CHRB Approves San Luis Rey Sprinkler System Timetable
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Photo: Jeremy Balan
A barn and automobile ravaged by the Lilac fire at San Luis Rey Training Center in December 2017
Meeting by teleconference July 21, the California Horse Racing Board approved an extension until Jan. 30 to complete a long-delayed sprinkler system at San Luis Rey Training Center, where 46 horses perished in the Lilac fire in December 2017.
The Stronach Group, which owns San Luis Rey in Bonsall, Calif., has cited unavoidable construction delays related to COVID-19 as obstacles. Santa Anita Park general manager Nate Newby said Wednesday that work is scheduled to wrap up in December, a month earlier than forecasted during the June CHRB meeting.
Santa Anita Park, like San Luis Rey, is a TSG-owned property.
Newby added that brush had been cleared around the property to maintain a clear perimeter, one method of wildfire prevention. Straw and hay have also been placed in fireproof containers around the property and metallic roofs added to barns.
The board also approved summer race meets in Northern California, requiring the Sonoma County Fair at Golden Gate Fields to conduct a limited amount of Arabian racing and urging Golden Gate and California Thoroughbred Trainers to sign a race meet agreement by the next CHRB meeting. The CHRB has been relying on agreements from prior years in approving most race meets for tracks, a practice commissioners desire changed.
CHRB executive director Scott Chaney also reported a 50% decline in equine fatalities for the past fiscal year that ended June 30.