Breeders’ Cup stays at Santa Anita this fall despite deaths

LOS ANGELES >> The Breeders’ Cup will remain at Santa Anita this fall after 30 horses died during the Southern California track’s recent meet.

The board of directors unanimously decided to keep the two-day world championships at the Arcadia track for a record 10th time on Nov. 1-2. The board announced its decision at a meeting Thursday in Lexington, Kentucky. Craig Fravel, president and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup, said in a statement the ownership of Santa Anita and other groups has made “meaningful and effective reforms” in recent months to improve safety.

“We fully embrace those reforms and will devote our time and energy in the coming months to further advance those efforts,” he said. “We look forward to showing the world the best in thoroughbred racing at one of its finest venues.”

The 30 horse deaths occurred during Santa Anita’s winter-spring meet that began Dec. 26 and ended Sunday.

The decision gives a vote of confidence to the historic track and avoids the logistics of moving the richest two-day event in racing on five months’ notice.

“We need it so badly, just for morale,” Bob Baffert, two-time Triple Crownwinning trainer, said last week. “The morale has been so low here.”

The president of The Stronach Group which owns Santa Anita, thanked the Breeders’ Cup board for its support.

“Santa Anita and The Stronach Group remain steadfast in our commitment to put the health and safety of the horses and riders above all else, and we are pleased that the Breeders’ Cup board recognized and shares in that goal,” Belinda Stronach said in a statement.

Racing at Santa Anita is to resume Sept. 27.