Report: San Felipe Will Not Be Contested in 2019
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Photo: BENOIT PHOTO
Improbable had been scheduled to make his 2019 debut in the San Felipe
The San Felipe Stakes (G2), a key Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race, will not be contested in 2019, according to a Los Angeles Times story posted March 8.
The San Felipe was supposed to be contested March 9, but this week track owner The Stronach Group decided to cancel racing indefinitely in the wake of 21 Thoroughbred deaths while racing or training since the current meet started Dec. 26.
The $500,000 San Felipe had been expected to draw two of the top Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) contenders in champion Game Winner and grade 1 winner Improbable, both trained by Bob Baffert.
Tim Ritvo, the chief operating officer of The Stronach Group, told the paper that because of the proposed reopening of the track and the Kentucky Derby coming up May 4, there would not be enough time to reschedule the San Felipe. The race would have offered 85 qualifying points to the Kentucky Derby.
While emphasizing that things are fluid and that racing will not be conducted until it is determined that the track is safe for horses and riders, Ritvo told the paper he believes it can reopen March 22. Ritvo also speculated that the other big race scheduled for March 9 at Santa Anita, the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), could be offered on the Santa Anita Derby (G1) card Saturday, April 6.