California tracks not affected by tsunami

Training went on as usual at Golden Gate Fields Friday morning, even as high waves from a tsunami caused by a strong earthquake in Japan struck the West Coast of the United States. The three major tracks in Southern California also were unaffected by the tsunami.

Although there were tsunami watches along the California coast, Golden Gate Fields is located on a protected area in San Francisco Bay. Track officials do not expect the tsunami to affect racetrack operations or schedules, said track spokesman Tom Ferrall.

Del Mar, which is along the coast in San Diego County, did not need to take any safety precautions, according to track spokesman Mac McBride. The beach adjacent to the track did attract quite a few observers, surfers and safety officials, who were watching the tides, McBride said.

Santa Anita is approximately 30 miles inland, while Hollywood Park is about five miles away from the Pacific Ocean.

- additional reporting by Steve Andersen