Santa Anita cancels Friday, will race on Monday

Santa Anita has canceled racing on Friday because of significant rain on Tuesday and will race from Saturday through Monday this week in an effort to conduct three programs that include use of the turf course.

In an already rain-soaked year, Southern California was hit with a significant rainstorm Tuesday, with more forecast later on Tuesday and into early Wednesday. Track officials project Santa Anita will sustain two to three inches of rain from the storm, which would strongly jeopardize turf racing on Friday.

Santa Anita said in a statement that it reached the decision to shift the racing schedule after consulting with owner, jockey, and trainer organizations and the California Horse Racing Board.

Entries for Saturday will be taken on Wednesday as originally scheduled. Entries for Sunday and Monday will be taken on Thursday. Racing secretary Jason Egan said on Tuesday that Friday’s canceled races will be offered for the Sunday and Monday programs.

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Santa Anita has canceled eight days of racing this winter during a time California has had higher than normal rainfall following drought in recent years. Monday’s program will be the third makeup day of the season. The track plans to add a program on Friday, April 21, officials said over the weekend.

Golden Gate Fields plans to run Friday through Sunday this weekend, track officials said on Tuesday.

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