with Bobby Baird, galloping hell-bent-for-leather on the Riding for a Cure trail ride, supporting the Race Track Chaplaincy. I remember the tight sense of community, the feeling that this is just what we do. Another day at an awesome office. This season has not been kind to Arlington. I know, covered the injuries of jockeys Rene Douglas and Michael Straight from offsite, made it back to see Douglas in the hospital, will do the same for Straight if I can. Members of the colony took it hard. Members of the horsemen's community -- trainers, agents, exercise riders -- started asking questions. Concerns here have to do with the lack of bounce to the surface, the impact or concussion felt by riders when they fall and horses when they train. With Douglas and Straight failing to walk away from spills here (both suffered fractured vertebrae and face lengthy recovery periods), those concerns are front and center. In 2006, the last year of dirt racing at this Chicagoland oval, 22 horses were euthanized during racing hours due to breakdowns. The next season that number dropped to 14 after the Polytrack surface was installed (two more were fatally injured on the turf). In 2008, 12 horses broke down on the synthetic surface while four were euthanized due to injuries on the turf. This year, 14 breakdowns have occurred on the Polytrack and, Saturday, one on the turf. These numbers have been reflected at artificial tracks across the country, and it's a widely-recognized fact that, although the merits of artificial surfaces may abound, their luster has somewhat diminished. Here, as the 98-day meet winds to a close, track management will continue an earnest evaluation of the surface. That's not anything we haven't heard -- exploration of the product continues, tracks across the country are constantly doing the same -- but it's a fact that gives a little reassurance to those concerned over the surface's safety. They're hoping, when they return, that Arlington will have solved the problem. There are changes to be made. It's a subject I'll tackle in-depth this weekend, interviews with trainers and jockeys and track management to come. And although the subject is a somber one, I still love the place. It's good to be home.