Santa Anita Park has canceled racing this weekend, Jan. 11-12, given the overnight developments with the wildfires on the west side of Los Angeles. The air quality standards at the racetrack remain well within the limits established by the California Horse Racing Board and the Horesracing Integrity and Safety Authority, and are forecast to remain so, but the impact of these devastating fires is growing throughout Los Angeles County.
Santa Anita Park's expansive property is currently being used to support several relief efforts. The large charity drop-off that was set up at the Rose Bowl was relocated to Santa Anita Park's south parking lot Jan. 10, with thousands driving in to give what they can or pick up what they need. Southern California Edison is using the entire north parking lot as their base camp to restore power to those in the affected areas and Santa Anita Park is working with additional response organizations requesting space.
Morning training will continue as scheduled both days and Santa Anita will remain open for simulcast wagering. Santa Anita Park has its own security staff and unlike many other venues, does not use local first responders for normal events.
Details for rescheduling Saturday's important California Cup, with races dedicated to horses bred in the state, will be released after discussions with stakeholders later this morning.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
