Santa Anita management has postponed Friday’s nine-race card after record rainfall caused a disruption in the horses’ training routine.
Friday’s card will be redrawn Saturday and held on Thursday, Feb. 15. The postponement comes on the heels of Sunday’s cancellation because of the threat of heavy rain Saturday night.
Training has been suspended since Sunday morning because of the series of storms
Santa Anita vice president and general manager Nate Newby said the decision to postpone Friday’s program came after consulting with several horsemen.
“Many of our trainers and horse owners have conveyed they would prefer an extra day for their horses to resume training before we race this weekend,” Newby said in a statement.
Newby praised track superintendent Dennis Moore and his crew for “their terrific job taking care of the track.”
According to Newby, more than 10 inches of rain fell in Arcadia since Sunday afternoon. He’s confident racing will resume Saturday when a trio of $100,000 Grade III stakes races are scheduled.
“We’re confident that the main track and the turf course, especially with the improved drainage that was installed last year, will be in excellent condition and ready when racing resumes on Saturday,” Newby said.
Santa Anita will race five days next week, beginning with next Thursday’s rescheduled card and continuing through President’s Day on Monday.
