All training on the dirt-track has been halted, along with all races the past weekend. This included two Grade One events and a trial for the Kentucky Derby, which takes place in May. According to the chief operator of the track, Tim Rivito, some officials need to “confirm the soundness of the track”.
Safety consultant, Dennis Moore, has been retained by the track as a “precautionary measure with regards to the track”. He has more than 46 years experience of working with racing surfaces throughout the world and previously held a position at the track and it is hope he can make a difference to the safety of the track.
McAnally has given a possible reason for the spike in deaths, stating in an interview that “to me, it’s the weather that is causing these breakdowns. This is the first one (death) I’ve had (this winter).” He is alluding to the unusually wet weather that California has been subjected to this year, and it is something that has clearly affected the track conditions and is possibly the main reason for the deaths.
Even so, this has sparked anger from animal rights protesters, who have called for the closure of the track for good. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for all trainers and veterinarians of the horses involved to be investigated. Something that is very unlikely to happen.
The California Horse Racing Board, under the guidance of Chuck Winner, has said it will discuss plans to prevent additional fatalities at its next meeting. Rivito has said there will be an ‘equine welfare position’ created, and more veterinarians were hired to keep an eye on the horse involved. A new house rule that requires full transparency in veterinary records and a full medical history of the horse will be made available. What’s more radar tests have confirmed that the track was consistent throughout, and the dirt surface was pulled back and reapplied.
Perhaps best known for hosting the Breeders’ Cup this year, Santa Anita will be hoping that safety will be improved and there will be no more fatalities in the coming months through these measures. They have tentatively allowed some training to be resumed, although as of yet there has been no confirmation when live racing will once more be allowed to commence.
