The wood has split because natural shrinkage has placed too much strain on it - Table tops will shrink and expand across the short dimension as the moisture content changes - winter / summer variations. If the table top is tied down too tightly to the frame/base then splits will appear in the long dimension.
Whatever you do look to the underside of the table and ensure the fixings allow for this natural movement.
http://www.barncrest.co.uk/slotted_expansion_brackets.php
Peccavi
April 2011