Santa Anita postpones Friday's program because of rain

With heavy rain and the likelihood of more than three inches of precipitation at Santa Anita through Wednesday, track officials have opted to cancel Friday’s eight-race program and to instead enter on Thursday morning for a make-up day of live racing on Monday, March 27.

Along with entries for Monday, entries also will be taken as originally scheduled on Thursday for this Sunday’s races as well.

The decision was made in consultation with the California Horse Racing Board, Thoroughbred Owners of California, Jockeys’ Guild and the California Thoroughbred Trainers.

The weather is expected to be mostly clear on Thursday and remain clear through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

“By running on Monday instead of Friday, we’re going to allow both the main track and our turf course an extra day to dry out before we run on Saturday,” said Santa Anita director of racing and racing secretary Jason Egan. “This will also enable us to run on the grass all three days, and it will give horses a chance to return to training prior to racing this weekend.”

Entries for live racing this Saturday will be taken Wednesday morning.