With strong rains predicted to hit Southern California over the next several days, Santa Anita Park has announced the cancellation of racing Jan. 29. The track had delayed entries for Friday while it monitored weather reports.
In addition to Friday's cancellation, given the forecast for a large amount of precipitation, two turf stakes that had been scheduled for this weekend will be shifted to next week. The $200,000 San Marcos Stakes (G2T) will be delayed from Jan. 30 to Feb. 6, and the $75,000 Baffle Stakes from Jan. 31 to Feb. 5.
"The models are showing us three straight days of rain, with the heaviest hitting around noon on Friday," said Nate Newby, Santa Anita senior vice president and general manager. "We've discussed it with our stakeholders and canceling Friday in advance provides horsemen, fans, and employees the best scenario to plan accordingly."
Friday's cancellation follows California guidelines meant to reduce racing and training over wet surfaces, conditions that may have contributed to a spike in equine fatalities at Santa Anita in early 2019.
Santa Anita will schedule extra races throughout the next racing week to make up for those that were originally scheduled for Friday.
Racing action there is set to resume Saturday, headlined with the $100,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) and the $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes (G2), both on dirt.
