Santa Anita Opens Morning Viewing Area for Owners

Santa Anita Park has developed a comprehensive plan to allow California Horse Racing Board licensed owners at the race track to watch their horses breeze in the mornings, according to a May 28 announcement from Thoroughbred Owners of California.

Since the number of owners attending at one time will be limited to comply with county health department protocols, reservations must be made ahead of time by an owner's trainer. Trainers will be able to make reservations through the Santa Anita racing office for their owners to attend on a first-come-first-served basis.

The new owners' viewing area has been set aside in the clubhouse section of the grandstand overlooking the far turn. The viewing area contains tables and chairs, which have been appropriately spaced for social distancing. Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the viewing area and restrooms will be done regularly to conform to COVID-19 protocols. There will also be coffee service available in the viewing area.

Owners must enter Santa Anita through Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue and park in the clubhouse valet area. They will enter through the clubhouse gate, where they will be met and checked in by an attendant and show photo ID. Each person must pass a temperature check and be fully compliant with a face cloth covering their nose and mouth to receive an access sticker and enter the clubhouse. Signs will be posted throughout the area directing people where to go and to remind everyone to remain socially distant.  

Owners and their guests must stay in the assigned clubhouse area only and are not allowed west of the tunnel that connects the walking ring to the racetrack. Owners will not have access to the grandstand apron or Clockers' Corner. This policy is designed to minimize exposure to anyone from the backstretch/stable area.

"Although owners are still not allowed onsite for the afternoon races, this is welcome step in the reopening process, and we are very grateful to Santa Anita for working to get this done," TOC said in a release. "Any owner wishing to come out to watch their horse in the morning should contact their trainer for a reservation."