Santa Anita Denies Request From CHRB to Suspend Racing

The California Horse Racing Board has asked track officials at Santa Anita Park to suspend racing for the remaining days of the meet after the 28th fatality at the track since Dec. 26, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The track, owned by The Stronach Group, has refused that request.

"It is our understanding that Santa Anita management, after consultation with certain other industry stakeholders, believes that for a variety of reasons, the future of California racing is best served by continuing to race," the CHRB said in a statement issued in response to questions from the Los Angeles Times.

The request came from CHRB chairman Chuck Winner, vice chair Madeline Auerbach, and executive director Rick Baedeker, according to the report.

The state has been working toward SB 469, a bill introduced by Sen. Bill Dodd, a Napa Democrat, that would authorize the CHRB to suspend horse racing licenses to protect the health and safety of horses and riders. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his support for the bill May 30.

The fatality occurred June 8 during a one-mile maiden claiming race on the main track in which Formal Dude "took a bad step nearing midstretch, was pulled up, and vanned off," according to the Equibase race chart. The 4-year-old son of First Dude  was trained by Philip D'Amato and ridden in the race by Tiago Pereira.

Multiple reports confirmed a 29th equine fatality June 9 after the racetrack made the decision. The 3-year-old filly Truffalino was racing in a 1 1/4-mile allowance optional claiming turf event Sunday and dropped back in the second turn. According to the Equibase chart, she "gave way and was pulled up in the stretch, then collapsed after the rider dismounted inside the sixteenth pole and was vanned off." The daughter of English Channel  was trained by Richard Mandella and ridden by Joe Talamo.

Santa Anita canceled racing indefinitely March 5 to evaluate rules and procedures as well as the racing surface after 21 horses were fatally injured during training and racing since the meet began in late December. The track held its first race since that shutdown March 29. The track is also scheduled to host this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 1-2.

The current meet ends June 23.