Santa Anita Cancels Thursday Program
Citing the effects of extremely dry conditions and temperatures that are expected to be more than 30 degrees above normal, Santa Anita Park has announced that live racing has been cancelled for Thursday. Santa Anita will be open as planned for simulcast wagering on Thursday. Although unseasonably hot temperatures are forecast throughout Southern California on Thursday, a cooling trend is expected to arrive Friday.
While average temperatures for the month of May in Arcadia are usually in the mid-70s range, Thursday’s projected high is a record-breaking 108 degrees, which presents clear challenges for both human and equine athletes.
“In consultation with all of our stakeholders, the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California), the CTT (California Thoroughbred Trainers), and the Jockeys Guild,” we feel it is best to cancel Thursday and resume racing as originally scheduled on Friday,” said Santa Anita President Tom Ludt. “The good news is that beginning Friday, temperatures are expected to cool and with our twilight first post time on Friday at 3 p.m., we’re confident we’ll be in good shape, weather-wise.
“The most recent update we have for Saturday projects a high temperature of 84, which should be fantastic. On account of the Preakness on Saturday, we’ll have a special early first post time of 11:30 a.m., which should work very well for everyone.”
Sunday’s projected high in Arcadia is 78 degrees.