After a wildfire threatened the Santa Anita racetrack earlier this week, officials have announced that racing will resume Saturday, provided air quality remains safe. This cautious decision comes as the air has improved slightly, but conditions are still being closely monitored. The Eaton fire, which caused widespread destruction in the area, has left a significant impact on the community, forcing many to evacuate.
The Current State of Santa Anita Racing
Santa Anita’s management confirmed that racing is set to resume on Saturday with the first post at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time. However, this plan depends on air quality staying within acceptable limits. The California Horse Racing Board will continue to monitor the air-quality index (AQI) using AirNow.gov, as per inclement-weather policy. If conditions worsen, further updates will follow.
The track’s Saturday schedule includes five stakes races on the California Cup card. Decisions about Sunday’s Grade 3 Las Ciénegas and other scheduled races are yet to be finalized.
Air Quality and Racing Precautions
On Friday evening, the AQI was at 81, a moderate level. While this marked an improvement from the hazardous 187 recorded earlier in the week, forecasts suggest AQI levels could rise to 100-150 on Saturday. Federal guidelines dictate that training and racing must stop if the AQI exceeds 175.
On Friday morning, the track reopened for jogging and galloping, but breezes (faster-paced workouts) were prohibited. Santa Anita’s racing office stated workouts would be allowed Saturday morning unless conditions deteriorate.
Impact of the Eaton Fire on the Community
The Eaton fire, which started earlier this week, came within six miles of the Santa Anita property. While the track and its 1,800 horses were not directly threatened, the fire caused widespread devastation:
- Casualties and Damage: The fire has claimed at least five lives, destroyed 5,000 buildings, and burned over 21 square miles.
- Evacuations: Over 100,000 people were displaced, including many from the Santa Anita community.
- Jockeys and Trainers Affected: Notable figures, like jockey Mario Gutiérrez and trainer Tim Yakteen, were forced to evacuate their homes. Gutiérrez lost his home, while others, like Dan Blacker and his family, narrowly avoided disaster.
Despite these challenges, there has been a unified effort to support those affected. The fire marshal and Santa Anita officials have kept everyone informed and ensured safety measures were in place.
Wider Effects on Southern California
The Eaton fire is just one of four wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles County this week. In total, these fires have caused 10 deaths, destroyed 10,000 structures, and displaced over 153,000 people. The NFL also moved a Monday night playoff game from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to Phoenix due to air quality concerns.
While Santa Anita prepares to resume racing, the situation remains uncertain due to fluctuating air quality. The Eaton fire has caused immense hardship, but the resilience of the Santa Anita community shines through. Racing fans can only hope for improved conditions as the track works toward a safe and successful weekend of events.
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