Merry Christmas: Racing expresses cheer for the holiday

A white Christmas may not be in the forecast for most tracks, but that has not stopped the holiday spirit from being expressed on social media with season’s greetings from across the racing industry.

Other than Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, where there were Sunday cards, there was no racing scheduled in the U.S. and Canada on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Camarero in Puerto Rico took entries for seven races Monday afternoon, including the $75,000 Clásico Navidad.

That does not mean there was no other racetrack activity. Horses who are not calendar-savvy needed their normal care. Barn staffs were busy Monday morning, even if there were not as many workers as usual on the backsides.

Activity ramps up again Tuesday. The spotlight will be on Santa Anita, where the traditional Dec. 26 opening-day card will feature the Malibu, La Brea and American Oaks, all Grade 1 stakes. After a wet finish to last week, a sunny, 70-degree afternoon has been forecast by the National Weather Service for Tuesday in Arcadia, Calif.

Golden Gate Fields hosts its final opening day Tuesday, when Gulfstream Park, Mahoning Valley and Parx also have races scheduled.