Rosario moving tack to Florida

Joel Rosario, the leading rider at Santa Anita, is leaving California for Florida, according to his agent, Ron Anderson.

Anderson said Wednesday that Rosario will ride at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday and at Gulfstream Park beginning Sunday. The decision comes a day after Santa Anita announced that it would cease racing to inspect the main track following 21 equine fatalities since Dec. 26.

Track officials have not stated when racing will resume at Santa Anita.

Rosario will remain at Gulfstream Park through March before moving to Kentucky for the Keeneland meeting, Anderson said.

Anderson emphasized that Rosario had always intended to leave Santa Anita for Keeneland in April.

“That was our plan right along, and everyone knew that,” Anderson said.

Rosario will ride in New York this spring, Anderson said.

Through Sunday, the most recent day of racing at Santa Anita, Rosario led all riders with 51 wins, five more than Flavien Prat.