Los Alamitos cancels racing amid nearby chemical incident

Los Alamitos canceled its eight-race mixed-breed program Saturday evening and closed its facility to simulcasting after a chemical incident in nearby Garden Grove, Calif., prompted a state of emergency in Orange County.

The track's parking lot is being used as a staging area by the Orange County Fire Authority and other first responders. All wagers placed on Saturday's program, including simulcast races, will be fully refunded.

"We have many patrons and employees who reside in the evacuation zone, and we want to do everything possible to support our community," Los Alamitos president Cathy Allred said.

The evacuation order, issued early Friday, covers an area of approximately 40,000 residents amid concern that the chemical spill could ignite and release toxic fumes. The evacuation zone begins about a mile from the track, and the affected chemical plant sits less than two miles away.

Saturday's canceled card did not include any stakes races. Fire officials worked through Friday and Saturday to reduce the threat, and as of Saturday it was unclear when evacuation orders would be lifted.

Los Alamitos did not say whether the facility will reopen for simulcasting Sunday or whether Sunday evening's racing program will go on as scheduled.