Santa Anita Cancels March 7 Racing

Santa Anita Park announced it will not race March 7 because of "anticipated inclement weather."

The decision was first announced through a text-message alert to horsemen March 3. Multiple officials at The Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita, did not respond to requests for comment. A press release Sunday from Santa Anita said the track intends to run 11 races March 8. Eight races were carded for Thursday, with four scheduled for the turf course and four scheduled for the main track.

The California Horse Racing Board stewards at Santa Anita said track management had to get CHRB approval to cancel the card and that management communicated to them "with heavy rain expected (March 6), they felt there would be better racing conditions on Friday than Thursday."

According to the National Weather Service, heavy rain is expected in Southern California Wednesday, and there is a chance of showers Thursday. The Weather Channel's website, Weather.com, says a half-inch of rainfall is expected Wednesday, with a 40% chance of rain Thursday. There is also a high chance of rain March 5.

The decision comes a day after Eskenforadrink was fatally injured during a race on a sloppy main track, the 20th equine fatality related to racing or training at Santa Anita since its meet opened Dec. 26. Santa Anita also had an increased security presence at the track Sunday as it dealt with protests outside the racetrack's property.