Santa Anita Still Awaits Authorization for Racing

A statement issued May 9 from Santa Anita Park indicates the track has not received a decision from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regarding its request to resume spectatorless racing.

Racing has been closed at Santa Anita since March 27 because of COVID-19. For an approximate two-week period prior to that date, the track raced without fans in attendance.

Late last month, Aidan Butler, the acting executive director of California operations for The Stronach Group, which operates Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields in the state, distributed a letter to California industry leaders announcing the release of the condition book. He stated that racing could resume by May 15 if a "Safer at Home" order is lifted in Los Angeles County.

"We are continuing discussions with the LA County Health Department to resume racing under strict protocols," the statement released Saturday read. "As part of our discussions, our team has presented to local health officials a comprehensive plan that outlines stringent health and safety measures to safeguard both our horses and the dedicated team members who care for them."

In anticipation of the resumption of racing, horsemen have made tentative plans at Santa Anita. Preakness Stakes (G1) winner War of Will, for example, was scratched from Saturday's Sunshine Forever Stakes at Gulfstream Park by trainer Mark Casse, who told TVG a day earlier that he and owner Gary Barber wanted to run the colt in the May 25 Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1T) at the California track.

The Shoemaker Mile is a $300,000 mile turf race, which, if run, provides an automatic paid berth into the Nov. 7 Breeder's Cup Mile (G1T) at Keeneland through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series.

Other important races on the Santa Anita schedule include the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Santa Anita Oaks (G2), both planned for June 6. Those races could provide meaningful preparation toward the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), races at Churchill Downs that were postponed this year to Sept. 5 and Sept. 4, respectively, due to the pandemic.

Los Angeles County, which leads the state in COVID-19 deaths with 1,468 through May 8, opened its hiking/biking trails and golf courses Saturday with social distancing protocols. 

Some nonessential businesses were allowed to reopen Friday, such as bookstores and florists, but only for curbside pickup. Car dealership showrooms opened for sales.

Golden Gate, also shuttered by its county health department, was given authorization May 6 by the Alameda County Health Department to resume racing May 14.

"As we await the decision of the LA County Health Department regarding when live racing may resume at Santa Anita Park, we will continue to consult with Health Department officials and our own independent health experts to assure the safety of our horses, employees, and participants," the Santa Anita statement read.